Graduates’ Sharing

"It's not about what you majored in or how much work experience you have — what matters most is finding the right route and going for it!"

I'm a public relations major. I was exploring new career options when I had the chance to attend an information session on the Diploma in Aviation Operations. That was my cue to change my work.

The programme invites HR representatives from companies where interns were placed to talk about career prospects, company culture and so on. That's how I learned about the rapid development of the local air cargo industry and its promising career prospects. Therefore, I picked this position as my first placement choice. I now handle documents related to imports and exports and provide administrative support for the treatment of special goods. Every airline has its unique operating system, so processing documents for many airlines requires a lot of effort and brain power. What keeps me going is my supervisor's acknowledgement and encouragement. It's really not about what you majored in or how much work experience you have — what matters most is finding the right route and going for it!

The programme’s 12-month placement gives me a launch pad to accelerate my career in air cargo

I had been plotting my career path for some years after graduating from college when I met with instructors from the Aviation Academy, and I got to know more about the booming development of the local air cargo industry. Excited about the opportunities in this growing sector, I enrolled in the Diploma in Aviation Operations to prepare myself for a career change through a 12-month industry placement offered by the programme. I have learnt a lot during the job placement, from fundamental industry knowledge and hands-on practical experience to personal soft skills. I enjoy working in this supportive, flexible team and stay after my placement. I will also continue with my studies and seize every opportunity to turn myself into an air cargo expert.

"Know what you want, aim for it, work hard, learn smart, be a student for life — and opportunities will open up to you."

When I enrolled in the Diploma in Aviation Operations, I already had the aim of taking my placement in a stable yet challenging airport security role. As an Aviation Security Officer, I'm placed in a new position occasionally. Every position has different criteria, duties and procedures. For example, some roles require you to memorise all gate numbers. We patrol restricted areas every day and have to stay vigilant at all times. This requires good memory and stamina, but I enjoy these challenges. It helps me master aviation security knowledge and skills. To take my career to the next level, I plan to pursue the Professional Diploma in Aviation Management after graduation. Making a late start doesn't matter as long as you keep learning and keep your eyes peeled for opportunities!

"Your results don't dictate your career path. You've got to find what you love during the learning process. I hope to identify my goals through work placement and chart my own path."

I first heard about the Aviation Academy when I joined their HKIA introduction course in secondary school. I visited the restricted area at the airport, which made me realise just how diverse the aviation industry is. The airport’s 24/7 operations are made possible by staff from different areas of expertise working closely together. That piqued my interest in the industry. So, after completing the HKDSE, I enrolled in the Diploma in Aviation Operations to equip myself with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills I need to realise my career goals. The programme's 12-month placement helped me identify my interests and develop my strengths. This was how I found my passion for air cargo and gained relevant know-how, such as inspection procedures for aerial vehicles and land vehicles. It was all so refreshing for me! As a newcomer, I sometimes get anxious, and I will confide in my classmates and instructors. Senior staff at the workplace also give me advice on work and interpersonal issues. Gaining on-the-job experience plus interpersonal soft skills are definitely going to be beneficial for my future!

"It’s never too late to go after your dream. As a twenty-something, I believe it is the perfect time to find what's right for me."

After studying a business-related associate degree, I worked on a customer service team for a finance corporation. However, I'd always wanted to look for new directions in my career. I came across the Diploma in Aviation Operations by chance, and it awakened my childhood passion for aircraft engineering. Now I'm an intern working on the Three-Runway System related projects, and the on-site work experience has equipped me with all-round skills. For example, I have learnt some fundamental concepts of civil engineering and basic skills of preparing sketches by using drafting software as well as strengthened my presentation skills by consolidating and analysing the raw materials. It's an honour to be part of this major project, which has really opened my eyes. The experience has also encouraged me to further pursue my dream.

"The start of every journey is the beginning of a new chapter in self-discovery – and the birth of new opportunities!"

I started working in the food and beverage industry shortly after I graduated, but I've always been interested in aviation. Therefore, I applied for the Diploma in Aviation Operations, hoping to explore more career opportunities in the industry.
The programme provides sharing sessions with industry professionals, and it was through these sessions that I discovered the wide variety of roles in the aviation industry and how AsiaWorld-Expo plays a key role in the development of Airport City. My role as an intern at AsiaWorld-Expo involves facilities upgrade, venue logistics, co-ordinating with various contractors and drafting blueprints with computer software. This work placement helps improving my organisational skills and becoming more detail-oriented. It has also enabled me to rediscover my strength and passion for interior design as well as the importance of self-improvement and continuous learning. I can now say I am a student for life. I am excited to continue learning more and creating more new opportunities for myself!

This programme offers me an alternative study path to live my aviation dreams. I will keep going in order to turn my dreams into reality, step by step.

As an aviation enthusiast, I have always dreamed of soaring in the sky as a pilot since I was a child. From the Aviation Summer Day Camps to the Diploma in Aviation Operations, I actively participated in numerous HKIAA activities and programmes. After graduating with the Diploma, I joined the aviation industry and took the part-time programme Professional Diploma in Aviation Management as I wanted to acquire management skills for future career advancement. This programme integrates management concepts into work applications and offers me a comprehensive understanding of each job position through site visits to the restricted area and apron. Participating in this programme also gives my employers much confidence in my deliverability.

The programme is accredited at Level 4 of the Qualifications Framework (QF4), which is a recognised prerequisite for a bachelor’s degree, making it possible for me to continue my study through the bachelor’s degree in aviation at the RMIT University, taking a great leap toward my dream of becoming a pilot.

The programme’s integrated classroom-and-placement approach allows me to turn my interest in engineering into a profession

I have always preferred vocational, hands-on learning to traditional, classroom-based training. Therefore, I applied to the Diploma in Aviation Operations after taking the HKDSE in the hope of learning a professional skill. I chose a profession in aircraft engine maintenance, and after more than a year of training, I could complete some of the repair works independently, which brought me a great sense of accomplishment. On the way towards building my career, I have discovered my interests and potential in mechanical engineering along with acquiring professional knowledge, techniques and experience. I plan to acquire a number of licenses and qualifications en route to a professional practice in engine maintenance.

The airport is an energetic place full of possibilities. This programme is helping my aviation dreams take flight!

I had wanted to be a flight attendant ever since I was a child, as I was fascinated by the ability to travel around the world and wear attractive uniforms. To make my dream come true, I took the Diploma in Aviation Operations and worked my way into the aviation industry. Though my placement in a customer service position as a ground handling agent is challenging, I have trained my communication skills and ability to handle unexpected situations, and I enjoy showing my team spirit. These skillsets cannot be found in textbooks and will be valuable to my future career development. Why not try pursuing your dreams here?

The programme offers diverse and in-depth aviation knowledge, supporting me in achieving my career achievements and becoming a generalist.

Since my graduation from university, I have been determined to develop a long-lasting career in the aviation industry. I know T-shaped talents are desperately needed in the labour market, and people with inter-sector knowledge and skill sets can remain competitive in this everchanging world. The Professional Diploma in Aviation Management covers a wide range of aviation management topics, allowing me to gain a more realistic understanding of the different professions in the industry. All instructors are industry veterans who always generously share their experiences, and together with teammates from various professions, the programme provides us with an excellent platform to expand our social network and exchange industry insights.

Especially when my job involves a lot of decisions and policy making, the numerous uncertainties during the pandemic have made my job more challenging. I’m pleased that the crisis management skills and the business sustainability mindset I have learnt from the programme are highly practical and applicable to my job.

The programme is highly practical and operation-oriented, supplementing real case studies for in-class discussion. The diverse approach gave me an in-depth understanding of airports' facilities and operation protocols worldwide, which has been truly eye-opening.

After graduating with Diploma in Aviation Operations, I worked on advancing my knowledge and management skill set through Professional Diploma in Aviation Management while continuing my work in the company where I completed my placement. Instructors at the Academy are industry veterans with years of experience and provide us with thorough guidance on the application of various management models for each possible circumstance.

I am particularly impressed with the inclusive learning environment, in which students in various positions generously shared their experiences, exchanging valuable insights that inspired me. The programme further sharpens my critical thinking and communications skills, allowing me to navigate in my current speciality that requires utmost precision with agility and any future positions. I also learn how to take a full-perspective view and optimise overall team efficiency and productivity. Moving forward, I envision myself in academic advancement and progressively take on more responsibility in managerial positions.

I have developed a more open mindset, which allows me to think from more perspectives. I feel more empowered now to take on new responsibilities. I look forward to continued growth and further advancements in my future career.

After graduating with Diploma in Aviation Operations, I worked on advancing my knowledge and management skill set through Professional Diploma in Aviation Management while continuing my work in the company where I completed my placement. Instructors at the Academy are industry veterans with years of experience and provide us with thorough guidance on the application of various management models for each possible circumstance.

I am particularly impressed with the inclusive learning environment, in which students in various positions generously shared their experiences, exchanging valuable insights that inspired me. The programme further sharpens my critical thinking and communications skills, allowing me to navigate in my current speciality that requires utmost precision with agility and any future positions. I also learn how to take a full-perspective view and optimise overall team efficiency and productivity. Moving forward, I envision myself in academic advancement and progressively take on more responsibility in managerial positions.

“I have the chance to learn from seasoned aviation professionals from around the world, giving me real-life insights into how air transport works across nations and continents!”

The Advanced Master in Air Transport Management is a valuable learning experience to someone who has just taken up a managerial role – like me. It opens my eyes to a whole new world of aviation outside of airline operation. I have learned both theories and practical skills, which I can readily apply to my work. I can now better analyse processes and issues from the perspectives of other teams, giving me more courage to step up in collaborative cross-stream projects. The best thing is I got the chance to study alongside aviation experts from different backgrounds around the world, which helps not only to build my communication and social skills but also gives me new, global insights into the industry.

“The programme broadens my knowledge in aviation to make wiser decisions at work and see the aviation industry from a new perspective”

The Advanced Master in Air Transport Management is a wonderful eye-opener. It has equipped me with a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills that enables me to see the aviation industry as a bigger picture, and to have a better grasp of the roles of the different aspects involved. What impresses me most about the programme is its inclusive learning environment, where experienced aviation experts openly share insights and discussed best industry practices from their area of expertise. This serves as a remarkable boost to my career development as I now understand the aviation industry on a whole new level.

“I know how things work in aviation, but never crossed my mind to figure out why. Thanks to the programme, I have the perspective, and importantly the connections, to advance industry development.”

I enrolled in the Advanced Master in Air Transport Management for an accredited professional qualification in aviation. I ended up getting so much more. The systemic course structuring offers a holistic understanding – from historical, theoretical to practical – about a wide range of fields in the aviation industry that I couldn’t learn from work alone. I’ve also expanded my professional network with aviation experts from around the world. Thanks to these, I now feel empowered to advance meaningful development in the industry.

“This programme enables me to have a huge advancement in my career. It allows me to crystalise my experience and knowledge from past work into new skillsets that can apply to new challenges.”

The Advanced Master in Air Transport Management precisely is what I need to take my career to the next level. I benefit hugely from being soaked in the insights, wisdom, expertise, and opinions on the latest industry trends from the talented, reputed, and internationally experienced lecturers and speakers.
It is also my privilege to have the valuable chance to connect with civil aviation leaders and officials across the region, which is essential for me as government and public affairs personnel and helps secure necessary permits to new destinations for my company. Having these industry's elites as my fellow schoolmates is undoubtedly one of my most valuable takeaways from this programme. I wholeheartedly recommend the programme even to industry veterans, who will indeed benefit from the chance to consolidate their knowledge and embrace new horizons in global aviation.

“The programme has equipped me with useful technical knowledge, and I have been inspired by the experiences of speakers and fellow students.”

After working in the aviation industry for 10 years, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the technical and commercial aspects of air transport. This Advanced Master in Air Transport Management covers a broad range of knowledge related to the aviation industry and was precisely what I was looking for, so I signed up immediately. It has enhanced my industry knowledge and negotiation skills, and I have learned to work more efficiently and effectively while focusing my career path to support my long-term goals. I have also been inspired by the experiences of speakers and fellow students from different countries through case studies and lectures.

“The programme has equipped me to take advantage of rising demand for highly skilled aviation professionals in Cambodia.”

Cambodia has been developing a host of transport infrastructure projects in recent years, and the aviation sector as well as demand for aviation professionals continues to grow. I appreciate how the Advanced Master in Air Transport Management has equipped me with the knowledge I need to capture these opportunities in Cambodia’s aviation industry, and I believe the aviation industry in Asia will also stand to gain from the programme in the long run.

“Having discussions and studying with aviation experts from around the world is a great way to gain a better understanding of the industry.”

The Advanced Master in Air Transport Management consists of 12 modules that focus not only on aviation management and specialised industry knowledge, but also some MBA modules. The programme puts theory into practice, and this practical approach in turn strengthens my professional knowledge and skills. Best of all, I have opportunities to get to know aviation experts from different parts of the world, which allows us to exchange ideas and learn from each other and enables me to view aviation industry operations from new perspectives.

“The interactions among lecturers and students from various roles, aviation bodies and cultural backgrounds are the most interesting part of the programme.”

The Advanced Master in Air Transport Management has been vastly helpful for my career because I believe executives in today’s aviation sector need to have a substantial body of industry knowledge and good management skills – two of the programme’s core focuses. More importantly, the programme invites aviation veterans from different parts of the world to share their experiences with students. I enjoy the sharing a lot, which helps me learn from others’ perspectives while expanding my social and professional network on a global scale.