Sai Chittimalla, an aeronautics senior became the first Kent State University aviation management student to pass the American Association of Airport Executives: Airfield Operations Certification exam, and in record time. The test, traditionally given post-collegiately, is a 3-hour investment, but Chittimalla completed the exam in less than 60 minutes.
“Program graduates typically take the test once they have secured a job within airport management,” says Tom Long, M.B.A., A.A.E., assistant professor aeronautics. “Passing the exam prior to graduation makes Sai a very attractive job candidate.”
In the past, students have felt prepared enough to take the test only after completing all of the coursework, but the program’s new rigorous and challenging design has boosted readiness, with several other students planning to sit for the exam.
Chittmalla is currently considering internship options, but says he does not have a specific state he’d like to work in after graduation.