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Vince Garrett, AA in Aviation Management, Class of 2019

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Born and raised in the Space Coast, Vince Garrett knew that Florida Tech was the right choice for his aviation education.

Garrett decided to earn his AA in Aviation Management online to transition from maintenance to managerial responsibilities. He has gained a new sense of accomplishment from his experience:

“When I first started this journey, I didn’t really give myself much of a chance to finish due to my hectic work and family life. I have a whole new outlook on myself and what I can accomplish now that I am close to graduating.”

The father is continuing his education with Florida Tech’s BA in Aviation Management. We spoke with him about his favorite courses and balancing school with family.

Q. Tell us about your background.

I’ve spent the past 12 years in the aviation/aerospace maintenance industry. I spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as an F-15 Crew chief, two-and-a-half years at SpaceX, and worked at various places as a Corporate A&P mechanic. I was born and raised in the Space Coast area of Florida and currently live a few blocks away from where most of my family grew up in Indian Harbour Beach.

Q. What were the most important factors in your decision to choose Florida Tech?

Growing up in the Space Coast area, I knew Florida Tech was a top school to attend. Attempting to earn a degree in my early 40’s would require great sacrifice and determination, and I would only do it to earn a degree from a top school.

Q. How will your Florida Tech degree make a difference in your career?

My goal is to one day move away from the maintenance side of the aviation and aerospace industry and toward the management side. I have already started to shift towards obtaining more managerial responsibilities with my current employer.

Q. What was your favorite class and why?

All the classes that had to do with management. Those were the classes that I really wanted to soak in all of the information.

Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?

Plan out your school week ahead of time. I found it easier to block out hours for school on specific days rather than trying to squeeze it in around my life.

Q. Who has been your support system?

My wife has been my biggest support system. She encouraged me to stick it out every time I wanted to quit and picked up the slack around the house when I was too busy to help out.

Q. What was the most challenging part of your student journey?

Having enough time in the day and week. Some of the classes required much more time than others.

Q. What is one fun fact about you?

Even though I’m not very good, I love to go to the beach and surf whenever I get a chance.

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