I know we've had several commercial threads that have either tangentially and/or out-right talked about COM helo jobs, but I don't recall a thread that specifically addresses the "dumb questions" portion. Since I own the dumb question bus, I figured I'd get this started here. I know we don't have a ton of COM helo guys here, but figured I'd start the process...
So I've registered with HAI and plan to attend the 2017 HeliExpo in Dallas. I've done some initial "research" with some other (EMS) helo dudes I know, but trying to figure the simple logistics of a conference are up for grabs. So here goes some dumb conference questions and I welcome discussion...
1) I've signed up for both the "Mil to Civ Training" class and the show floor access. Obviously walking around the show floor, I want to look spectacular, but do I also need a suit for the training class? Given the number of "mentors" supposedly in attendance, it seems like the right thing to do, but just checking.
2) I'm starting a little early (more than 15 months prior to retirement date). I know networking is the key, but if I haven't had the "Mil-to-Civ" training, so do I show up with my possibly less-than-stellar resume on the show floor? I've done some research, and can certainly do a REV 1 resume, but initially, I'm just a country bumpkin dropped into the big city of a conference hall and don't know what I don't know.
3) Conference Hall day: So I've had my class and the next day I'm like Kwai Chang Caine on a Kung Fu quest, given I don't know what I don't know, how valuable is my resume? I mean seriously, every swinging dick is going to be trying to angle for a job with any Chief Pilot on the floor, but what's the angle here? Again, given I have a little time.
4) Business cards. Right or wrong, I still don't have my CFII/Helo II. So shoot me. But I'll work towards that. Given that, if I make up business cards now, how much will it hurt me not having that on my cards? I know this is a short-term question, but figured I'd ask.
I probably have a few others, but I'm blanking. I welcome any thoughts for those who have been through the gauntlet before.
So I've registered with HAI and plan to attend the 2017 HeliExpo in Dallas. I've done some initial "research" with some other (EMS) helo dudes I know, but trying to figure the simple logistics of a conference are up for grabs. So here goes some dumb conference questions and I welcome discussion...
1) I've signed up for both the "Mil to Civ Training" class and the show floor access. Obviously walking around the show floor, I want to look spectacular, but do I also need a suit for the training class? Given the number of "mentors" supposedly in attendance, it seems like the right thing to do, but just checking.
2) I'm starting a little early (more than 15 months prior to retirement date). I know networking is the key, but if I haven't had the "Mil-to-Civ" training, so do I show up with my possibly less-than-stellar resume on the show floor? I've done some research, and can certainly do a REV 1 resume, but initially, I'm just a country bumpkin dropped into the big city of a conference hall and don't know what I don't know.
3) Conference Hall day: So I've had my class and the next day I'm like Kwai Chang Caine on a Kung Fu quest, given I don't know what I don't know, how valuable is my resume? I mean seriously, every swinging dick is going to be trying to angle for a job with any Chief Pilot on the floor, but what's the angle here? Again, given I have a little time.
4) Business cards. Right or wrong, I still don't have my CFII/Helo II. So shoot me. But I'll work towards that. Given that, if I make up business cards now, how much will it hurt me not having that on my cards? I know this is a short-term question, but figured I'd ask.
I probably have a few others, but I'm blanking. I welcome any thoughts for those who have been through the gauntlet before.