Aviation Organizations and my Career Path

The career path I have chosen in the aviation industry is to move forward in management. As a woman in the field, the first organization I was drawn to is Women in Aviation ( WAI.ORG). They are a non profit organization that has a mission to encourage the advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. They also have a very large group of men who have joined. As a matter of fact, my first ground school instructor, Ryan, encouraged me to join because he was a member and found it very rewarding.
The benefits of being a part of WAI are that they provide networking, education, mentoring and scholarships. It is not always the easiest thing to find your local chapters and you do have to do some of your own leg work. The staff is always friendly and very willing to talk to you about aviation. You truly feel connected to people who love the industry and want you to be a part of it.
They help to promote interest in aviation through their blogs, twitter, advertising, conferences, career opportunities and recognition of those who are making strides in helping others achieve their goals, or those who are reaching their goals in the industry.
The second organization I have joined is the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE.ORG). They do not necessarily have a mission statement, but a code of ethics. One of the statements in the code that I found interesting was the one that says we will not elect officials that would compromise the performance of a professional executive. Making statements about who we will vote for, is a bold move. I feel this organization is more motivated for those of us who want to be a part of the professional environment. I feel it will promote me well in the business world. I plan on getting all my certifications.
AAAE is committed to providing services and ideas to maximize revenues and minimize costs for airports, keeps you informed of the industry issues, offers you combined experience and shared knowledge from other professionals and helps you become and efficient and productive manager.
The benefits of being a member are subscriptions to Airport magazine and Airport Report today. Access to the member directory and information library. Discounts on meetings and products, eligibility of professional development, priority response from staff and a card and pin to prove you are a member. I have only spoken with a couple of people who are involved in this organization, and they are always professional.
Of the two organizations I feel I have a well rounded group of people who can fill most of what I need in the industry. I do not know where my career will lead me, but I feel like I have the support to succeed.