How Aviation Management helped Maria become an effective leader

Studying Aviation Management

Maria is a final year student studying Aviation Management BSc (Hons). We asked her to provide feedback on what she learned from her course, her enthusiasm for management and the aviation industry, and what her future holds.

Why did you choose Aviation Management at Coventry University?

Initially, my interest lay in rocketry, driven by a fascination with space exploration and the prospect of space travel. However, I discovered a profound passion for inspiring and empowering others, nurturing their confidence, and witnessing their success. Pursue Aviation Management allowed me to merge both passions, positioning myself within the future transport industry and influencing it from within.

What do you enjoy the most about your course?

I especially enjoyed the care for every student that my professors exhibit. There are so many resources intended to support students and I felt I had the support of my lecturers throughout my time here. Additionally, I had the opportunity to learn from the extensive industry experience of guest lecturers who shared their expertise on specific subjects, which encouraged me to research deeper and learn even more about these subjects.

Did you come to Coventry University through clearing?

Yes, I came to Coventry University through the clearing process. My admission experience through clearing was notably positive. The admissions team made the application process as smooth as possible and thanks to them I started my course without any problems.

Has your time on the course developed you as a person?

Yes, studying Aviation Management has helped me mature tremendously, develop, and enhance my professional side, and offered me the experience necessary to participate and act in diverse workplaces. The course has helped me improve my communication, time management and project management skills, all of which are vital for my future career. Due to the discussion-based lectures, I was able to develop dynamic thinking, and most importantly, not be afraid or nervous to expose my opinions, ideas, and beliefs.

Additionally, the strategic nature of the projects undertaken has taught me to assess options realistically, and thus make logical and well-thought-out decisions. Essentially, this will have a tremendous impact during my professional career on feasible decision-making, as well as my personal life, and the decisions I will make moving forward.

Would you recommend Aviation Management to friends?

I would recommend this course to anyone interested in business management or aviation-related affairs. It is a robust course that achieves its learning outcomes successfully, building and delivering working professionals with exceptional skillsets into the industry.

What do you think of the facilities at Coventry University?

I was very excited to use the facilities at Coventry University throughout my course. They met industry standards and allowed me to learn practically. I was able to use various software applications such as Simul8, or SPSS, which allowed me to put what I had learned in lectures into practice. This included process planning, airline scheduling, data analysis, and more.

What has been your most memorable moment during your time at Coventry University?

Although there were many moments I enjoyed and fondly remember throughout my time studying at Coventry University, such as attending conferences and events related to aviation, I specifically enjoyed the delivery of the module ‘Safety, Security, and Emergency Planning’. This module completely sparked my interest in the subject and encouraged me to pursue a career in this specific sector. This is in part thanks to the fantastic lecturer and various guest lecturers we had who helped contextualise the subject matter.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying Aviation Management?

My advice would be to read as much as possible, both the recommended and mandatory reading lists, and exhaust all the student support tools available, in order to get the best experience possible. I cannot stress enough how important engaging with academic staff, and with the resources available (such as the Centre for Academic Writing and Sigma Centre) is. Studying Aviation Management can be like a full-time job, and managing your time, and work-life balance is also incredibly important!

Have you been on any overseas trips?

I had the opportunity to visit the Ryanair Flight Academy in Dublin as part of one of our course trips. We enjoyed tours and a presentation of Ryanair’s business model, which I was able to relate to the theory learned in class. This experience bridged the gap between what we had learned in the class with how real-world industries operated. It also helped me identify what I needed to do and improve to excel in my future career.

Describe Aviation Management in 3 words.

I would describe Aviation Management as robust, well-structured, and engaging.

Have you been involved in any activities outside of your studies?

I have actively participated in several volunteering initiatives. It has provided me with the opportunity to expand my social circle, interact with individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, and gain insights into various cultures and perspectives. This experience has significantly broadened my horizons, honed my communication abilities, and strengthened my capacity to collaborate with different teams. I would encourage everyone to take part in these activities if they can, as they offer accessible avenues for personal development and skill enhancement, ultimately also bolstering your employability.

Do you think your course has prepared you for the world of work?

No amount of studying will ever really prepare a student for the world of work like first-hand experience. However, I believe the course pushed me to develop a versatile skill set that will greatly help me excel in the world of work. The various skills I’ve learned throughout my time studying are invaluable and will serve as a foundation for further professional and personal development.

Why did you want to become a manager? What career plans do you have?

Firstly, I am drawn to the leadership role that managers embody within organisations. I see management as an opportunity to guide and influence teams toward achieving common objectives, utilising strategic thinking and decision-making skills to drive organisational success.

I am also fascinated by the responsibilities managers face, from overseeing operations and resources to helping their team be the best versions of themselves. Thanks to this course, it has helped me recognise the significant impact management has within a wider organisation by creating a supportive and empowering work culture. I want to strive to create that environment myself.