A career in Aviation Safety...What's that like?

Meet Ms Lisa Anderson – Aviation Safety Expert at the United Nations.

Ms. Anderson is a commercial pilot who earned master’s degrees in aviation safety, and Aviation Business Management. In 2011, she created the United Nations’ first Aviation Risk Management Unit, managing the safety assessment process for more than 5,200 commercial air operators around the world. Today, she is leading the UN's Commercial Air Travel Safety Unit and has supported the development of policy and guidance to assess the relative risk and suitability of air operators for use on official UN Travel.

How did she get into this field of work? What inspired her to pursue this career in aviation?

Today, on International Women’s Day, I get a chance to ask Ms Anderson a few questions about her inspiring career.

First, can you please tell me what got you interested in a career in aviation?

Well, I grew up in a small town named Campbellsville in Kentucky and when I was young, I didn’t really know much about the world outside of Kentucky. One day, my dad brought home a National Geographic magazine and that’s when I first realized there was a world out there that was uniquely different from what I knew. That really sparked my curiosity and attracted my adventurous spirit.

So, what did you study?

I did my undergraduate studies at Eastern Kentucky University, where I actually changed my major eight times.

Wait, what…? Eight times?!

Yes, and I was challenged by my adviser and professor Dr. Wilma “Willi” Walker (now retired) to either find a program that matched my goals or, if it didn’t exist, to design it. In the end, I opted for the baccalaureate degree program in Geography/Travel and Tourism.

At that time, the department also housed the University’s aviation program, which got me interested in aviation.

After that, I pursued a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science, Aviation Safety and Safety Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, followed by an MBA in Aviation Business.

Why Aviation Business?

Aviation is BIG business. As a commercial pilot, I can fly an aircraft, but that does not mean I know how the entire global industry is interconnected, and I felt that was very important to understand.

What does your current job at the United Nations Department of Operational Support entail?

UN staff work in many different areas all around the world. They deliver humanitarian aid to populations in need, implement programs to support sustainable development, and help to maintain peace and security in unstable environments.

Often, the only way they get to certain areas is by airplane. So, I assess global air operator safety, I analyze commercial aviation safety issues, and I provide advice and guidance to the global UN System on the suitability of air operators for use in official UN staff travel.

My work supports 54 UN organizations worldwide so it is never boring or routine.

What do you like most about your job?

I have a real opportunity to make a quantifiable difference in the world, and that’s very exciting. I have been given the opportunity to collaborate and develop new concepts with other aviation and safety/security professionals to help benefit humanitarian service. This is more than just a job, it’s a daily test in assessing and adapting to the most complex industry in the world.

That sounds both challenging and interesting. Your career path makes me realize there are so many different fields of aviation that one can pursue. What advice would you give to young students who are passionate about aviation, but don’t know exactly what they would like to study yet?

Regardless of the aviation role you seek or plan to go into, be sure to look at the school program and faculty carefully. Research and apply for as many scholarships as possible. The writing required for scholarship applications will serve to better solidify your aviation goals, further your enthusiasm for the industry and help you in learning how to market yourself (which can help in performing better in future interviews). Regardless of whether you win the actual scholarship or not, you still win by creating the dialogue within your own head to help you succeed at the university of your choice.

Also, once you are in university: keep an open mind. Find mentors/advisors who can support and guide you and be OK with adjusting your attitude and changing direction.

Thank you so much for your advice and for taking the time to answer these questions. I know how busy you must be, so I really appreciate it.

My pleasure! I’m never too busy to share my pride of work and love for aviation!