Maybe you’ve been thinking about making a dramatic career change. If you’ve always dreamed about becoming a pilot, this could be your opportunity to make that dream a reality. By taking a certification course with NSPIRE Aviation , you can kick off a new career as a commercial pilot! Furthermore, these tips will show you how to enhance your resume to secure your first job, and even walk you through some of the requirements for starting your own aviation business. Figure Out if It’s Time for a Change When do you know that it’s time for a career change? Sometimes, looking for a new job in the same field is enough - but sometimes, you need to completely shift directions. Robert Walters Group states that if your skills do not align with your true professional interests, it may be a sign to work on breaking into a new field, where you can pour your talents into a job that you love. Get Certified as a Commercial Pilot You’re committed to making a career change, and you’re ready to take the first big step towards becoming a commercial pilot by earning your pilot’s license. You’ll need to complete a private pilot certification first, earn an instrument rating, get your necessary flight hours under your belt, and then pass a written and practical exam covering everything you’ve learned. Finally, you’ll be ready to get your commercial pilot’s license! Update Your Resume If you’re getting ready to look for your first job as a commercial pilot, you might be wondering how to create a resume . Changing up your resume when switching fields can take time, so start this process early! AVJobs states that you can include your flight times, certifications, and ratings, as well as your previous jobs. Finally, even after you’ve created a strong resume, don’t forget that you can tweak it for each job opening. For example, you might want to add different keywords to the skills section based on the job description. You can also emphasize specific accomplishments in your professional history and academic sections. Navigate the Job Hunt You’ve got your license, your resume is ready, and you’re eager to start working as a pilot. You may need to get a flight instructor certification first, as it’s much easier to find employment as a flight instructor when you have minimal experience. Research different employers in your area, and try to network with people who already work there - they might be able to give you a valuable reference that could land you an interview! Even in the aviation field, networking is often the key to getting the job you want. Consider Starting Your Own Business One day, you might want to start your own business in the commercial aviation sector. For instance, if you live in an area that attracts tourists, you might want to offer private flights to show off the aerial views of your region. If you intend to start a business, you’ll have to obtain a business license first, as well as any appropriate permits. To find out which licenses and permits you’ll need, check out the requirements in your state. By hiring a service to assemble the list of required permits and licenses for your aviation business, you’ll save hours of time! Working in commercial aviation is an exciting career choice. If you’ve been itching for a career change, it might be time to take to the skies. With these tips, you’ll be ready to pursue a certification program, spruce up your resume for job applications, and even launch your very own aviation business in the future. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Turn to NSPIRE Aviation ! Fill out the contact form on their website to learn more about the certification programs. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Photo via Unsplash