Has anyone been to the Careers in Aviation Expo?

[lostav8r]

I saw it’s going on next month in Richmond BC, does it make sense to go to this expo as someone trying to get into the industry or is it more for people trying to climb the totem pole?

https://events.annexbusinessmedia.com/e ... -richmond/

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I saw it’s going on next month in Richmond BC, does it make sense to go to this expo as someone trying to get into the industry or is it more for people trying to climb the totem pole?

https://events.annexbusinessmedia.com/e ... -richmond/

If you’re just getting into the industry it’s a great way to meet people. Connections are very important in any industry and aviation is no exception. So if you have time I recommend going, worst case you’ll learn something new

[lostav8r]

I saw it’s going on next month in Richmond BC, does it make sense to go to this expo as someone trying to get into the industry or is it more for people trying to climb the totem pole?

https://events.annexbusinessmedia.com/e ... -richmond/

If you’re just getting into the industry it’s a great way to meet people. Connections are very important in any industry and aviation is no exception. So if you have time I recommend going, worst case you’ll learn something new

Very good point! Thanks for mentioning, hoping I fall ass first into something good!

[Jonathanali]

I’ve attended the Careers in Aviation Expo before, and I’d say it’s worthwhile even if you’re just starting out. There are usually industry professionals, airlines, training schools, and networking opportunities that can give you a good sense of the pathways into aviation. It’s not only for people already established in the field — students and newcomers can benefit a lot by asking questions and making connections.

[JBI]

I was a speaker at one of the Expos 10 years ago and then was available for round table discussions the following year.

Overall they can be very useful events. While there are not usually ground breaking revelations on the job search, in the past I've found that they've been great for learning more about your own career path, learning about other potential career options as well as making contacts with HR/recruiters at potential employers. The contacts I met at the Expo directly led to a job a little while later.

A couple pointers:

-get business cards or contact details of the people you meet/chat with if you have good conversations even if it's just other attendees. If you think there's any chance you'll want to work for them someday, reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn

-Assume you are being judged - if there are exhibitors there who are hiring, understand that this impression does count. Don't meet up with Jazz recruiters saying you hope to get on the e175 so you can get a job with Porter quicker (even if it's true).

-have specific and researched questions to ask - even if you kind of know the answers, it is a way to open up a dialogue. If you are able to speak intelligently and professionally with exhibitors it leaves a good impression (for example, when I was a speaker but also still looking at job options, I spoke with one airline along the lines of "my understanding is that you have a commuting policy, can you clarify some things..."? -showed I'd done my homework, but also opened the door for dialogue.

-For the newer, lower time pilots, and I cannot stress this enough, the dialogue is important. You may be special amongst your friends for being a pilot, but they are surrounded by pilots all the time. They're wondering "how will this person be to fly with 5 days in a row?"

Hope this helps!

[lostav8r]

I was a speaker at one of the Expos 10 years ago and then was available for round table discussions the following year.

Overall they can be very useful events. While there are not usually ground breaking revelations on the job search, in the past I've found that they've been great for learning more about your own career path, learning about other potential career options as well as making contacts with HR/recruiters at potential employers. The contacts I met at the Expo directly led to a job a little while later.

A couple pointers:

-get business cards or contact details of the people you meet/chat with if you have good conversations even if it's just other attendees. If you think there's any chance you'll want to work for them someday, reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn

-Assume you are being judged - if there are exhibitors there who are hiring, understand that this impression does count. Don't meet up with Jazz recruiters saying you hope to get on the e175 so you can get a job with Porter quicker (even if it's true).

-have specific and researched questions to ask - even if you kind of know the answers, it is a way to open up a dialogue. If you are able to speak intelligently and professionally with exhibitors it leaves a good impression (for example, when I was a speaker but also still looking at job options, I spoke with one airline along the lines of "my understanding is that you have a commuting policy, can you clarify some things..."? -showed I'd done my homework, but also opened the door for dialogue.

-For the newer, lower time pilots, and I cannot stress this enough, the dialogue is important. You may be special amongst your friends for being a pilot, but they are surrounded by pilots all the time. They're wondering "how will this person be to fly with 5 days in a row?"

Hope this helps!

I really appreciate your thorough write up JBI! Will Dress sharp and try to put my best foot forward!

[safetyfirst123]

I was a speaker at one of the Expos 10 years ago and then was available for round table discussions the following year.

Overall they can be very useful events. While there are not usually ground breaking revelations on the job search, in the past I've found that they've been great for learning more about your own career path, learning about other potential career options as well as making contacts with HR/recruiters at potential employers. The contacts I met at the Expo directly led to a job a little while later.

A couple pointers:

-get business cards or contact details of the people you meet/chat with if you have good conversations even if it's just other attendees. If you think there's any chance you'll want to work for them someday, reach out via e-mail or LinkedIn

-Assume you are being judged - if there are exhibitors there who are hiring, understand that this impression does count. Don't meet up with Jazz recruiters saying you hope to get on the e175 so you can get a job with Porter quicker (even if it's true).

-have specific and researched questions to ask - even if you kind of know the answers, it is a way to open up a dialogue. If you are able to speak intelligently and professionally with exhibitors it leaves a good impression (for example, when I was a speaker but also still looking at job options, I spoke with one airline along the lines of "my understanding is that you have a commuting policy, can you clarify some things..."? -showed I'd done my homework, but also opened the door for dialogue.

-For the newer, lower time pilots, and I cannot stress this enough, the dialogue is important. You may be special amongst your friends for being a pilot, but they are surrounded by pilots all the time. They're wondering "how will this person be to fly with 5 days in a row?"

Hope this helps!

Great advice from JBI, and a good attitude on your part. Don't worry about dressing too sharp, but definitely look presentable. Good luck!

I really appreciate your thorough write up JBI! Will Dress sharp and try to put my best foot forward!