AOA Aviation Industry & Pilot Networking Night Draws Hundreds

The Embry-Riddle Center for Career and Professional Development, in partnership with the Alpha Omicron Alpha (AOA) Honor Society, welcomed nearly 300 Aeronautical Science students and aspiring aviation professionals to the AOA Aviation Industry & Pilot Networking Night on March 31 at the Henderson Welcome Center.

Created to connect students directly with aviation employers and industry professionals, the event offered a valuable evening of career exploration, mentorship and networking. Representatives from a broad range of organizations participated, including JetBlue, Amerijet International, Jet-A, Pan Am Flight Academy, Endeavor Air, United Airlines, CommuteAir, NASCAR, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Piper Aircraft and Republic Airways.

Throughout the evening, students engaged in meaningful conversations with recruiters, pilots and industry leaders, gaining firsthand insight into career pathways, hiring expectations and the evolving aviation industry. The event created an energetic and supportive environment where students could ask questions, build connections and grow more confident in their professional goals.

“AOA Aviation Industry & Pilot Networking Night was an incredibly meaningful evening for our students and a powerful example of what can happen when industry professionals invest their time, experience and encouragement into the next generation of aviation talent,” said Christopher Crisomia, associate director of the Center for Career and Professional Development. “Events like this help students see what is possible and remind them that building relationships is one of the most important parts of launching a successful career in aviation.”