Cleared for Takeoff

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:12:26 +0000

Cleared for Takeoff BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:12

Logan internship prepares senior for career in aviation

September 14, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

The aviation field requires on-the-job experience that classroom instruction alone cannot provide. And Sophia Schiappa, ’24, is discovering there’s no better training opportunity than an internship at New England’s busiest airport.

“It’s such a hands-on industry,” said Sophia, an aviation management major from Wareham who is interning at Logan International Airport. “It’s an environment you have to be in to succeed.”

Sophia first worked at Logan for Cape Air, which flies from Boston to destinations in New England and upstate New York. In January, she began what has become a year-long internship with Massport, the public agency that runs Logan.

Sophia works in operations at Terminal E, which handles most international flights. She helps ensure smooth communication and collaboration between Massport, airlines, ground crews and others who help passengers travel to faraway destinations such as Dubai, Tokyo and Paris.

“I’m kind of like a middleman,” said Sophia, who interned this summer alongside fellow Bear Catherine Cummings, ’23. “I communicate about delays, weather and irregular operations and assist the airlines with whatever they need.”

Every day brings new experiences and challenges – and that’s just what Sophia is seeking in a career. Her internship even coincided with the construction and opening of a four-gate extension to Terminal E.

On campus, Sophia is president and co-founder of the Women in Aviation club, which organizes field trips and community service activities. Sophia enjoys helping new students acclimate to ŷ�� and the aviation field.

“I remember being a freshman at Bridgewater State and feeling a little lost with what I wanted to do,” she said. “Now it feels like I have a sense of who I am.”

During her internship, she helped run a STEM expo for high school students, an experience that further solidified her plans.

Sophia aims to continue giving back throughout a career that she hopes leads back to Logan Airport.

“Being able to support such a major facility in the state of Massachusetts would mean a lot to me,” she said. “Plus, I enjoy what I’m doing. I can blend a personal passion and a career.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I remember being a freshman at Bridgewater State and feeling a little lost with what I wanted to do. Now it feels like I have a sense of who I am.

Sophia Schiappa, ’24

Alumnus Profile: Nick Gosselin

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Alumnus Profile: Nick Gosselin Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

Connecticut native finds a high-flying career in Alaska

August 2, 2019

Heather Harris Michonski

Story Series

News Feature

Little did Nick Gosselin know that his decision to attend a meeting to learn more about the Bridgewater State University flight team, would lead to soaring through the Alaskan skies.

Gosselin arrived at ŷ�� from Newtown, Connecticut, to study aviation management. To immerse himself in campus life, he went to the meeting where he also learned of a summer work program in Alaska.

“I almost didn’t go, I remember thinking I had something better to do,” the 2018 graduate joked.

But, as it is often in life, a seemingly innocuous choice led to success. He ended up taking part in the program and for three summers worked for PenAir in King Salmon, Alaska, as an operations and ramp agent.

When he was back on campus, Gosselin continued to build his résumé by towing banners for a company on Cape Cod. He also began leading piloted skydiving expeditions.

Those experiences led him to his current position as a pilot for Grant Aviation in Bethel, Alaska. His job entails flying a small-engine plane to remote villages in the state’s back country.

“The only way to access them is by air,” Gosselin said.

Not only does he transport people but also brings groceries and supplies.

“We transport everything, even the kitchen sink,” he said.

Working in Alaska, sometimes referred to as the crossroads of the world, is a dream come true for the young pilot.

“Flying up here is something else,” Gosselin said. “It’s a beautiful state and a different world from back home, especially in the more rural parts.”

Gosselin credits ŷ�� for helping him earn his wings and encourages others to take advantage of the many opportunities his alma mater offers.

“Coming from Connecticut I didn’t know anyone in the aviation industry. I can’t think of any other way that door would have opened if I didn’t go to Bridgewater State,” he said.

And, just like he learned, going out of your comfort zone can sometimes yield amazing results.

“Dabble in everything, even if you don’t like it and it doesn’t stick it might teach you something,” he said. “You never know where you’ll meet that friend or come upon a crazy experience like being able to work in Alaska.”

Do you have a ŷ�� story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Coming from Connecticut I didn’t know anyone in the aviation industry. I can’t think of any other way that door would have opened if I didn’t go to Bridgewater State.

Nick Gosselin, '18