A s Singapore’s aviation industry continues to grow, so does the range of job opportunities in the field. This notion empowers individuals who have always marvelled at aviation to take steps toward an aviation career.

A degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) characterises the first stepping stone. As a pioneer in aviation education, ERAU remains one of the most established and highly-regarded institutions dedicated to the field. It currently awards two bachelor’s degrees in Singapore – the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics as well as the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration. While the former focuses on the technical aspects of aviation/aerospace and the latter on the business sector of the field, both programmes assure individuals of the opportunity to take their career in any direction.

Two individuals let us in on the factors that propelled them to an education at ERAU, and what they hope to achieve in their future.

Why did you choose to study at ERAU?

Chelsea Castro: I knew while I was pursuing my diploma in aviation management and services in Temasek Polytechnic (TP) that my passion truly lies in the aviation industry. This affirmed my decision to pursue a degree in Aviation. However, none of Singapore’s local universities offered such a degree – the closest option was Australia’s University of New South Wales. I knew studying abroad was not a realistic option for me, which made pursuing an aviation-related degree quite impossible.

Muhammad Afeeq Bin Mohd Radzi

Studying:
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics

This is why I was empowered when I found out in 2013 that ERAU would be offering their degree programmes to full-time students in Singapore. It truly opened the door for me to pursue a degree and career in aviation.

Muhammad Afeeq: My interest in aviation developed when I sent my father off on pilgrimage as a boy. Despite having my eyes blurred by tears, I enjoyed watching the planes take off and land at the airport. This aroused my desire to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of aircraft and the aviation industry.

I made the decision to study at ERAU after my peers and facilitators at Republic Polytechnic recommended the institution. After conducting my own research, I also found out that ERAU is highly regarded in the aviation industry, and has produced esteemed graduates from its comprehensive curriculum. These factors made my decision to study at ERAU easy and clear.

What do you like about studying at ERAU?

Chelsea: The University does not require us to plan our own classes or timetables – the cohort sits through many of the same classes each semester. This means our classmates remain nearly identical from the first semester to the final! Naturally, this has made us very familiar with one another.

It is nice to know that classmates are willing to stay behind in school to help others despite the competitiveness. We all share the same passion and work hard to reach a similar goal together. This spirit of togetherness is what makes ERAU unique.

Apart from the family-like environment, I like that ERC Institute, where we go for classes, boasts a variety of facilities both academic and extra-curricular. It has a fully-equipped gym, convenient water dispenser points, and plenty of tables with power switches. These little things make an undergraduate’s student life much more pleasant.

Afeeq: Apart from the fun and flexible lessons, the people I meet in school make classes enjoyable. The small student-to-lecturer ratio also encourages interaction and communication between professors and classmates.

We also have events every semester that bring all the students together – both seniors and juniors – so that we get a chance to forge bonds. The most memorable recent event was the Captain’s Ball competition organised by the seniors. It was one of our largest events held after the completion of our research papers and exams. We enjoyed each other’s company after working really hard in school!

What do you look forward to in the future?

Chelsea: After studying about the aviation industry for nearly five years at both TP and ERAU, I look forward to seeing how the industry will continue to transform Singapore and the region, as well as the developments that will take place. There is much to look forward to, such as Project Jewel, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Career-wise, I intend to take on a Management Trainee role with an airline.

Afeeq: I definitely look forward to starting my career in the aviation industry. Singapore has plans to expand the industry beyond its impressive size today, and I expect plenty of opportunities to be made available to those who have the passion. I would love to get a cadetship from an airline or kick-start my career at Changi after I graduate.

What advice would you have for students who wish to enrol into ERAU?

Chelsea: I would advise students who have a strong desire to work in the aviation industry to look no further than ERAU. If you choose to pursue a degree in aviation, gain as many skills and as much knowledge throughout your university journey as you can. Gaining knowledge is much more valuable than merely chasing after good grades.

Afeeq: The amount of support you get from your peers, advisors and professors here is immense. On top of that, the curriculum incorporates modules that are incredibly relevant and applicable to the real world. With all that said, if you have the passion for the aviation industry and wish to contribute to it, you should really consider ERAU as your top choice.