8 minute read
Students Rave About NBAA-BACE: Inspiring, Helpful, Valuable, and Insightful Benefits
By National Business Aviation Association
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Describe your experience attending 2023 NBAA-BACE for the first time. Why did you want to attend? What aspects stood out to you, and how did it contribute to your overall impression of the event?
Kaitlyn Gallegos
Attending NBAA-BACE was a game-changer for me as the Assistant Chief of a Fixed Wing Flight Training Program. My goal? Creating connections for future job placements beyond the airlines for both students and instructors alike. What really stood out to me was the event’s diverse companies. These companies provided an ideal platform to build relationships crucial for navigating the complex world of aviation opportunities. BACE, with its varied corporate presence, was a hub for networking. While I take on the responsibility of guiding our CFIs through career transitions, NBAA-BACE not only opened doors to potential employers but also highlighted the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of aviation professionals.
NETWORKING EXPERIENCE:
Share your experience with networking while at the event. Did you meet any professionals or peers in your field of interest? Share any meaningful connections you made and how you believe these connections will benefit your future career.
Networking at the event was fantastic, especially connecting with fellow YoPros. I built relationships with influential peers and mentors, extending our interactions beyond BACE. One notable mentor is a Chief Pilot at a corporate charter company who is also a 40 under 40 recipient. Our discussions outside the event have been insightful, as she provided guidance on navigating the challenges of being a new and young leader in a professional fixed wing flight program. Within the YoPro circle, I also met a newly minted CFI from Auburn that I connected with. I am excited to see what she will learn and have conversations where we can both learn more from one another as young CFIs. These connections have played significant roles in my post-BACE journey. Looking ahead, I aim to pay it forward by offering the same support to others that I’ve received from these valuable connections.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
What activities or sessions did you participate in? Reflect on any new skills, knowledge, or perspectives you acquired as a result. How do you think these key takeaways will contribute to your personal and professional development?
Engaging in both YoPro sessions and the KeyNote series proved highly enriching. Valuable insights on leadership, especially for young leaders, were gained. Learning the art of being an effective leader while navigating the challenges of being young was a key takeaway. One significant tool emphasized was the ability to say no strategically. A statement that I heard from one of the YoPro panelists, “saying yes to one thing means you’re saying no to another,” deeply resonated with me. This perspective shift has been transformative. Overcoming my struggle to say no, and in turn, better managing my workload has contributed to becoming a more effective leader for both my team and myself.
CAREER IMPACT:
Consider the impact of the overall event and how it aligns with your long-term career aspirations. How do you see this experience shaping your goals and aspirations moving forward, and what steps do you plan to take to leverage these benefits in your future career endeavors?
BACE has significantly influenced my long-term career goals. Dreaming of becoming a corporate pilot for years, witnessing professionals of all ages in roles such as chiefs, executives, and owners at the event affirmed that this aspiration is truly attainable. The insights gained, especially tools like mastering the art of saying no and applying for jobs despite not meeting every qualification, have already proven invaluable in my career. Embracing the idea that possibilities extend beyond rigid qualifications has opened doors and propelled my professional growth. As I continue navigating my career path, BACE has instilled not just inspiration but practical strategies that shape my journey toward fulfilling my dream as a corporate pilot.
Julia Hummel
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Describe your experience attending 2023 NBAA-BACE for the first time. Why did you want to attend? What aspects stood out to you, and how did it contribute to your overall impression of the event?
Auburn University, School of Aviation, granted me the opportunity to attend my second NBAA-BACE conference in Las Vegas, NV, and it was an extraordinary experience. Stemming from a keen interest in the business aviation industry, I sought this event as the ultimate networking hub and a source of invaluable industry insights. The focus on the industry’s future, enriched by keynote speakers and key topic discussions, presented a unique opportunity to grasp challenges and innovations. The massive exhibition halls were a standout, showcasing a diverse range of companies contributing to the industry’s efficiency. Exploring these halls for the first hour revealed the vitality and enthusiasm within the business aviation community. Engaging with booth representatives, I was impressed by their genuine enthusiasm to share insights and discuss how their contributions help shape and support the business aviation sector. Overall, the event exceeded expectations, offering an immersive experience, valuable connections, and leaving me inspired by the collective passion and innovation in the business aviation industry.
NETWORKING EXPERIENCE:
Share your experience with networking while at the event. Did you meet any professionals or peers in your field of interest? Share any meaningful connections you made and how you believe these connections will benefit your future career.
Networking at the event was a fulfilling experience. Reconnecting with established contacts and forging new connections were integral aspects of this enriching experience. My primary focus was on networking, recognizing its significance for my future career. One particularly impactful connection I made at the event has since evolved into a mentorship. This mentor has played a pivotal role by facilitating introductions to professionals in four different companies within my field of interest. Through this mentorship, I gained access to an industry event that further expanded my network. Networking, indeed, proves to be a gift that keeps on giving. The mentorship has opened doors, provided insights, and significantly enhanced my understanding of the industry. I am immensely grateful for those who invest time in mentoring college students like myself, as these connections have been invaluable in establishing a strong foundation for my future career.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
What activities or sessions did you participate in? Reflect on any new skills, knowledge, or perspectives you acquired as a result. How do you think these key takeaways will contribute to your personal and professional development?
At the NBAA-BACE event, I actively engaged in various enriching activities. The NBAA Media Kickoff Breakfast launched the ‘Climbing Fast’ advocacy campaign, sparking insightful discussions. The Day 1 Keynote themed around ‘Climbing Fast,’ imparted crucial lessons on persevering through challenges for higher excellence, inspiration, and sustainability. The NBAA coffee social provided an opportunity for rejuvenating dialogue with a distinguished female figure in business aviation. Participating in the YoPro Networking Reception & Helpy Hour allowed me to contribute to Clean the World, fostering a sense of community. Exploring the static display, attending the career fair, and joining the collegiate connect facilitated one-on-one interactions, refining my understanding, and creating valuable connections. These diverse experiences equipped me with new skills and perspectives, forming a foundation for personal and professional development.
CAREER IMPACT:
Consider the impact of the overall event and how it aligns with your long-term career aspirations. How do you see this experience shaping your goals and aspirations moving forward, and what steps do you plan to take to leverage these benefits in your future career endeavors?
The impact of the NBAA-BACE conference profoundly aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a prominent leader in the business aviation industry. Networking is a passion of mine, and the event has been instrumental in refining my aspirations. It has helped me define my path within business aviation, overcoming the challenge of narrowing down specific fields. The conference has been a guiding force in pinpointing where I envision starting my career. I place immense value on the connections forged over the past few years, and I plan to leverage these benefits by continuously expanding my network. Post-graduation, my commitment to being an active alumna is unwavering. I intend to bring the valuable resources and insights gained from the conference to contribute to the growth and development of my alma mater. By doing so, I aim to create a positive impact, not only on my personal career but also on the future generations aspiring to excel in the dynamic field of business aviation.
