What's new with Vivian Wong?

Q: Vivian, what have you been doing since you graduated in 2006?

A: Three months after graduating from BCIT Airport Operations in 2006, I was hired by the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) as an Airport Operations Officer (AOO). This job consisted of providing customer service to tenants and the general public, as well as dealing with maintenance issues around the airport and, most importantly, dealing with emergencies on Sea Island. This job allowed me to learn more about the aviation industry and what it is like to handle emergency situations.

While working full-time, I decided to take my education to the next level through a Bachelor’s degree at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a dual minor in Management and Aviation Safety.

In 2008, I took the next step in my career path by moving into a new position, International Arrivals Coordinator, within YVR. In this position I oversee the complicated passenger arrivals process and deal with many agencies daily to resolve issues that may become operationally important to the airport. This experience has allowed me to enhance my interpersonal skills and further prepare me to meet my managment career. However, intense competition in the industry made me realize I should consider further enhancing my knowledge of aviation, so in January, 2009 I began the first semester of a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry Riddle. Since I have always had an interest in teaching, I have decided to specialize in adult education and aviation security. My goal is to complete my Masters by 2011 which hopefully, will allow me time to gain the experience to proceed to a management position here at YVR.