Chris Swenson

Personal Information

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School: University of Utah

Major: Masters of Science in Management

Years at College Works: 2004 to 2006

Career Information

Company You Work For Now: AAI

Title: Drone Pilot

Industry: Aerospace

Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities

I operate one of the most widely used UAV's in support of US and coalition forces in the Logar province of Afghanistan as a civilian contractor.

What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?

My children.

CWP Career Impact

In one sentence, what has CWP meant to you?

I realized many of the benefits of having worked through CWP during and after, as the experience helped sharpen and refine many skills I already had. I have been away for approximately 6 years, and can draw lines from current successes back to challenges I faced while there. I enjoyed my experience, and would still encourage anyone to take advantage of the opportunity.

How did your CWP experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?

My career goals were not directly related to the CWP experience, but it absolutely helped me purchase flight hours I could not have had the means to acquire otherwise.

What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CWP experience?

That I am not a business owner personality. I learned I really like working as a part of a team, playing a role and bringing the value I have to the table.

Advice

What advice do you have for potential CWP participants? Current CWP participants?

Suck it up. Work harder because your days are limited.

What's your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?

Save your money, because flight training is very expensive! UAV's are a large industry that is on the cusp of exploding into national airspace. Those with traditional education, manned and unmanned experience stand to be in very high demand.

What's your favorite memory from CWP?

Receiving the Branch Manager of the Year award in Cancun. I actually went there not thinking I would even be considered for it, so it was a very pleasant surprise and an honor.

Last words of wisdom

IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, YOU WILL SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WORKING FOR SOMEONE WHO DID.