As a business owner and aspiring commercial pilot, Lauren Boshell found that earning her BA in Aviation Management degree offered her a valuable education without compromising her time.
Flexibility and time management were important to Boshell from the start. The online program allowed her to juggle her jewelry and accessories side business, as well as keep her on track with tight deadlines and projects.
She was surprised to find that she handled her time with grace, despite some tight deadlines. “An online class is a benefit to you if you have other things going on in your life because you have ways of working around it”, she says.
When it comes to figuring out what an aviation management degree can do for you, Boshell found it to be a perfect fit for both flying aficionados and those looking to gain managerial experience.
If you are passionate about aviation, a degree in management can only help broaden your understanding of how the industry works.
Some of the classes that Boshell took, such as aerodynamics, fascinated and confirmed her desired to continue her education and become a pilot. Others, like Airport Management, helped her understand the current state of the industry and challenges in aviation today.
Read on to learn more about Lauren’s journey, including her experience as an online student and her advice on time management.
Q: Tell us about your background.
My career goal is to become a commercial pilot. I live with my parents, sister, brother and two cats. My family and I were originally from the Chicago suburbs, where I started Florida Tech’s online program. We have since moved to Vero Beach, Florida, and are enjoying the beautiful tropical climate!
Q: What were the most important factors in your decision to choose Florida Tech?
I chose Florida Tech because of the online program that allowed me to complete four classes every semester, two at a time. It helped me to be able to manage my schoolwork better. Also, I am so thankful for my student representatives who helped me transfer in all my credits from my previous school and set up the perfect schedule for me to finish my degree.
Q: How will your Florida Tech degree make a difference in your career?
My degree from Florida Tech will make a difference in my career because it allowed me to learn first-hand the management operations both in aviation companies and in the United States in general that keep pilots flying. My degree will also help to open up various job opportunities in my field.
Q: Do you have any future plans with your degree?
I intend to use what I learned about management in the cockpit as an airline pilot. One of the most important factors in flying is crew resource management (CRM). Being able to manage and work effectively with the crew is essential to maintaining open communication, safety, and efficiency during each flight.
Q: What surprised you most about taking an online program?
What surprised me most about taking an online program was the ease of collaborating with classmates on group projects. It was flexible, aside from the weekly deadlines, because we were able to work on the project on our own time without having to schedule group meetings. We were able to collaborate using the in-classroom email, discussion board, and GoogleDocs.
Q: What was your favorite class and why?
Aerodynamics was probably my favorite class. I have always been intrigued by how things work, and aerodynamics was all about how airplanes fly and how different wing shapes change flight performance. I learned a lot from that course that was never covered in ground school.
Q: What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
I think my most valuable takeaway from the program was learning how to communicate effectively and efficiently with classmates and coworkers. Management is not just about being someone’s boss. It is also about teamwork and collaboration with others and finding the most productive way to work toward a common goal.
Q: What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?
Go for it! If you are passionate about aviation, a degree in management can only help broaden your understanding of how the industry works no matter what field you enter. The online program is flexible but also requires you to push yourself toward meeting deadlines. Set up a weekly schedule with your assignments for the week so you don’t get behind. Also, ask questions! If you don’t understand an assignment, the instructors are usually more than willing to answer your questions. Your classmates are also helpful in finding out information.
Q: Who has been your support system?
I have an amazingly supportive family! I am so thankful for Mama, Daddy, Grace, and Evan, who have guided and encouraged me every step of the way!
Q: What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
Math! Well, probably time management. While flexible, it was important that I kept track of time and devoted enough to the online program. While the assignments were not always difficult, they were usually time-consuming. I found that taking breaks here and there, while it might seem counter-intuitive when trying to meet a deadline, was helpful to be able to refresh my mind so that I could continue with the same level of dedication throughout the project.
Q: Who or what inspires you to succeed?
My faith in God and my family inspire me to succeed. I don’t know what I would do without either one. I would not have been able to accomplish what I have without them.
Q: What is one fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I flew an airplane before I drove a car!
Are you a graduate of Florida Tech’s 100% online degree programs? We would love to share your success story in our Student Spotlight series. Contact us at studentspotlight@bisk.com for additional details.
