ByAnnamarieBuonocore

GUIDANCEFOR TAKEOFF JENNY SHOWALTER OFFERS NEW AVIATION CAREER CONSULTING SERVICE

By Annamarie Buonocore

Choosing a career can be a challenging experience. Fortunately, there are many careers for those interested in aviation. From flying for the airlines to aerial photography, there are many paths to choose from, but where does one begin in the search for the perfect aviation career?

Jenny Showalter is an experienced aviation professional who recently started an aviation career consulting practice in sunny, aviation-heavy Florida. She applies her diverse background to helping students and career changers of all ages and locations find their dream job. This is her story, and she looks forward to working with new career seekers today!

In Flight USA: Tell me about your background. Why did you start career consulting?

Jenny Showalter: Some people accidentally trip into this industry; I was born into this industry. I came into this industry as a third-generation member of an aviation family. We owned an FBO at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). It was in our family since 1945.

When I graduated from college, I had a different career path planned for myself, but my parents asked me to come and help for one year because we had a big convention that we were hosting the static display for. I decided to do it because my parents had never asked me for something so big. I agreed to do it for one year, but I ended up staying for 20 until we sold the business. This was where I learned about customer service. I really got a great foundation there.

We sold the business in 2015, and at the time, I was volunteering for the Florida Aviation Business Association, one of our state’s regional groups. I ended up being their executive director for a period of time. They have a very strong legislative bent.

I later served as a recruiter in the industry and worked with new recruits getting into the workplace and businesses looking for candidates. I worked in recruiting during the pandemic and helped displaced employees get ready to work in the industry again. After that and with all this experience, I decided it was my calling to help aviation professionals to work on their resumes, build their LinkedIn profiles, and give them interviewing skills. I really enjoy providing one-on-one consulting.

IF USA: We have heard a great deal about pilot shortages and other shortages of professionals in the industry. What do companies need to do to attract top talent?

JS: One of the things that companies really need to do in this market that we’re in is look at their standards or guidelines and make sure those are in check. Our main competitors are the airlines. The airlines are very transparent when it comes to requirements, salary, and benefits. Because our industry is a little more diverse, it sometimes struggles to speak directly to the talent that’s out there. I would say that they have to reassess how they present their open positions and exactly what they’re looking for.

IF USA: What advice would you give to students who desire a career in business aviation?

JS: It’s hard. I acknowledge that it’s hard for students in business aviation or those wanting a business aviation career. The airlines will take you by the hand and say, “Come with me. I’ll show you the way.” In business aviation, you have to be a little more aggressive. You have to

Jenny Showalter (Courtesy Showalter Consulting)

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