Aviation Careers Externship Program

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The Florida State University Career Center
Dunlap Success Center
PO Box 3064162
100 South Woodward Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4162
(T) 850.644.6431
(F) 850.644.3273

Featuring Woodie Woodward, Ph.D.

 

Air transportation is an integral part of the world economy. Business has evolved rapidly toward global markets and will continue to be dependent on air transportation. The aviation industry has shown rapid growth since the 1940s and this expansion is projected to continue. The need for aviation professionals continues to grow in all facets: management, maintenance, flight line services, government and military, business, airport, airline, flight training, and air traffic control employing over 9.3 million people in the United States. Florida, home to 129 public airports, is the only state with four large hub airports and welcomes over half of state tourist visitors via air transport.

Dr. Woodie Woodward, FSU Distinguished Alumna, served in senior governmental positions in the Administrations of Presidents Ronald Regan, George Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush for almost thirty years. Her numerous, impressive career highlights include: distribution of $17B in federal airport grant funds, oversight of projects that changed the face of American aviation, working with numerous countries in establishing airport safety and finance programs, and leading the nation’s most expansive airport response following the tragic events of the 9/11 attacks.

As an entrepreneur, Dr. Woodward remains prominent in the aviation community working as a sought-after consultant. Her network of high-level contacts in government and business as well as extensive personal experience enable her to uniquely serve her clients’ interests.

Program Description:
For the 2015 calendar year, Dr. Woodward will serve as a ProfessioNole Mentor to one FSU student who plans to pursue a career in the thriving aviation field. Mentorship by Dr. Woodward enables a FSU student to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a prestigious aviation professional including:
 Exposure to a wide range of career options in the airport and aviation management field.
 Networking opportunities with international aviation professionals representing airport operations, airlines, aircraft manufacturing, and government agencies.
 Expanded knowledge of safety, efficiency, and environmentally friendly trends in the industry as well as emerging economic, political and legal challenges facing air transportation.
Professional Development:
Professional development will occur in two ways throughout this externship:
1. Trend Analysis: The FSU student will identify a current trend or challenge in aviation management. Throughout the Externship, the student will follow this trend or challenge through the media. The student and Dr. Woodward will discuss how this trend or challenge would be handled in real-time as well long-term impact on the aviation field.
2. Informational Interviews: Using the network of the Florida Airports Council under the guidance of Dr. Woodward, the student will identify aviation practitioners that align with their intended career goals. They will work with the Career Center to prepare for the informational interviews including professional e-mail invitations and follow-up, dress and question development.
Networking & Industry Exposure:
Dr. Woodward will sponsor two professional development and networking events for the selected FSU student during the externship, including travel and registration costs. Attendance at these conferences provides a lucrative opportunity to network and learn from decision-makers from across the global airline industry in civil aviation, governmental organizations and airlines:
 American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) 2015 Annual Conference
o Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support airports.
o June 7-10, 2015 in Philadelphia, PA
 AAAE/IAAE Annual U.S.-Latin America Airport Issues Conference 2015
o This annual conference focuses on industry challenges facing airport, airline, government and industry suppliers in the Caribbean and Latin America. Session topics will cover aviation security, infrastructure development, funding solutions and revenue development innovations. U.S. companies will be able to meet with and present their services to the region’s airports and
government officials.
o Date August 2015 TBD in location TBD
Student Selection Process:
 Application Process:
o Submit your application via SeminoleLink student account, position #761270
o Opens Monday, November 3rd and closes Friday, December 5th
o Application materials required:
 Resume
 Cover letter detailing career goals and how this exposure will support those goals
 One letter of recommendation from a professional reference highlighting applicant’s
demonstrated professionalism and career goals
 List of two additional professional references
 Brief bio (detailing educational and/or career history, process of selecting FSU, etc.)
o Interview Process:
 Interviews scheduled and held December 8th-12th for selected candidates
Questions?
Charlie Ricker
Florida State University Career Center
Dunlap Success Center
cricker@fsu.edu
Phone: 850-645-0442