Professional
Organizations
I feel that it
is important for anyone in aviation to join multiple professional organizations.
There are several that deal with aviation specifically such as The Aircraft
Owners and Pilots Organizations (AOPA), Airline Pilots Association (ALPA),
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), The Professional Aviation
Maintenance Association (PAMA), American Association of Airport Executives
(AAAE), etc. All of these organizations were developed for aviation specific
related issues. They deal with a number of different goals and tasks, and are
geared toward different people in the industry. Each organization is put in
place to help its consumer. It would benefit most people in the industry to
join and participate in as many of these organizations as possible.
With
my major being aviation management, I will be seeking a job as an airport
executive or a management position with an airline. I believe that the American
Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) would be a choice that would highly
benefit my career path. “AAAE ranks in the top 1 percent of professional trade
associations in terms of budget, staff size and has an equally impressive
reputation in Washington for providing outstanding representation on behalf of
airport executives” (AAAE). The organization holds annual meetings and keeps
airport executives up to date on regulation changes within the industry.
Another
organization that would benefit my career path is to become a member of The
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). According to the ICAO
website, “they promote the safe and orderly development of international civil
aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for
aviation safety, security, efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation
environmental protection.” This organization allows everyone in the aviation
industry to stay connected and up to date on current events that happen
internationally. As an airport executive it would be highly beneficial to be
able to network globally. It would be my obligation to my employer to
continually keep aware of all current aviation affairs worldwide especially
within the countries our airplanes would be flying into. Networking globally
would not only keep me current, but it would also continually educate me as to
the opportunities outside of my current position allowing for continual
advancement.
With
all of the professional organizations throughout the industry, I am sure there
are others as equally beneficial which will be researched as my career develops
and takes direction. There are professional organizations that can help my
career that are not aviation specific as well. The more one is able to network,
not just with others in their specific industry, but also with other industries
sharing the same job description, the greater the chances are to grow as a
professional.
References
"American Association of Airport
Executives." AAAE. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.
"ICAO in Brief." ICAO in Brief. N.p., n.d.
Web. 02 Dec. 2013.
"BPA History." Business Professionals of
America. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013.
