Need Advice for Corporate Career

[stuckinGFK]

First of all, I'd like to say these forums are a great resource and have enjoyed lurking for quite sometime. I guess now I've finally decided to post.

What does everyone think the best way to prep myself for a corporate job many years down the road?

I know networking is probably the biggest factor, followed by many other factors. At what flight time should I start looking for a different job? And what kind of job should that be?

A little bit about myself, I'm a CFI/CFII/MEI with a current job instructing. Estimated times are 500 tt with 120 multi. I don't have much of a desire working for an airline, but I guess anything is a possibility.

I'm thinking of doing 135 freight, then charter, and hopefully a corporate job in the future.

Any comments?

Thanks

 

[User546]

What does everyone think the best way to prep myself for a corporate job many years down the road?

One word: NETWORKING!

You acknowledged that in your post, but it's probably the biggest factor that you'll need to focus on. Corporate world is one big buddy-buddy arena, and knowing the right people can get you jobs you'd never think possible!

I've seen guys with lower time then you get put right-seat in jets and turboprops. It's all about who you know. And you'll find out that everyone looks out for each other once you've made a few contacts. I've landed several contract jobs just by being referred by someone who couldn't make the date.

You got a good background with the CFII/MEI - make sure you always keep those skills fresh and honed. Also, a basic understanding of jet operations and equipment never hurt anyone.

 

[Snakum]

One word: NETWORKING!

This simply cannot be emphasized too highly. Example ...

I'm 41 years old, I don't even have a Comm/Multi yet, and I am flying a B200 for a local Corp entity. Not just riding along, I mean I am ... taking off ... hand flying to altitude ... descending ... landing ... managing my own power, gear, flaps, etc. ... with classes on systems while in cruise from the boss, who is a gracious, patient mentor and who I will always owe BIG TIME.

I have already been asked about flying right-seat as a fill-in B200 FO for a another Corp group when I finish the ratings, and I may get some C525 SIC time, as well. And I have two mentors here on the boards (you know who you are ) who are easing my transition from bug smasher to Corp geek. I actually feel guilty somewhat, knowing there are younger CFIs with five or six hundred hours who'd kill for an opportunity like this, and who could log the time right now, while I cannot.

Believe me ... I know how unbelievably lucky I am, but at the same time, I got out there and I busted my butt ... introducing myself, talking to folks, being humble yet highly motivated, chasing every lead. And when I was finally given a chance, I went above and beyond. I show up an hour early and as soon as the plane's brought up I am vacumning, cleaning, filling coolers, filling coffee, wiping down the seats, going thru the preflight via the B200 manual ... and always ... ALWAYS being friendly and respectful to ANYONE who comes nearby. Being respectful and appreciative to the line guys who tug and fuel the plane. To the lady behind the counter .... EVERYONE. And I introduce myself to every single pilot on the ramp, no matter what they're flying. The guy getting ready to climb into a ratty C210 with the small business owner gets the same short, respectful "Hi, how are you? Have a safe flight." that the Falcon 50 Captain gets. Never a pest ... just a brief, respectful, "Hello" kinda thing. People remember that. And people remember how you talk to the line help, too. No one is less than me just cuz I get to ride in the big airplane and act like a real pilot. The guy mopping the floor in VRB gets a "Howdy" and gets the door held for him when he's carrying the bucket outside. How you treat people like that, the people who can't "do" anything for you, says more about the kind of man you are than how you treat the bigshot who can open doors.

As near as I can tell, in Corporate Aviation, at least around here, it's who you know, being at the right place at right time, and busting your butt when you're given an opportunity.

The harder I work ... the luckier I get.

Minh

 

[750driver]

There are two factors that will make all the difference in the corporate world. You mentioned the first, which is networking. This is extremely important in this aspect of aviation. Having an inside contact will usually open the door, but once inside you must learn how to sell yourself and the assets you bring to the bargaining table.

The second factor, which User997 (love your avatar )brought up, is making certain that your skills are current and well honed. The added point here is that you must enhance your flight time, certifications, and quality of experience (i.e. PIC, turbine, etc.) so once a door opens up, you are prepared to take full advantage of the opportunity. Most of the time, you don't get a second chance. Best wishes on your career.

 

[gern_blanston]

What they said: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
Never p!ss anyone off in aviation. I was hired at my current job by the mechanic, who had been a flight student of mine during my instructor days. He walked up to me one day at the airport and said, "Hey Gern, one of our pilots just quit, you lookin' for a job?"
I said, "Ack, phhtt, don't you guys have a Falcon 2000 on order?"
He said, "You're hired. Come meet the owner and the chief pilot tomorrow."
3 months later, the outfit I'd been flying for went bankrupt. True story.

 

[hellas]

IMHO, in the corp world, its not what you know but who....take that whatever way you like pundits...

 

[CapnVegetto]

Everyone here is totally RIGHT!!! Network network network!

 

[G100driver]

What they said: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
Never p!ss anyone off in aviation. I was hired at my current job by the mechanic, who had been a flight student of mine during my instructor days. He walked up to me one day at the airport and said, "Hey Gern, one of our pilots just quit, you lookin' for a job?"
I said, "Ack, phhtt, don't you guys have a Falcon 2000 on order?"
He said, "You're hired. Come meet the owner and the chief pilot tomorrow."
3 months later, the outfit I'd been flying for went bankrupt. True story.

TRUE!!!!

 

[check6]

If you're a UND instructor, why would you do 135 freight and charter when you could go straight to the corporate jet?

 

[stuckinGFK]

If you're a UND instructor, why would you do 135 freight and charter when you could go straight to the corporate jet?

Wow, we can do that.

jk

Nothing is that easy.

 

[cosmotheassman]

Saying "Network" is a cop-out answer if you ask me. Yes it never hurts to "make friends" but, I think showing up in a suit and resume is just as effective. The HR dept may not view a recommendation from an employee if that employee is viewed negatively by HR. Thats why I say get out on your feet and knock on doors. The guy recommending you might be viewed as a moron by the hiring dept.

 

[bigD]

Knowing the right people is definitely key - I got my current gig only because I was in the right place at the right time. I was lucky.

But also, don't be one of those people that spend their entire lives prowling the airport for opportunities. Around here, there are guys/gals that have reputations of doing whatever is necessary to get ahead. They tell everyone every day that they're looking for a job, what their flight times are, and that they'd just love to fly right seat with anyone that has an open spot.

Now I'm not saying that you can't be proactive, but there's a genuinely friendly way to do it, and there's the method that makes you look like a used car salesman. Just don't get so caught up in your goal that you end up in the latter category.

 

[check6]

The answer is a resounding yes. I've seen a few jobs for UND grads with very low time.

 

[semperfido]

right place , right time always seems to work and timing is everything. all you can do is prepare yourself. the rest is kharma and voodoo.

 

[Gatorman]

more than just networking....

Once you have gotten yourself into the network, you need to take extreme care of your actions in the mean time. If one person sees you have done one thing wrong or have a bad attitude, that network will work against you.

You have got to have a good reputation too!!


I know this for a fact from being an arsehole at one OEM and it cost me 1) getting back into that OEM anytime soon and 2) having a hard time getting into any other OEM or repair station.

Damage control is a mother.

Good luck and thing of it this way, if your plane is in a bad attitude, you will not gain good altitude.

 

[Workin'Stiff]

College names don't go as far as they used to. Don't float the boat on hopes that the UND name will place a job at your feet....

 

[blzr]

It is a big buddy system. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep a posative attitude even if you don't like who you are flying with or flying for. Like the airlines, Anything you say to another pilot is fair game. Do a good job, listen to the Captain, and keep a good attitude, you'll do fine.

Also, with your time and experience, you'll probably get put in some difficult circumstances with weather and fuel. I have seen it, speak up if you don't feel comfortable, and don't let your lack of experience get you bullied into a bad situation.

Now, go out there and have fun!!!! Dammmmit