Final blog of the semester

              At the beginning of the class I wasn't positive about the path I was going to take, I had some ideas but nothing set in stone. I had thought of pursuing aviation writing, such as writing for AOPA or Aviation weekly. While I’m not opposed to doing that recently I have discovered a position in the industry that I was unaware of. I recently interviewed Bryan Wagoner, the Environmental Administrator at DTW, who told me about a position called the Aviation Wildlife Biologist. The position doesn't require a degree in biology; rather it is a certificate that is given by the FAA for meeting certain requirements. As an avid outdoors man this position is very interesting to me as it will utilize the management skills I have learned and allow me to work outside as well.

                I think that the most interesting blog topic this semester was the growth in China’s aviation industry. I found the effects that it is having on our industry and how we are working to compete on a global basis is extremely interesting.

                The least interesting topic of the semester was technology in the airport. While I find technology to be interesting, most of the technology that I read about I was already aware of, I do think it will be fun to see the advances that are made over the next decade however, as I’m sure that the advances they have made in the area will start to make its way into the aviation industry.

                The speaker that stood out the most to me was Dan (don’t remember his last name), he gave us a list entitled “Dan’s Life Lessons” , I wrote them all down and I have them in a place where I see them on a daily basis. I found his list of advice very inspirational!

                After graduation I plan on traveling to Pennsylvania for the Aviation Wildlife Biologist training, I will also make it a point to join professional groups. I have entertained the idea of a master’s degree, however I will try to find a job first and try to have them pay for it.