Stacey Caffrey – Plane Spotting to Aviation Management

For our current MSc in Aviation Management student, Stacey Caffrey, airplanes have always been in her life. When she was young her father would take her to the airport to watch them take off and land. And after the budding plane spotter initially went down an arts degree path, she soon circled back to the world of aviation.

“It didn’t come as a surprise that I entered the world of aviation as cabin crew.

“I worked in the Middle East for the past six years across all cabins with a well-known carrier.

“It was of my best experiences to date.

“I love the fast-paced environment and the growth opportunities that lie within the aviation field,” she said.

It was the desire to seek these opportunities that brought Stacey to Portobello Institute. With the aim of ascending to a more managerial role in the sector, she began to research courses. While she admits there were other options out there, Portobello’s flexibility with learning modes meant she could continue to work alongside her study.

“I found other places that offered the course, but it meant full-time study on campus which is not what I needed.

“Portobello best suited my preference which meant more flexibility for study and a work-life balance”, she said.

From there it was on to the application process which Stacey describes as “easy and painless”.

“I had a few questions that I asked through the live web chatbox, and I was put in touch with a lovely man named Brandon who answered any questions I had and talked me through the process.

“My application process was so smooth which meant that I could start getting excited about the course,” she said.

As she prepares to begin her second semester of the course, Stacey says she has found it to be a very enjoyable experience so far.

“The classes are so interesting, and the tutors are so knowledgeable that you do not feel the class time going.

“The tutors are extremely approachable and always find the time to help if needed, which is not always the case in larger institutions.

“There is a lot of material to cover but it is easily achievable with the good guidance from the tutors and your own dedication.

“I thought at first I would be completely lost with the economic and finance side of the course as I don’t come from that kind of background, but the tutor had an effective way of explaining and I rather enjoy the finance side to the course now.

“Learning about aviation strategy has helped me understand the reason behind a lot of airport and airline decisions and how the overall running of an airline works,” she said.

After the completion of a final project, Stacey will have opportunities to ascend the ladder of the aviation industry and reach her goal of training cabin crew leaders as well as working on projects to enhance airport infrastructure and airline profitability.

If you are interested in any of our Travel and Tourism degrees, masters or qualifications you can book a consultation call with our expert advisor Brandon McLean here, email brandon.mclean@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0035.

This MSc in Aviation Management is awarded by London Metropolitan University.