As Indians, we’re told by our parents and the society that pursuing an engineering/medicine degree would be a sure shot way to a rewarding career. (Read rewarding career as a high-paying one!) Getting into prestigious institutes by cracking some of the world’s toughest entrance examinations is often considered as life’s ultimate goal, with most students having to attend gruelling coaching classes right from their sixth grade, in the hope of making it to the "dream" institutes.
Due to such preconceived notions, most of us end up in career lines that we're not quite interested in. We often fail to see the vast array of career options other than the conventional ones lying ahead of us. We fail to broaden our horizons and look beyond the mainstream.
As far as the aviation industry is concerned, the sky is the limit for people looking to carve a niche for themselves in this highly dynamic and rewarding industry. A career in the aviation industry comes with a number of advantages including job security and flexibility, high levels of job satisfaction and excellent opportunities for growth at the workplace. Contrary to popular belief, career roles in the industry are not limited to just pilots or cabin crew – the roles are diverse and the opportunities are countless. Let us look into some of the offbeat career roles that the aviation industry has to offer.
#1 Air Traffic Controller
The job of an air traffic controller is to direct and coordinate aircraft movements during taxi, take-off, cruise and landing. The onus is on the airtraffic controller to maintain absolute precision and safety without compromising on efficiency.
Life as an air traffic controller is challenging yet rewarding, stressful yet interesting, and will give you an adrenalin rush like no other job will. Jim Marinitti, an air traffic controller at Miami International Airport describes the job as “the coolest video game, but one that you can’t lose”, and rightly so, as in ATC there is no room for error.
#2 Aeronautical Engineer
Aeronautical engineers are those who are involved in the design, analysis, development and testing of aircraft. As the world is looking to reduce its carbon footprint the demand for fuel efficient and electric aircraft is on the rise, leading to a rise in the demand for qualified aeronautical engineers.
#3 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)
Are you a problem solver? Then, this career path is the just the one for you. As an AME, you’ll be responsible for examining, diagnosing and repairing electrical or mechanical faults on aircraft. In general, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the airworthiness or safety of aircraft. With India poised to become the world’s third largest aviation market and airlines setting up MRO facilities across Indian airports, there is tremendous scope for engineers choosing this career path.
#4 Airport/Airline Manager
If communication and leadership skills are your forte, then taking this role would be your best bet. Airport managers are required to take on a range of responsibilities such as managing employees and operations, ensuring adherence to security processes, and attending to passengers’ needs and complaints and so on.
#5 The Mainstream Ones: Pilot and Cabin Crew
Do you love travelling? Are you fond of exploring new destinations? Do you dream of a workplace 40,000 feet up and above the world? If so, then don’t hesitate to take this path. You’ll get to meet new people, experience new cultures the best hospitality. On the flip side, there are some common drawbacks such as long and odd work hours, time zone differences (jetlag) and the fact that you’ll be away from your family while on duty. However, the bottom-line is that nothing really beats the feeling of being on top of the world, quite literally! The world is your workplace!
Still confused? Worry not, as Udaan Aviation Academy is conducting a Free Online Aviation Career Counselling Webinar on the different career roles that you can take up in the aviation industry on the 2 nd of August (Sunday). The webinar will be handled by 3 industry experts with years of experience in the aviation industry under their belt. Get set to know the unheard career options in the aviation sector. Register Now!
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