What to be when I grow up

EMU, my career, and what to be when I grow up

Shonk, Joseph

Becoming a pilot became a goal of mine somewhere in the mid 1990’s, and remained as my intended achievement unerringly ever since.  It was not until 2008 that I realized that the military was the more specific route I wanted to travel.  Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has not changed my career goals, but rather facilitated them.  There are some amazing people in the program, and I sincerely hope they have been affected as positively by my attendance as I have by theirs.  The best advantage has been the people I have made contacts who have broadened my perspective of the industry.  My enrollment at EMU occurred after completing all general education requirements at various community colleges, and so my experience with the college is limited to the Aviation Flight Technology program only. 

These blog posts have heightened my awareness of current events within the industry developed a perspective of dynamic nature of aviation.  The merger of American Airlines and Boeing vs. Airbus were the two most interesting to write, learning the political and financial machinations that take place within companies to produce a working (and sometimes profitable) airline was most revealing.  In contrast, the new rulemaking concerning electronic devices on airlines lacked any actual industry action or changes for the passengers.  While staying ahead of proposed changes to come is significant, this topic did not lend itself to any substantial consequence.

Having the opportunity to interact with professionals from the industry was the most stimulating part of the class.  While all were interesting and appropriate, Mark Johnson’s presentation was impressive.  Mr. Johnson showed a wealth of knowledge and experience of airport operations, as well as a passion for aviation.  His 20 year battle to improve Livingston County Airport demonstrated his dedication to aviation.  Additionally, learning all the intricacies of what goes into owning an airport and developing the field was extremely interesting and revealed the bureaucracy and behind the scenes effort that goes into maintaining a general aviation airfield. 

For the future: I have been told there are many things that cannot be done without a degree, and soon I can consider this restriction dropped.  Among them, becoming an Air Force officer and more specifically a pilot in the A-10.  As an enlisted Airman I will seek work on base full time while applying for this position.  In addition, I am now equipped to define, maintain, and comport myself as a professional within the industry.  The importance of presenting oneself as a professional has been taught to us all, and will no doubt encourage the positive contact of others in aviation, opening more doors that we do not yet know exist. 

References

Shonk, J. (December 10, 2013). Graduating and moving on to greater things. How to be awesome, 19(88), 13.