If you travelled at all by plane for business or pleasure this summer, you going to encounter an airline or aviation employee. Have you ever thought of flying in their shoes as an employee of the airline industry? According to Professor Eldad Boker, EdD, the sky’s the limit when it comes to aviation careers. Read on for his advice.

JWU Online: What types of aviation careers are available?

Professor Boker: With an undergraduate degree in Tourism & Hospitality Management, students could potentially go on to work in operations, sales, ground crew, ticketing, or passenger service. In this field, a bachelor’s degree is the standard requirement for entry-level positions, but a master’s degree may enhance career opportunities.

What skills are required in order to be successful in this type of career?

Professor Boker: Problem solving is key. For example, according to O*Net OnLine, a resource developed by the Department of Labor, air traffic controllers rank up there preventative medicine physicians and biomedical engineers when it comes to the importance they place on this skill. Other important qualities include critical thinking, great customer service or people skills, positive attitude, ability to work on a team, and strong leadership skills.

How does JWU prepare its students for careers in the airline industry?

Professor Boker: At Johnson & Wales University, we employ industry-experienced faculty members who can bring their real-world knowledge into the online classroom. In addition, JWU offers three courses that specialize in the study of the aviation industry:

• TRVL 2810 – Aviation and Airline Industries
• TRVL 3060 – Managing Airport
• TRVL 3065 – Managing Airlines                                                                                                

These courses are currently only offered as electives at the Providence campus; however, the College of Online Education regularly adds electives to meet the needs of their students.

What excites you about the field of aviation and tourism?

Professor Boker: If I stopped anyone on the street and asked them to name as many airlines as they could think of, most people could probably rattle off at least five—and those five would probably only be U.S.–based airlines! Worldwide there are many, many more, both small and large, so the employment opportunities are endless. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are nearly half a million people currently employed in the air transportation sector domestically. Travel discounts are usually extended in some respect to all employees, even those not part of the flight crew, so if you like to travel, it opens up a world of opportunity.

For more information on pursuing your BS – Tourism & Hospitality Management degree at Johnson & Wales University College of Online Education, complete the “Request Info” form on this page or call 855-JWU-1881 or email [email protected].