Breaking into the Airline Industry as an Undergrad
May 27, 2015, 3:20 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Tumi
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 473
Breaking into the Airline Industry as an Undergrad
I read through some of the posts, and what I gathered was that it helps to go through the alumni network at your school and network towards a position. I recently graduated from a Big10 school in Ohio with a degree in Economics. I really want to work for the airline industry. I interned all 4 summers and have a strong GPA.
Does anyone have any other tips and possible feeds?
Thank you!
Does anyone have any other tips and possible feeds?
Thank you!
May 27, 2015, 7:49 am
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
I'd ask your career services office first.
Next, your school undoubtedly has an alumni network, and I'd be willing to wager that some alums work at airlines. Make a list of airlines you'd like to work at (don't neglect the smaller/cargo ones!) and find alums in management roles in departments you'd like to be in. Before you contact them, check the airlines' websites for open roles you think you'd be a good fit for. When you contact them, say you're very interested in that role and could they point you in the right direction.
Next, your school undoubtedly has an alumni network, and I'd be willing to wager that some alums work at airlines. Make a list of airlines you'd like to work at (don't neglect the smaller/cargo ones!) and find alums in management roles in departments you'd like to be in. Before you contact them, check the airlines' websites for open roles you think you'd be a good fit for. When you contact them, say you're very interested in that role and could they point you in the right direction.
May 27, 2015, 3:36 pm
#8
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You might be in a better position if your internships had been for airlines or in the travel/hospitality industry more generally. Alternatively, some kids seek part time or summer jobs to get a start, even if it means learning how to be a phone agent, GA or ramped. You could also get useful airline related experience by volunteering for your local airport's ambassador or traveler's aid program.
BTW, isn't it a bit late for a recent college grad to start thinking about career choices and beginning to apply for jobs?
BTW, isn't it a bit late for a recent college grad to start thinking about career choices and beginning to apply for jobs?
May 27, 2015, 7:50 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: NYC, DAB
Posts: 254
Do any of the airlines recruit at your career fair? If so, you should go speak to the recruiters there to see what positions they are looking for. I do know that most of the major airlines are highly competitive, and it is extremely beneficial to have an aviation background, so you may want to consider working elsewhere in aviation before going to the majors, such as general aviation, airports, cargo, MROs, etc.
Sep 12, 2015, 12:22 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Tumi
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 473
As I look back at this, I finally did get a job that involves a lot of travel. I have already flown about 35 segments this year. Thank you FT for all your help. I appreciate it. I love my job. O-H-I-O!!