Brian Stark ⋅ Midland, MI U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 5 years served

Thanks Rebecca Decker, I will keep that in mind, but I don't think my Fiance wants to move that far. I know out west especially California there is a lot going on in this unmanned aerial market. It would probably be my a good move to find a job out there and get the experience while the job market grows in Michigan. Again thanks for your comment

Rebecca Decker ⋅ Monument, CO ⋅ 18 years experience

Hi Brian,
I am a former employee of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. If you're open to looking at the development, production and logistics side of UAS and moving to the San Diego area or the Southern California desert they have a ton of jobs. I can put you in contact with someone in the company.
Best of luck!
Becca

Katie Tamarelli ⋅ Newport, KY Strategy& ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Brian,

It sounds like it is a pretty bespoke role. I would recommend looking through a number of networks you have access to. I would start with your alumni association, your professors and perhaps friends and colleagues. I would also recommend looking at LinkedIn (and follow) at your top choice employers. See if you have any connections in common and try to get conversations or introductions with those people.

Hope that helps!
Katie

Neil Serafin ⋅ Easthampton, MA Telecommunications ⋅ 40 years experience

Funding for the environment is rocky. I would suggest shift gears and go for profit companies...not public traded...Boston Consulting Group would be one of my picks.

Brian Stark ⋅ Midland, MI U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 5 years served

Thanks, for the information I'm currently working on networking on LinkedIn and that seems to be the most promising to get answers and find other people working with this technology. I will look into the alumni network and see where that might lead.
Mr. Burger I agree that my best option is working in the Environmental consulting field and gaining skills while the UAS market works it way out. The FAA has started giving permission to certain companies to fly (mostly filming companies). I know I'm limiting myself to Michigan and jumping the gun on the UAS market. My dream job is to UAS technology to monitor wildlife and ecosystems (which should happen) I'm just trying to create the job before it is available.

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

The truth is that most of the UAVs in use today are being used for agricultural applications: crop management, spraying, etc and so I would research the companies providing these services and the brand UAVs they are using and apply with them. There are many in Oregon & Washington. Good Luck. David Eastman. U S Navy. ASWs.

David Eastman ⋅ Gresham, OR Gamma Therapeutics, Inc. ⋅ 35 years experience

The truth is that most of the UAVs in use today are being used for agricultural applications: crop management, spraying, etc and so I would research the companies providing these services and the brand UAVs they are using and apply with them. There are many in Oregon & Washington. Good Luck. David Eastman. U S Navy. ASWs.

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

Hi Brian,
I agree with Shannon, not only the alumni from your university, but faculty and professional associations or Linkedin Groups in your field.
Because this is a developing field, it is happening now so you want to be engaged with those that are in the field and can see where it is going.
Best,
Susana

Chuck Burger ⋅ King Of Prussia, PA Lockheed Martin ⋅ 47 years experience

Hello Brian,

It may be a case of putting the cart before the horse in the area of commercial UAS operations. As you have pointed out the FAA is still in the process of developing regulations. However, given the geological pace in which the bureaucracy operates, I’m not so certain about how imminent “new regulations coming out favoring UAS use” actually might be, at least here in the US. That market may actually develop faster abroad than here at home. A quick search on USAJOBS.gov https://www.usajobs.gov/ gets two hits on “UAS”, both with the FAA. A search on environmental consulting yields more but you have to narrow the search to your specifics. I will say that geographical restrictions/preferences can really narrow the opportunity set, so that is something else to consider.

Maybe you can consider an approach that initially focuses on the environmental consulting (EESH,etc.) aspect which would allow you to grow and develop your skills in that area while the UAS market is given time to mature. Given the regulatory climate, those business cases are still being developed. Finding the companies involved may or may not be too difficult as there are likely few at this juncture, but that is a potential path. Again, limiting it to MI only will really narrow the opportunities, especially in such a new and specialized field.

Lastly, your specialties will market themselves as they are pretty exclusive. It’s a matter of prioritizing the ES and UAS components to match the current market environment.

I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.

Shannon Bradford ⋅ Lakewood, OH RichWorkZone ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Brian,

That's a pretty specialized ask for this type of site. I think you would find more information by using your alumni network to find people working in those types of organizations (even if they are not in that specific area) and ask them if they can answer your questions or connect you with someone who can.

Best of luck with your program and your job search.