Tue, Mar 15, 2005
Scholarship Winners Panel
By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey
With 16 scholarship wins to her
credit, multi-engine pilot and A&P mechanic Nicole Cagnolatti
is well qualified to share her views on the difference between a
pass/fail mark on a scholarship application. Cagnolatti and several
former scholarship winners shared valuable advice with those
looking to advance in aviation at the 16th Annual International
Women in Aviation Conference in Dallas.
Women in Aviation, International outgoing Scholarship Chair Mary
Ann Eiff and incoming Chairperson Rosemary Emhoff also offered
insight into what makes an application great. Below are helpful
hints to help you reach your next aviation goal:
Pay attention to detail. Edit your essays, run spell check, have
someone else read it and be sure to personalize it for the company
you are sending it to. Don't say, "I've always wanted to work for
American Airlines and then send it to United."
-
Follow directions. If the application calls for a
500-word essay, don't send one with 2,000 words.
-
Keep papers in order.
-
Be complete. Be sure your application package
touches on everything that the requirements call for.
-
Neatness counts. A messy application may convey
that you are not an orderly person.
-
If your name changes, due to marriage or divorce,
update it.
-
Apply close to, or just above, your level of
achievement. It wouldn't make sense for a private pilot to apply
for an Airbus type rating.
-
Recommendation letters are very important. Letter
writers can touch on things that you may not want to talk
about.
-
Mention volunteer work. Most scholarships go to
well-rounded individuals.
-
Start early. Plan ahead.
About a dozen scholarship winners, male and female, were in the
audience. Each one rose to tell the story of where they are today
and the impact the scholarship made on their careers. Several said
they were offered jobs in lieu of scholarship dollars when
impressed sponsors read their application packages. One student was
ready to transfer from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University when
she felt she could no longer afford attending there. A scholarship
made the difference between an ERAU degree and not. Scholarships
for type ratings worth several thousand dollars allow winners to
advance in professional training. One scholarship winner, a private
pilot, fell out of flying for several years, then applied for and
won a $1,000 Jeppesen scholarship. She is now flying for American
Eagle.
Eiff reminded potential applicants to apply even if you don't
quite fit the criteria. Sometimes, money is returned when no
applications are received. In some cases, she said, you're
competing against dozens of other applicants. Occasionally, yours
may be the only application received.
The common theme is to keep trying, keep applying. Women in
Aviation, International is there to help.
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