A Stellar Business Education — Inside and Outside the Classroom For business students on the Prescott Campus, consulting projects aren’t the only way to gain valuable industry insight. Airport visits and guest speakers also offer students access to experts and the hands-on experiences that define a CBSI education.
Witnessing their passion and excitement for aviation was truly inspiring.” Dr. Jules Yimga, chair of the department, accompanied the
AI R PORT VI S ITS
CBSI students had the chance to visit Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport this year. Professor Friedlan accompanied the department’s Mesa Gateway group on a four-hour visit that included insights from airport executives and an exclusive tour of the Gulfstream hangar. Friedlan noted that this visit enabled her to “connect with students beyond the confines of the classroom.
Chicago O’Hare group. Their visit to Illinois included a behind-the-scenes tour of the international airport, as well as an alumnus-led tour of United Airlines headquarters. Students were able to connect classroom knowledge with real-world examples of their courses in action, as well as to network with industry leaders and potential employers.
GUEST SPEAKERS
During the 2023-2024 academic year, the department welcomed two guest speakers — Mr. Balram Bheodari, airport general manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Mr. Alex Gertsen, director of airports and ground infrastructure at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Mr. Bheodari discussed the complexities of running the world’s busiest airport. He also offered students actionable advice for pursuing a business career in aviation, including how to begin achieving this goal while in college. Mr. Gertsen provided an equally valuable perspective, this time into the opportunities surrounding business aviation. He also highlighted the important role the NBAA plays in setting national and local policy.
Scan to learn more about these events, including the role student organizations like the American Association of Airport Executives chapter play in organizing them.
14 | College of Business, Security & Intelligence
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