ex FTE
It's a while ago now, but I started an interesting aviation career, that has meandered around somewhat, in FT.
Physics degree with an engineering course tacked on via graduate apprentice scheme with large military aircraft company. Lots of exposure to different activites in the military aircraft design and building environment before landing the place in FT dept. Years of work from junior to actually getting to schedule flights and sign off results analysis. Along the way an FTE course at Cranfield, company sponsored and additional systems and operational course as well as conferences. Mainly listen and learn from the old timers...they actually know a lot in a decent FT dept. 25 years later I still remember and practice things I learnt there. after a more than a semi-decade realised there is a big world out there and an FT salary isn't going to cut it....at least not unless you get CFT in a major company.
Then moved into engineering project management (still with an FT focus), and from there, realising the real $ was in sales and finance.....so into those areas...and gradually moving from the bizjet world and some serious $. Trade aircraft now...........
Lots of travel, lots of time flying with some of the best of the best.......(at least that what they told me :-)) Had opportunity to get own pilot qualifs....
FT is a great way into aviation, and opens lots of doors.
Je ne regret rien.....