Definite advantages offset the limitations. Air transportation is an essential industry that offers a relatively good degree of job security for those who have seniority. Unionized employees tend to enjoy good pay, and on the whole, industry wages are above average. By 1996 the aver-age annual compensation for airline employees was about $52,000, including benefits, but do not expect this as a starting salary by any means! Changes and new technical developments in the industry provide constant and exciting career challenges and opportunities for those prepared to take advantage of them. The average airline employee enjoys a certain prestige because flying is still considered glamorous. Fringe benefits are usually generous and unique because they include free and reduced rate transportation, not only on the company's planes, but on most other airlines too. This can be worth thousands of dollars over an employee's lifetime.
EDUCATION AND PREPARATION: WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you are really interested in an airline career, your best course is to read and learn all you can about the business and discuss with a guidance or career counselor how best to prepare yourself. There are many entry-level positions in the airlines that do not call for any further education beyond high school. Other positions call for specialized technical training, some requires a college education with emphasis on certain subjects, and a few demand postgraduate degrees.
Whatever the educational requirements of the job you have in mind, you should chart your future as soon as possible to plan how you can achieve your goal. If you do not think you can afford the college education needed, look into the possibility of securing a scholarship or other types of financial assistance, of going to college after work at night, or of obtaining further education while you serve in the armed forces. Any of these avenues may work to get you into the path leading to your career goal.
PREPARING FOR AN AIRLINE CAREER THROUGH THE ARMED FORCES
The military services offer career opportunities in a range of occupations. Jobs include clerical and administrative work, electrical and electronic occupations, and hundreds of other specialties. You can obtain basic and advanced training that will be useful in both military and civilian airline careers.
You may enlist in any one of a variety of programs that involve different combinations of active and reserve duty. Job training available to enlisted individuals depends on the length of their service commitment, their general and technical aptitudes, personal preferences, and the needs of the service at that time.
FINDING YOUR JOB
Airlines occasionally send recruiters to schools and colleges to sign up students before graduation. If you are presently a student, be sure to tell your guidance counselor, faculty adviser, principal, or college personnel officer of your interest in air transportation so you can meet any interviewers who may come to your school or college.
If you live in a large city or town, register with private employment agencies as well as your state employment security office. If you live in a rural area, contact the nearest office of your state employment security service so you can talk with an interviewer and benefit from such advice and help as he or she may give you. This service is free; use it!
If you live near one or more airline offices, visit them and ask about employment opportunities. If you live a great distance from an airport or the office of an airline, write to the personnel departments of the airlines listed in Appendix A. Tell them of your interests and abilities, and ask how you might apply for a position. Your public librarian may be able to help you obtain a list of fixed base operators in your state should you be interested in starting your career in that end of the business.
THE FUTURE IS YOURS
Although the air transport industry has periods of prosperity and economy, it is here to stay and is certain to continue its growth. Because it offers greater speed and comfort than buses and trains, public use is bound to increase. Furthermore, air freight will increase, as well.
There will be continued demand for technically trained men and women and for secretaries, typists, computer operators, custodians, ramp service workers, and others. Obviously, the better your education and skills the greater rewards to be realized in your career.
Regardless of your position in the industry, your participation in the overall effort will be important, and you can take special pride in your work knowing that you too are making a contribution toward the growth and success of a challenging and exciting industry.
