Aviation student sees career opportunities take off in airport internship
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—When it comes to Ben Higgins's future, the sky's the limit. The Western Michigan University aviation management and operations student sees a vast array of career destinations on the horizon thanks to an impactful internship at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO).
"Being an intern here definitely helps me get a foot in the door," he says.
Higgins linked up with AZO through the Broncos Lead Internship Program, which offers paid internships and professional development to students through the Empowering Futures Gift.
Throughout the summer, Higgins had the opportunity to work alongside airport leaders, learning the ins and outs of managing an international airport—from flight status updates to airfield checks to emergency drill deployment.
"Since I got to shadow people in so many fields, it really helped me narrow down my decision for what I'd like to do. It also introduced me to jobs I didn't realize were a potential career option."
A welcome departure
Higgins, who grew up near Detroit in Brownstown, Michigan, initially came to Western with his sights on the captain's chair. However, he diverted his plans after his first experience in the air.
"I found out quickly I didn't quite have the stomach for flying," he laughs. "So, I switched majors to aviation management, and it's been a really nice transition."
In addition to learning from faculty in Western's first-class College of Aviation, the management and operations major also gives students a solid foundation in management through various courses in Haworth College of Business. Higgins has found a runway to begin applying the skills he's honed in the classroom across the wide spectrum of tasks he's been entrusted with at the airport.
In fact, it's gone so well he's been offered the opportunity to stay on at AZO for another semester.
"This job has given me the chance to meet many great people in the aviation industry and get a footing on what will become my career when I graduate this spring."
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