Alumni Flyer: Ben Bigelow

Flight Operations: Class of 2004, MBA: Class of 2006
If the Passion is There, It Doesn’t Feel like Work

by Krista Deangelis

Ben Bigelow became the first in his family to pursue a career in aviation. A new hire at American Airlines, Bigelow has achieved his ultimate career goal and plans to spend the remaining 30 years with the country’s largest airline. “I have the best corner office in the world,” he said. “I’m able to travel around the world and see things that very few people have the opportunity to see in their entire life. Since graduating, I was a full-time flight and ground instructor for Westminster, and in 2006, I was hired as a first officer in the EMB–120 for SkyWest Airlines,” Bigelow explained. “One year later, I was awarded a captain position. Seven years later, I was hired by US Airways, now American Airlines, as a first officer.”

Bigelow believes his career has been very rewarding, but he recognizes that it’s not for the faint of heart. “The first five to 10 years are not easy. You have to love aviation. If it truly is a passion, it does not feel like work. You rarely have a bad day.

Learn more about Westminster's aviation program in our article, "Wings of Westminster."

 

 

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About the Westminster Review

The Westminster Review is Westminster University’s bi-annual alumni magazine that is distributed to alumni and community members. Each issue aims to keep alumni updated on campus current events and highlights the accomplishments of current students, professors, and Westminster alum.

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