Making connections
 

Ok so what are some ways for a guy to make connections when trying to work into the corporate world?.. other than showing up at NBAA conferences or having parents with important friends.

It's odd that your question itself seems to shun two of the best answers: industry trade association events and personal networking.

I don't think he is "shunning" them, it seems that he is recognizing those two tried and tested methods (and taking a slight shot at the personal networking route) and asking for other ideas.

Right, I realize that those are the most effective or common ways of getting an "in" and I am wondering if there is an angle or approach that I haven't thought of.

What are your ultimate goals?
Is it to start out contracting? Is it to fly for an individual/family?
Is it to work for a large corporation?
Charter? Cargo?
Is this a means to an end to get to a major?
Do you live in a large metropolitan area or a small town?
What is your TT? Multi? ATP?

So many questions and since it sounds like you are just starting out you may not know the answers yourself....I didn't.

SO much of it is who you know and who knows you.
Network! The more people who know you and know that you are looking to move forward in your career the better.
Hang around the local FBO and chat with people. Find out who owns what airplanes are there and show some initiative by asking if they are hiring.
Try contacting pilot placement companies and see if they are supplying pilots for something you are qualified for.
Find the operators who use contract pilots to sit right seat in whatever they fly. See if they will be willing to get you an SIC sign-off if they are flying a jet requiring two pilots......but do Not work for free. We are professionals and deserve to be paid as such.

Here's a different angle... How about an "internship" or part-time SIC with one of the Part 142 Sim Training Centers? I know many folks that have been very successful in that route. You would serve as an SIC for "solo" clients and will meet alot of corporate and 135 pilots/management personnel. Once they see your professional flying skills and excellent personality, they will snap you up in a heartbeat!

Good idea but I think the lines are long for those positions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Two ideas for you. Get someone to invite you to the PJP board on Facebook and join ************* forum. Great networking tools

I got my first corporate job flying as a co-pilot on a KA200 from working line service at the local airport. The line guys know the "heartbeat" of the airport. Get to know the corporate operators and network, keep them posted on your ratings and when one of the corporate pilots get sick they will call you, and you will get a break like one of those pilots. Corporate operators will hire someone they know long before they search a stack of resumes. If you have a good personality and attitude it will show, you'll get the call. Good luck !

I made connections by simply getting old and keeping in touch with people I had flown with in the past. Social media has made keeping in touch much easier. Just by having worked with many people at charter companies, regional airlines, cargo airlines, etc, I now have friends at practically every airline and many different corporate departments. I don't really recommend getting old though. Now where did I put my reading glasses?