What can you do with a Aviation Management degree?

First, some facts. Of the Aviation Management graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 60 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 78%, Aviation Management graduates have a much higher likelihood (+11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 78%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 28% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Aviation Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Aviation Management graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 9%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2010 from Metro State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Aviation Management. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
[NAME REMOVED]eting Manager
Kline Nissan
Mar 2015 - Jan 2016
The position of [NAME REMOVED]eting Manager does not utilize aviation management skills or knowledge, focusing instead on marketing strategies unrelated to the core qualifications of the degree.

Inventory Manager
Morrie's Minnetonka Subaru
Feb 2016 - Feb 2017
As an Inventory Manager, the job does not require specific aviation management expertise, concentrating on inventory control and logistics that are not directly applicable to the degree.

DMS Administrator
Morrie's Automotive Group
Feb 2017 - Sep 2022
The role of DMS Administrator does not involve aviation management skills, as it focuses on data management systems unrelated to core qualifications of the degree.

Associate Solution Architect | Cprime, inc.
Cprime, Inc
Sep 2022 - Jun 2023
While the position as Associate Solution Architect may involve some transferable skills in problem-solving and project management, it does not directly relate to the core qualifications in aviation management.

Solutions Architect | Freelance Consultant
MK Aurora
Jul 2023 - Present
As a Freelance Consultant in Solutions Architecture, there may be some indirect relevance through skills in project coordination and consultation, but the job does not directly require knowledge from an aviation management background.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Aviation Management degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing a vast array of job histories from individuals who graduated with degrees in Aviation Management, it's clear that several common job types emerge: roles in airline operations, dispatching, flight instruction, and airport management. Many graduates have found their way into positions such as Flight Attendant, Dispatcher, and various types of Flight Crew positions, which all firmly relate to the aviation industry. These roles directly build on the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies, illustrating the value of an Aviation Management degree in providing a pathway into the aviation field.

However, when diving deeper into the relevance of these jobs to the degree itself, it becomes evident that not every position is closely aligned with the core competencies of Aviation Management. Some graduates have taken on roles that barely scratch the surface of their educational training, such as customer service positions or internships that focus more on administrative tasks than on actual aviation operations. For example, many roles like Customer Service Representatives and Marketing Analysts were noted, but they don’t require the specific aviation skills or insights that are central to the degree program. In contrast, jobs like Dispatcher, Pilot, and Airport Operations Manager showcase a clear application of aviation knowledge, signaling a definite connection to the degree.

On the whole, while many graduates are successfully leveraging their Aviation Management degrees in highly relevant positions within airlines and airport operations, there are also a significant number who have ventured into roles that don't make full use of their specialized training. It begs the question of how the job market evolves for these graduates and the potential need for stronger connections between academic programs and available career paths in the aviation sector. Ultimately, the job landscape for Aviation Management graduates seems promising, yet it highlights a mixed relevance in how their skills are applied in the workforce.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Aviation Management graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Aviation Management graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with a degree in Aviation Management, it's evident that they largely find their footing in the industry shortly after graduation and tend to progress in roles that are relevant to aviation. For many graduates, the first job tends to be entry-level positions within airlines, airports, or related companies. For example, a common trend is starting off as customer service representatives, dispatchers, or flight attendants. This entry point provides essential industry experience and knowledge about airline operations, which serves as a valuable foundation for their subsequent careers.

As time goes on—say five to ten years after graduating—many graduates tend to climb the corporate ladder, moving into management roles or specialized positions within either airlines or airport authorities. Positions like operational supervisors, maintenance planners, and various analytical roles at big airlines suggest that most individuals are continuing to build on the aviation skills they learned in school. Some graduates go on to be pilots, instructors, or aviation planners, showing that they are actively pursuing aviation-specific careers that align closely with their education. However, it's essential to be honest: not every graduate stays in a related field, as some move into roles that seem disconnected from their degree, such as selling electronics or becoming a marketing manager at a car dealership. This indicates that while many do find good, relevant career paths, there is also a section that may not fully utilize their aviation management degree, either by choice or circumstance.

Overall, if you want to pursue a career in Aviation Management, the initial job may not be glamorous, but it often lays the groundwork for a robust career in various aviation sectors. Those who stick with it typically see significant growth in responsibilities and positions, leading to fulfilling careers. On the flip side, while many graduates find lucrative and relevant roles over the years, a subset finds themselves shifting away from the aviation sphere altogether, which is a reality worth considering. Ultimately, the journey post-graduation can span a wide spectrum, combining success stories with some less-than-ideal turns.

How hard is a Aviation Management degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management can be a mixed bag depending on your interests and strengths. If you’re super into aviation, like you love all things about planes and airports, you might find it pretty engaging and not too tough. The curriculum usually covers a lot of ground—like business principles, safety regulations, and even some technical stuff about aircraft operations—so it can get challenging at times, especially if numbers or technical concepts aren’t your thing. Overall, it’s not the absolute hardest degree out there, but it definitely has its tough spots, especially with the various subjects you need to juggle. If you keep up with the assignments and have a genuine interest, you should be able to handle it just fine!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Aviation Management.

Do Aviation Management graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates, it appears that many of them have carved out decent paths in aviation, with a variety of positions that suggest they're doing relatively well financially. For instance, those working with major airlines like American and FedEx typically land roles with solid salaries, especially as they progress into managerial or specialized positions. The flight attendants and pilots, while they start on the lower end, have opportunities for promotions and salary increases based on experience, which likely improves their income over time.

However, not everyone seems to be in the high-earning categories. Some have had a series of lower-paying customer service jobs before moving up, which might indicate a slower financial trajectory. Overall, it seems that the graduates with more upward mobility, such as those in operational and technical roles, are in a better position financially compared to others who might have faced more instability in their careers. So, while some are likely doing well, it's a mixed bag across the board depending on the field and how quickly they climbed the career ladder.

What buzzwords do Aviation Management graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Aviation Management. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Aviation Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Aviation Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Aviation Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale 84 13