Nishant Sharma

Nishant Sharma always had a passion for Aviation. He knew that’s where he wanted to be working upon graduation. Leveraging UNSW’s partnership with Qatar Airways to place graduates within different areas of the organisation, Nishant has experienced the Aviation industry from numerous angles. He currently works as the India Operation’s leader of an Import/Export firm in Hyderabad. 

His advice to prospective Aviation students is that flying is the future. We caught up with Nishant recently when he shared his memories of studying Aviation at UNSW and how it helped him get to where he is today. 

What’s your current role? 

I’m currently working in an import/export firm ‘Stone Plus’ where I’m handling the whole India market. I’m really happy doing what I’m doing. 

What did you study at UNSW? 

I started at UNSW doing a Bachelor of Aviation Management. During my first year, I had the chance to study across a range of areas and I decided Aviation Management had excellent scope in terms of career. I also considered the great Aviation facilities available and the future of the aviation industry. 

Why did you choose to study your degree at UNSW? 

When I looked at my options for an Aviation degree, UNSW was always my preference as its rankings are superior and nothing beats living in Sydney. It’s a beautiful city. 

What were some of the highlights of studying Aviation Management at UNSW? 

My degree covered a lot of subject areas with a range of backgrounds from different schools within UNSW. Learning across so many areas I could interact and make friends with students from other degrees. 

I’m still close with the friends I made at UNSW. Even across the world, we keep in touch. A Bachelor of Aviation Management engages you by bringing the whole class together to participate and learn. Life on campus is awesome. The campus is beautiful and large, with many cafeterias and green spaces. 

Did the Aviation School assist you with your career upon graduation? 

In our last term before graduation, the school brought in Qatar Airways for career placement. The roles offered were within different domains of the business, giving us an opportunity to choose which area we’d pursue our career in. 

What is your role now and how did the aviation degree help you get the job? 

I’ve worked in different domains and departments within the aviation industry, from operations to marketing for Delhi International Airport. 

While working in operations, I was part of the Terminal Operations team, a team that helped Indira Gandhi International Airport achieve the ranking of World’s 2nd Best Airport in the largest airport category. 

In marketing, I planned and launched a landmark project which was a first of its kind in the country, a complete customer-driven initiative program’ Shop & Collect’. 

Did you make any useful connections at UNSW? 

I made a number of connections when I was in university, some were from my course others were from different courses. Living on campus, I interacted more with people doing all types of degrees and now my friends range from neurosurgeons to judges and airline captains to top architects. 

What’s your advice for students considering studying aviation at UNSW? 

Aviation at UNSW is a great course. The industry is fascinating as everyday flights are becoming more luxurious with shower and bed facilities, and airports are becoming more and more like shopping malls. Flying is the future as flights are becoming more affordable and travel time between countries is decreasing. There’s a lot to do and innovate within the sector and UNSW Aviation is where innovation happens.