Everyone, I have officially graduated from BCIT’s Airport Operations program with a Diploma in Technical Studies.
And for those who want in on the program, here are a few tips on how to get in.
APPLICATION:
- Create an application online ASAP. Go ahead and fill out an application even if you do not yet have all the prerequisites. I first applied in the first term of grade 12 and they gave me provisional acceptance–the provision was that I graduate high school before the start of the program.
- Take Trades Pre-Entry Exams. For this program, you’ll need to take 3 exams at the Burnaby Campus: English(6 separate readings, 54 questions, 40 minutes), Math(basic arithmetic operations, algebra, and word problems; calculators OK, 48 questions, 40 minutes) and Spatial Relations (tests your ability to predict what a two-dimensional pattern would look like in three-dimensions when rotated in space; multiple choice, 50 questions, 25 minutes). You have to take these exams even if you already meet the academic requirements for English and math. It’s $70 in total for taking all three tests. DO PRACTICE QUESTIONS even if you are confident! These marks are taken into consideration for admission!
- Regularly check MyCommunications. Check your myBCIT account often for updates on the application process. You don’t want to miss important communications such as those requiring additional documents. The interview invitations are also sent via this outlet.
INTERVIEW:
- Research, research, research! Show your effort by reading up on background information of the program, program outcomes and maybe even some aviation news. Throw in a few airport codes in there and you’ll charm the instructors! A few questions that I remember being asked are: how many airports are there in British Columbia? what kind of work does this program lead to? Shall I help you out and provide a few links?
- Think about your goal. Try to sort out in your head an explanation of why you are interested in this program, this school, this industry. Your words will reflect your careful contemplation, and the interviewing panel will be able to tell that you are serious about your decision and interest.
- Ask questions. At the end of the interview, the instructors will ask you for questions and concerns. You can ask about further steps you can take to further the application process, such as any additional documents you should submit. Take some time to prepare a few questions ahead of time.
- BE ON TIME. The aviation industry runs on punctualitynessology. OTP, or on-time performance, is an acronym that everyone in the industry, including the instructors, lives and dies by. I was a bit excessive and showed up at my interview 30 minutes early, but 15 minutes is a nice size buffer period.