Timing is everything when it comes to landing an aviation maintenance career opportunity. Being prepared with the right skills and credentials is often the difference between accepting an opportunity and missing one. Whether you are at the beginning of your aviation maintenance training or nearing graduation, know that there are steps you can take along the way to maximize your career prospects.
Our Career Services Department is here to advise you on where your focus should be, based on where you are in your training journey. See below for a list of tips to help ensure you are ready to meet aviation industry recruiters!
1st – 3rd Term AMT & AAS Students
Take Oral and Practical Exams Early
Did you know you could be a certified aviation maintenance technician before you complete your final term? To meet the requirements to take early O’s and P’s, you must be focused throughout the program, beginning in Term 1. See the Student Catalog for more details!
- Keep your missed time low – 35 hours or less for the entire program
- Must have a GPA of 94 or higher
- Pass your powerplant oral and practical exam the first time
Know Your Hand Tools
Hand tool identification is essential to your success. As a certified aircraft mechanic, you ought to know your tools! Lack of tool knowledge alone can prevent you from landing a job in aviation maintenance. Pay careful attention throughout your training, take notes, and be familiar with the tools you use during hands-on labs and projects.
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
Aviation is a worldwide industry, so it’s no surprise that many of your opportunities will depend on your willingness to relocate. Not every company offers to cover relocation expenses. But you can start saving now to be ready when these offers come. It’s best practice to save $1,500-$3,000 for relocation expenses.
Draft Your Resume
Start listing places you’ve worked with descriptions of your responsibilities, daily work, any accomplishments, and job references. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but do not wait to do this! You’ll need to give Career Services enough time to review, edit, and polish your resume. Complete your professional summary before Term 4.
Gain Experiences
You don’t necessarily need work experience for your resume to stand out! There are several things you can do to while in school to set yourself a part.
- Join a student club or organization
- Volunteer in your community
- Get letters of recommendation from your instructors
4th – 6th Term Students
Get Your Powerplant Certification
During career fairs, 5th and 6th Term students have priority with employers because they are the most likely to have their certifications, especially powerplant. Having your powerplant certification as a 4th Term student will help you stand out to employers as future prospect! It’s never too early to start making impressions.
Know the Different Segments of Aviation
By the 5th and 6th Term, you should know what segment of aviation you want to work in. It’s harder to decide on an offer if you aren’t sure what you want to do or what the offer entails. Be sure to familiarize yourself with different areas of aviation maintenance! Do you want to go into General Aviation or Commercial Air Transport? Or maybe you want to work with specific types of aircraft?
Understand and Practice Interviewing Skills
Landing the right opportunity isn’t just about having the right hands-on skills – you must also present yourself as a confident and competent professional. Research and be familiar with the company you are interviewing. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself and know how to communicate your worth!
See our Career Services department and take advantage of their interview coaching and placement services.
- Refer to your Career Services manual for Interviewing do’s and don’ts and practice
- Schedule time for one-on-one practice with Career Services
- Attend mock interviews with participating employers
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser
Regardless of where you are on your training journey, preparation is key to your success! The seemingly small actions you take along the way can make a hugely positive impact on your aviation maintenance career opportunities. Be sure to work closely with your instructors and Career Services to be familiar with what you can do now to be ready for potential opportunities.
Request more information below If you are interested in a hands-on career in aviation and want to know more about our training services!