By Janie Foster & Stacy Sheard


1. BE IN CONTROL In order to move forward in your


career, you need to exercise some sem­ blance of control over it. You are accountable for your own success; stay proactive, think ahead, make goals, build a timeline, look for opportunities, and be adaptable enough to change plans when an unexpected opportunity comes your way.


2. STAY POSITIVE If you think your dream job is impos­


sible, then you may as well give up now. Your attitude will determine your suc­ cess. It is easier to reach something if you are optimistic, see possibility, and actually believe it is attainable. Positive people are inspirational and a pleasure to be around – no one wants to hang out with a “Negative Nancy.”


3. UPDATE YOUR RESUME It is vital to regularly update your avi­


ation resume. Keep it current, relevant and available in case an opportunity


38 October 2013


arises. Your resume should reflect you as a person, and your overall aviation career. Ask a mentor or friend to proof read it, or model yours after a friend’s successful aviation resume.


4. DEVELOP MORE SKILLS Staying current, learning new con­


cepts, and developing additional skills will help you maintain the edge in your aviation career. This could mean taking an online course, or applying for a scholarship to help pay for that night vision goggle endorsement you’ve thought about. In today’s world, it is essential to stay ahead of the exponen­ tial curve by always educating yourself – regardless of your age. Be a valuable, well­rounded asset. Keep current on the helicopter business by subscribing to industry e­mails and following heli­ copter industry blogs and news sources. (Humble Editor’s Note: Rotorcraft Pro magazine and JustHelicopters.com are two good, free sources!)


5. NETWORK We all know this is a small industry,


and so many of the jobs are filled through recommendations. You can go it alone, but why not take advantage of a collective effort to achieve better results, faster? Invest in your career by attending helicopter and other aviation industry events. Take educational courses. Go early,


stay late, be authentic, get out from under your shell and say “Hello” to people, and then stay in touch with them. Networking is all about making friends. Your job search starts years before you’re ready for the job, because people prefer to hire a known quantity. It’s whom you know – and whom they know. Get plugged in and stay plugged in!


6. GIVE BACK Now that you’re thinking positive and


networking a bit – give a little back. Mentor someone in the aviation indus­ try, or just help a friend. When you’re not feeling particularly positive, call someone that might need encourage­


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