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 attended an information session of the Diploma in Aviation Operations. That was my cue to join the aviation industry.

The programme invited 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 the promising career prospects my company offered. Therefore, I picked this position as my first placement choice. I used to handle documents related to imports and exports and provide administrative support for the treatment of special goods during my placement. My supervisor recommended I join the company’s Operations Trainee Programme, a fast-track programme to my career aspiration. I have completed this 18-month programme and have been promoted to supervisor of Terminal Services. It is 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!

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

I have always hoped to find a suitable and fulfilling job that allows me to learn and grow. The Diploma in Aviation Operations has made it easier for me to transition into a new career in aviation. Through the programme's 12-month industry placement, I acquired a placement in aviation security, which was my preferred choice. From my frontline work during the placement to my current transition to the HR department, I have truly gained a wealth of aviation knowledge and experience. The Academic Instructors and Workplace Supervisors have consistently imparted valuable life and work lessons while encouraging me to pursue further education. I successfully completed the Professional Diploma in Aviation Management to equip myself for further career progression.

Opportunities favour those who are prepared. The urgency to commence swiftly is not essential; what truly matters is finding the right direction. Opportunities will always lie ahead of you.

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.

HKIAA has equipped me closer than ever to realising my dream. Starting with Aviation Summer Day Camps, Diploma in Aviation Operations, and Professional Diploma in Aviation Management, and now studying for a top-up degree of Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), I have a clear path to pursue higher qualifications for fulfilling my dreams. I set my goal to become a cadet pilot or a Student Air Traffic Control Officer at the Civil Aviation Department. I will continuously develop myself and fuel my passion for realising my dreams in the aviation industry and making my lifelong dream come true.

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 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.