I remember in university, a lot of my peers were getting jobs through their “network.” They had long-running family and friend connections that landed them luxe internships and summer jobs.
These opportunities gave them hands-on experience that padded their resumes with impressive job histories. I was new to the field; I had no older, multi-generational roots to lean into. For a brief moment in time, I was jealous, maybe a little bitter. It came into their laps so easily! Me? I had nothing. I had unanswered resumes and emails sent with no replies.
But there was no reason I couldn’t build my own network. So I started showing up to events, mixers, and meet-and-greets. Sometimes alone. Sometimes I grabbed a pal as a wing-person to help ease my nerves. And then something miraculous happened. People talked to me. They listened to what I had to say; they took in my skills and interests. They shared with me, too. They offered me advice, job leads, next steps, and insight. From there, my professional network grew.
When entering a new industry, we might have imposter syndrome — the feeling that we don’t belong, that this industry belongs to other people, and that we’re not smart or knowledgeable enough to be there. But in aviation (and all industries, if you ask me), we belong just as much as anyone else. As someone new to the field, and a relatively small one, you have to start by meeting people. This is step one in building your network in aviation.
1. Show Up
Attending industry events is one of the most effective ways to build meaningful connections. Go to local mixers, careers in aviation expos, and airshows — they often have exhibitors, industry reps, and aviation-minded people ready and eager to talk. Even casual events like regional aviation celebrations provide informal settings where you can chat naturally with people. You never know who you might meet! Don’t forget, Calgary is having a Careers in Aviation Expo on October 24th — CLICK HERE
2. Make It Easy to Find You
Polish your LinkedIn. Make sure your profile tells people who you are, what you’re interested in, and where you’re hoping to go. If you’re pursuing an aviation career, say so! Someone viewing your profile should know you’re working toward an aviation opportunity. Further, follow aviation companies and organizations you’re interested in. They often share company news, events, and job opportunities. Following companies also gives you something to talk about when you meet people from those organizations. You may see a new project, aircraft, or job posting that gives you an easy conversation starter. “I see you added a new Dash-8 to your fleet” is an easier conversation starter than the weather.
LinkedIn has a quick guide to making your profile relevant and connectable.
3. Bring Good Energy
It can be frustrating when it feels like resumes disappear into the void, but don’t let that be what people see. People are drawn to enthusiasm, resilience, and curiosity. You don’t have to pretend that your job search is going peachy; you can be honest about the challenges while still showing that you’re still motivated.
Instead of “I’ve applied everywhere, and nobody will even call me for an interview,” try, “I’m working toward an aviation career, and I’m looking for experience. I’m especially interested in aircraft technician roles, and I’d love to hear how you got started.”
4. Know How to Introduce Yourself
Practice your elevator speech. No need to rehearse a two-minute spiel that sounds like a corporate training video. Instead, focus on easily answering three core questions: What are you doing, where do you want to go, and what do you offer?
“Hi, I’m Nikki. I’m currently completing training via Elevate Aviation with a focus on customer service in aviation. My background is in the food services industry, and I’m eager to transition my skills into the aviation sector.”
True story: when an AST class was practicing their elevator speech, guess who came into the room? A major-carrier executive who was getting a tour of EALC with our CEO. He asked the learners questions like, “Why are you here? What motivated you to join? What are your goals?” Talk about real-world practice!
5. Get the Echo App
Our Echo app connects people starting in aviation with those who already work in the industry. You can talk with people who are there to share their experiences, answer questions, and provide insight into career paths. And sometimes, a conversation can turn into a connection. (Link “Echo app” to your Echo program page here.)
Someone recently shared with me that their friend landed a job at an aviation company after connecting with one of their pilots who had joined the Echo app as a mentor. This applicant wasn’t just another resume arriving in an inbox. They had connected with someone in the industry, learned more about the company, and made a personal impression.
6. Listen
People will talk about their jobs, their career journeys, and perhaps give advice. Take it all in. Ask questions like, “What was one challenge you faced entering the industry?” or “What skills do you think are most important in your role?”
One conversation might introduce you to a career you hadn’t considered. Another might give you insight into what employers are looking for. Another might lead you to someone else you should meet.
7. Keep Going
Stay persistent. It can be tough not getting a job right away. You may apply for positions and never hear back. You may make connections that don’t immediately lead anywhere. You may attend an event and feel like you didn’t accomplish much. But you showed up. So keep going. Your first networking fruit might not come from the first person you meet or the first job you apply for. Sometimes the work you put in today lays the groundwork for an opportunity you don’t see right away. Imagine if the Wright Brothers gave up after their first test flight! (Which, by the way, took several years before they found success making the first airplane.)
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, networking in aviation is about making connections, asking questions, attending events, and growing your skills. It is nerve-wracking, but it pays dividends in the long run. You build confidence, knowledge, and insight.
And to all my introverts: networking looks different for everyone. Networking can mean asking one person a thoughtful question, introducing yourself to someone at an event, commenting on LinkedIn, or following up after a conversation.
