There are many associations that
involve the aviation industry all serving different purposes and having
different missions. Two organizations that I plan to belong to are the American
Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the International Association of
Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). I am currently involved with the IAM as
the airline I work for is covered by this association as the covering union for
customer service agents.
The AAAE was “founded in 1928, and is the world's largest
professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of
airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation
airports. (About AAAE)” The AAAE has many different local branches throughout
the country with the main branch located in Washington D.C.
The IAM was founded in 1888 and
represents many different industries. Within the different industries they
represent different department. I am personally in the aerospace wing of the organization
with is constantly growing (History of the IAM). Some of the main goals of the
IAM according to their website are: “Cost-of-living
raises so that wage rates rise with living costs, increased purchasing power to
provide a higher standard of living, equal pay for equal work regardless of
sex, race, or national origin, shorter work week with double time for voluntary
overtime and portable pensions with optional early retirement benefits. (Goals
of the IAM)” The IAM association advocates for different things in Washington D.C. U.S.
airports (IAM activist center).
It is
important to me belong to these organizations and really any organization to
help support my career. Everybody knows that the aviation industry is all about
who you know and what relationship you may have with them. Belonging to these
organizations allow me network, and remain current with events and what is really
going on in the industry. There are lots of things that organizations lobby for
that people would never hear about on the news, so if you are not involved you
will also not know. Professionally these organizations offer many different
conferences, and events which can help me remain current. These organizations
also have many resources to take advantage of like resume writing and simply
job hunting. Therefore belonging to these types of organizations are very
important and may even help you advance in your career.
Resources
About AAAE.
(n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2016, from https://www.aaae.org/aaae/AAAEMBR/About_AAAE/AAAEMemberResponsive/About_AAAE/About_AAAE.aspx?hkey=17fa23bc-bfe6-4589-9c8b-c362c1e7c303
Advocacy. (n.d.).
Retrieved March 31, 2016, from https://www.aaae.org/aaae/AAAEMBR/Advocacy/AAAEMemberResponsive/Advocacy/Advocacy.aspx?hkey=733ba842-ea4f-4fad-980f-425b0cfcb03b
GOIAM - Take
Action. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2016, from http://www.congressweb.com/goiam
Goals of the IAM
- 21st Century Labor Union - IAMAW. (n.d.).
Retrieved March 31, 2016, from http://www.goiam.org/index.php/headquarters/goals-of-the-iam
History of the
IAM - 21st Century Labor Union - IAMAW.
(n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2016, from http://www.goiam.org/index.php/headquarters/history-of-the-iam
I agree with your standing that one of the benefits with being involved with these associations is the networking. Being able to meet influential figures in the industry can really help in furthering someone’s career. Additionally, it provides you the opportunity to be as knowledgeable and proficient in your trade as possible.
ReplyDeleteGood research on IAM, looks like a very decent organization, they shows responsibility and cares toward airlines industry employees and bring awareness about very current issue that affects everyone. Also, i agree with you that joining an organization will able to build network and raise concern about current issues.
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