It is not news that the pandemic has brought much of international travel to a virtual standstill; but what does this mean for aviation professionals or those considering a career in the sector? Viability of the industry aside, there is the immediate brand crisis to be addressed: What was once a highly attractive profession renowned for benefits, high salaries, and security is now suffering a brand and identity crisis.
To address some of the most pressing talent related questions the aerospace industry is facing I interviewed Sarah Kalmeta, Founder of Hong Kong based Pivot Point who works with both organisations as well as individuals in the industry.
Will Gen-Z Choose a Career in Aviation?
We know that the next generation of job seekers will expect and demand more than their predecessors. This group is looking for a complex mix of experience, values, and culture that transcends traditional monetary benefits. Aviation needs up-and-coming talent in its c-suite, its labs, its hangars – and its competing for talent not just against others in the wider aviation industry, but against organisations across all sectors.
Who are Aviation’s Real Competitors When it comes to the War for Next Gen talent?
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we should be prepared for change and disruption. The ability of an organisation to be agile through these changes will determine its ability to survive. For example, don’t expect tech giants, Amazon, Google, and Uber to stay safely in their lane, they’re coming for aviation (and other industries) with new innovations that will lead to massive change.
Whilst there are few other industries that can offer next-gen talent the opportunity to be part of a global, dynamic and challenging workforce than aviation, attracting the tech-savvy talent that can help the sector to innovate will not be straightforward.
What advice would you give to Students & Recent Graduates who are already heavily invested in a career in aviation?
If we look at the past 30 years of aviation’s history, crisis management has become a normalised process. Yes, COVID-19 is a true black swan moment in history with unprecedented losses, but it will not be the last crisis the industry must weather.
“Will my firm survive past the next 90 days” are the thoughts keeping many in the aviation industry up at night while those currently enrolled in aviation programs are thinking “will I ever be able to find a job when I graduate?” – and the anxiety cycle begins.
What is the “anxiety cycle”?
Worrying and anxiety can be a reinforcing loop that causes people to get stuck and then procrastinate.
Now more than ever, we may be tempted to stick our heads in the sand trying to avoid reality, especially for those working in aviation.
Despite matters beyond our control, one solution is to invest in yourself and change what you can. Whether you are studying aviation or not, now is the time to make learning and adapting a priority.
How should Early Career Professionals use their time wisely during the industry downturn?
1) Study something you have always wanted to, but did not “have the time”
2) Learn a new skill that will add value to what you can offer employers (such as web design or coding)
3) Develop your business skills using free online courses such as Coursera
4) Build up your digital capabilities to better “live, learn and work in a digital world”
5) Learn a language and/or experience different cultures, even if virtually, to increase cultural exposure and understanding. DuoLingo, Memrise, and CourseRa all have fantastic options, often with significant free content and corresponding mobile apps
6) Invest in your wellness while you have the time. This will be the single biggest factor in your success
7) Look at opportunities in sustainable energy and how it will impact the aviation industry
8) Look at opportunities in drone technology
9) Network to stay connected to become aware of opportunities as they arise. Set up zoom coffee dates, attend virtual conferences and make an effort to reach out
10) Go back to school for a master’s degree or Professional Certification.
How can Professionals Adapt and Make themselves more Resilient?
Don’t be afraid to re-define yourself. Nobody knows what the workforce will look like 20 years from now; nobody knows what it will look like a year from now! It is likely whatever you were taught in school will be obsolete a few years after you graduate.
Therefore the most important skills you can learn are resilience and emotional intelligence. Learn how to adapt, become aware of your environment so you can notice signs of distress and identify future trends. Learn skills that will align with the trends you identify and that will allow you to PIVOT into other departments should your section be impacted by any future crisis.
Most stress we experience is in our own minds as we try to force the world to adapt to our wants. Instead of struggling against the current, learn to swim with it by being aware of changing business trends and embracing change, not resisting it. Learn how learn and try new things.
There are plenty of free tools online, and it is worth setting aside a few hours a week to navigate the resources available. Know where to access different tools and understand how to apply them.
Finally, when you feel stuck simply ask for help. Work with a mentor or a coach to improve your abilities and have a sounding board to test them on. Eternal optimism is empowering, but it gets you nowhere without action; a mentor or coach can help keep you accountable and give you valuable feedback. Leverage their experiences to augment your own. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable.