Major: Aviation Management
Year of Graduation: 2005
Current Position: Assistant Airport Manager, City of La Crosse WI
Hometown: North Branch, MN

After graduating from UND in 2005 I accepted a position as the Airport Manager in Devils Lake, ND after working as an intern. I worked in Devils Lake for approximately a year and a half and participated in some major projects including the construction of a $2.4 million dollar terminal building. I then applied for the position of Assistant Airport Manager in La Crosse, WI. I was offered the position in 2006 and have enjoyed the job since.

The best part of the job is the variety. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn more. My favorite aspect of the job has to be the construction projects. It is rewarding to start with a simple idea and watch that idea grow into a new runway or multi-million dollar building. I also enjoy working with all the different people, from pilots to airline staff to air show performers.

My education from UND has been instrumental in my career progression. UND's name is well respected in the airport management field and I do not believe I would be where I am today without my experiences at UND.

My advice to students would be to work hard, get to know as many people as you can, and expand your educational experiences. There are a lot of interesting opportunities beyond the cockpit.