Sponsored Student Spotlight: Savitri Vahini Muthukumar
Attendees of the 2023 38th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Thunder Bay will certainly remember Savitri Vahini Muthukumar. As one of the Sponsored Students that year, she reached out to all the seasoned airport professionals to network and learn about the Airport Management Council of Ontario, their respective airports, and the airport environment in Ontario. Although the AMCO community only became acquainted with Savitri two short years ago, she is already on a strong career trajectory and fulfilling her dreams to work in her chosen sector.
We caught up with Savitri to see what she is doing currently. She graciously shared her advice for Sponsored Students of the future and young women potentially seeking a career in the aviation industry.
An International Journey
Savitri received her undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering from a university in India. Such programming provided her strong technical knowledge of aircraft and space vehicles. She found this side of the industry fascinating; however, her curiosity about how the aviation industry functions, including the operational and managerial aspects of airlines and airports, could not be dismissed. It was this same curiosity that led Savitri to enroll in the Aviation Management program at Georgian College. Combining a technical foundation with business and safety operations knowledge would surely become beneficial as Savitri entered the aviation sector.
AMCO: A Welcoming Community Assisting the Next Generation
Savitri shares that it was “an incredible honour” to be selected as a Sponsored Student in 2023. It was the young student’s first opportunity to attend such a large-scale industry event. She found the openness and welcoming nature of the aviation professionals in attendance inspiring. The ability to engage with airport directors, safety managers, and industry leaders left a memorable mark for Savitri. She was struck by their passion and willingness to share about the industry that connected all attendees at the event.
The ability to network and make meaningful connections remains a standout lesson from the 2023 Convention. Savitri observed that these soft skills are “just as critical as developing technical expertise, especially at the beginning of one’s career.” The ability to interact with industry leaders provided real-world insights that assisted in the development of her nuanced view of the industry and led Savitri to take an active role in aviation safety. Discussions with those in attendance ultimately led to a deeper understanding of the diverse career paths within the aviation sector.
New Stops on a Professional Journey
Savitri soon found a co-op position with Air Canada’s Corporate Safety Team. In this role, she gained hands-on experience and contributed to key safety initiatives. The former Sponsored Student was eventually offered a full-time position as a Corporate Safety Data Specialist within the Corporate Safety team upon the completion of her co-op terms.
This is a multi-faceted role with many responsibilities. Savitri supports the safety program of the airline by analysing operational data, creating interactive dashboards for safety managers, and handling incoming safety reports. Further, she assists in the organization in weekly safety calls in which she also participates, contributes to safety assessments, and prepares reports for the Transportation Safety Board (TSB).
Additionally, Savitri is responsible for documentation and record keeping ensuring everything is accurate and well-organized. This is surely an ideal role for a young professional like Savitri as it allows her to combine her passion for aviation with her keen interest in safety analytics and continuous improvement.
Timely Advice
Although it has been a short period between being a Sponsored Student and now being actively employed with Air Canada, Savitri shared some sage advice. Firstly, in a message to young women considering a future career path in the aviation industry, she highlights the importance of confidence, perseverance, and self-belief. The importance of working with supportive mentors and colleagues who encouraged her growth as well as recognized her contributions have certainly not been overlooked.
In a message to young women aspiring to enter the field, she notes:
Don’t hesitate to make your presence known and share your voice. Be proactive in seeking mentorship, remain curious, and trust in your abilities. Whether your interests lie in technical roles, management, or airport operations, there is a meaningful place for you in aviation.
Secondly, Savitri offered insight to those considering the Aviation Management program, future AMCO Sponsored Students. She notes that students should be open to learning beyond the classroom to truly gain the full experience of their education. In particular, she advises to engage with professionals, attend industry events, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Real world exposure is key in the aviation sector!
For Sponsored Students, Savitri highly encourages them to continue their engagement with AMCO through Student Membership. Engaging with AMCO provides a unique opportunity to gain early industry exposure, meeting professionals face-to-face, and understand the challenges and innovations shaping airport operations. She shares that, “It gave me direction and clarity in my career path, and I believe it can do the same for many others.”
AMCO is so pleased to be acquainted with Savitri as a former Sponsored Student, and we wish her all the best in her burgeoning career.