Aviation is a field that is rapidly growing for international students, with many great career prospects. Those who are studying aviation should consider internships or some form of work experience on the side. As a result, students will gain an understanding of the rigours of work associated with careers in aviation and prepare for future careers. Look at some of the ways you can get aviation experience.
Searching for an Internship
After graduation, experience in aviation is very important as it will help you start a successful career. There are many aviation internship opportunities in the industry, but finding them may require little research. If students are interested in aviation internships, they should search online or on corporate websites. Another great idea is to reach out directly to aviation companies for internships.
Choosing the right internship is a very important step. There are many types of aviation internships both short-term and long-term. Depending on your career path, there is likely an internship program tailored for you. Many of the larger airlines and some middle-level airlines offer internships in aviation management or the aviation business. These forms of aviation internships are more widely available.
Aviation internships are a good way for students to gain experience in a variety of aviation jobs as well as give them responsibilities that will benefit them in their future aviation jobs. Abilities within these programs are a great way for students to gain skills that they can use in their careers.
Airlines usually offer summer internships, but may also offer fall or spring internships during the academic year. There are a variety of internship programs available in the aviation industry, such as Flight Operations, Aircraft Maintenance, Aircraft Servicing, and Client Services. In addition to major airlines like Southwest and American Airlines, many international and regional airports sponsor internships. Many of these internships come with a stipend, academic credit, or housing.
Getting an Apprenticeship in Aviation
Students who seek more hands-on experience in the aviation industry should consider an apprenticeship rather than an internship. An apprenticeship provides intensive on-the-job training. A typical aviation apprenticeship involves both classroom training and work experience. Apprenticeships are primarily geared towards trade workers, such as mechanics and pilots.
Apprenticeships allow students to gain real-world skills. Students will learn job-related skills at these positions, preparing them for real jobs after graduation. Unlike internships, apprenticeships are real jobs. The apprenticeship program works as an employment program; trainees are expected to do good work while continually improving as they learn more about the field.
Acquiring Flight Experience
Commercial and private flight are massive industries, and many international students go into the aviation field to obtain a career in flying. The first step in becoming a pilot is to learn how to fly a plane, and to possess the necessary skills to operate the plane. In classroom instruction, they study weight measurements, nautical maps, and flying. There may be opportunities for you to fly with a trainer or use simulations. However, a degree alone may not qualify you for a job right after graduation. You will need to have a documented list of flight hours, preferably solo flight hours.
In order to get up into the air, you will need a private pilot’s license. When you have a private pilot’s license, you can fly multiple types of aircraft independently and alone. Getting your license and logging several hours may qualify you for a flight position. Many of the current commercial and private pilots got their start as military pilots. Creating these experience opportunities will enable students to set themselves apart from other applicants during their search for a career in aviation.
