There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills build through majoring in MAJOR include:

• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Professionalism & Work Ethic
• Critical Thinking

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating from the Aviation and Aerospace Science program find success in employment fields such as Aerospace, Airlines, and Operations.

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

Graduates are typically successful in finding employment in representative large and small entities, such as Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Boeing,  Denver International Airport, Centennial Airport, Cheyenne Regional Airport, US Coast Guard (including all branches of the military services), major and small commuter airlines, plus many more!

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Review the current AVS Department and Degree Guide each term.
• Attend the AVS New Student Orientation (NSO). NSO is held a week prior to the official fall term.
• YOU MUST meet with a faculty department academic advisor (each semester) – call our central office for appointment or email a full-time faculty member directly for online or on campus advising – request advice on early career planning, degree selection, and first term class selection.
• Declare your major and any relevant minor or certificate programs (see advisor for details).

• Speak to an advisor or the front office staff about joining AVS student organizations – review the AVS Department and Degree Guide for extensive detail regarding AVS student organizations and contact information
• Consider joining university-wide student organizations throughout your tenure at MSU Denver. Contact MSU Denver student organization outreach, more info here

• Investigate on-campus and career-aligned jobs on Career Link as routinely featured on the MSU Denver Web site.
• Begin to develop and explore career pathways in both aviation and aerospace related industries. Seek related advice from your professors.

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) for opportunities for professional mentoring and job shadowing.

• REVIEW the current AVS Department and Degree Guide each term
• Consider seeking a potential future internship for academic credit.
• Check your Degree Progress Report (DPR) in the Student Hub and meet with your department advisor (at the beginning of every academic term).

• Speak with professors and students that belong to professional organizations about special initiatives in which you could engage outside of classes and network with established professionals in your chosen field(s) of study.
• Attend speaker and dedicated events hosted by the department and professional organizations (e.g., AAAE, ISS Symposium, CO Space Coalition – see Department and Degree Guide for further information and monitor your email for special announcements).

• Connect with the C2 Hub featured on the MSU-Denver Web site for professional mentoring and networking opportunities.
• Investigate pathways and opportunities in graduate school programming that will build on your professional development after graduation from MSU-D or later in your career.

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• Take advantage of opportunities to practice your leadership skills by serving as an intern in aviation and/or aerospace professional settings, and as an officer of a student organization.
• Continue to attend unique events hosted by the department, university, and professional organizations for networking and developing strategic relationships with key members in industry.

• Prepare to engage and expend considerable effort in your senior capstone classes. These classes will leverage your gained knowledge and skills into highly specific strategies for gaining employment post-graduation.