An individual who wishes to work as an airport manager should first complete the requirements for an undergraduate degree. Some people who work in this field study airport management at university, but anyone with a background in business or public relations can qualify for a position. Before stepping into this role, a person who wants to be responsible for running an airport will need a number of years of work experience in addition to a degree.
An airport is a one-of-a-kind business. Anyone interested in becoming an airport manager should be aware that the job entails being in charge of the operation of the airport. They should also be familiar with the applicable regulations and have the necessary skills to deal with issues involving airlines and tenants renting space at the airport. When responding to requests from airport users, an individual who wants to become an airport manager must have good analytical and communication skills in order to assess a situation and determine the best course of action.
People who know they want to work in the aviation industry as a manager can begin the process of obtaining the necessary education by majoring in airport management. General education and business courses are included in this degree program. As part of their degree requirements, students in this program take courses in aviation law, safety, planning, and administration.
Completing a business or public relations degree can also help someone prepare for an aviation degree. A general business program includes courses in human resources, accounting, law, and communications, as well as fundamentals that can be applied to a variety of work environments. Because this major includes courses focusing on promotion and building relationships with others, it can help someone who wants to become an airport manager.
The next step for someone who wants to work as an airport manager after graduation is to gain experience in the field. Investigating job opportunities at local airports is a good place to start. Working for one of these companies can assist a future airport manager in putting what they’ve learned in school into practice. A smaller airport may also allow for more flexibility in job responsibilities, which should be highlighted on a resume when looking for a new job.