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.

FMI: http://www.wai.org/education/scholarships.cfm