Career enhancement/change
 

Hi Guys

I am a licensed aircraft engineer and have been for the past ten years, having a host of ICAO licenses including the UK, Australia and New Zealand authorities. I have also been involved in Change management and facilitation, Lean six sigma, and safety management systems.

I still love working on aircrafts, at the same time want to do something else in relation to Aviation which would be applicable to other industries as well

I had these options in mind

1. Safety …….Do a Masters degree in Occupational health and Safety

2. Quality…. Get trained as an Auditor

3. Beng (Aircraft engineering)…. From Kingston University and then Msc getting into Design and Certification

3. Accountancy…..Chartered status

I am 34 years old now, and I really want to find something that would take my career to the end of my working life.

Would really appreciate any comments/suggestions with regards to the feasibility of doing this and also future prospects for these areas if anyone is into them….. (QF,CASA,VB etc etc)

The most important thing is I am willing to put in the hard yards to do what it necessary to gain the relevant qualifications and experience. I also know that there is a lot to learn. I just need some direction….

Thanks in advance for your input

Cheers

eh FWIW I'm you're #3 but looking to get into flying as a career change, so any advice I can give is in relation to acctg.

Firstly, you need an accounting degree - 3 years F/T. Then you choose either CA or commercial, however CA firms are probably just like airlines in applying the 'non-existent age factor' (I'm probably shooting myself in the foot here), however their argument is more culture based given the avg age of grads is 22. :E

Then you need to decide on CA or CPA. CA (which I am) is more highly recognised/respected from employers, esp ex chartered employers than CPA but like anything you EARN your CA as its very technical and takes about 2-3 years but is well worth it.

The real money is in commerce and the career path is something like:

Degree - Grad Accountant - CA/CPA - Financial Accountant - Fin Mgr - Fin Controller - Group FC (me :)) - CFO

overall, accounting isn't easy but its not rocket science either. You get better with practice. Some people have the 'knack' for accounting and love it whereas some people (eg me) are extremely good at it but hate it because its pretty borting. Application is the most important part about it and ability to do so is what differentiates you from your peers. Also, be prepared for long hours at work esp around July and Aug each year.

Pro's:
- you'll ALWAYS have a job and you could get to $100k within about 5-8 years or so out of uni depending on how good you are;
- your CA/CPA is recognised world-wide;
- you can set up a business quite easily with minimal costs.

Cons:
- pretty boring;
- long hours and it can become quite stressful (working weekends, etc)
- $900 annual membership fees if I remember clearly, but you can get the company to pay for that

Good luck :ok: