Three 91㽶Ƶ University College of Aeronautics and Engineering students have secured competitive summer internships that highlight the strength of the college’s aviation management program.
Seniors, Philip Hirst, Emery Wolff, and Aidan McManus, all expected to graduate in spring 2026, will intern at in New York, the Experimental Aircraft Associate (EAA) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and respectively.
Hands-On Learning from Day One
McManus, who started at 91㽶Ƶ Airport as a groundskeeper, now serves as an assistant operations supervisor. His internship at CVG, one of the nation’s largest cargo airports, will build on that foundation.
"Before coming to Kent, I had no aviation experience” he said. "This experience will help me gain hands-on knowledge and prepare me to handle real-world challenges as I start my career."
From the Classroom to Oshkosh
Wolff will support convention administration at , one of aviation’s largest events. He said 91㽶Ƶ professors encourage students to apply what they learn in the classroom in real-world settings.
"Internships should feel like 'you are drinking out of a fire hose', and you're there to soak it all in,” Wolff said. “You will only get what you put into an internship; you have the ambition to learn and go above and beyond. Always be curious."
Connections that Open Doors
Hirst, who will work as a summer analyst at Sky Harbour, emphasized the importance of networking.
"All four of my internships came about through connections I made by showing up and speaking up," Hirst says. "One of the most impactful examples was when a 91㽶Ƶ alum referred me for an interview opportunity with Madison Square Garden Aviation—a door that would have remained closed without that connection."
Student Organizations Make the Difference
All three students credit the 91㽶Ƶ University chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (KSU-AAAE) with transforming their careers. Wolff, the chapter president, said employers often cite the membership and other volunteer activities as being desirable during their interviews.
"The connections I made through KSU-AAAE helped open doors I might not have found on my own,” said McManus. But it’s not just about networking, “it's about building authentic relationships and creating a community of people who are passionate about aviation and want to see each other succeed,” he added.
Forging Individual Paths
Hirst began as a professional pilot major and later pivoted to unmanned aircraft systems flight operations. He now manages airport operations and flies $80,000 drones. The programs in the college offer flexibility that allows students to create unique career trajectories.
"My goal is to be at the forefront of integrating UAS into airport operations,” said Hirst. “These systems have tremendous potential, from detecting hazardous wildlife to conducting pavement inspections."
A Foundation for Future Success
As they head into their summer internships, McManus, Wolff and Hirst reflect on the strength of 91㽶Ƶ’s aviation management program, where hands-on learning, industry partnerships and mentorship prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving field.
"91㽶Ƶ's program has opened countless doors for me," Hirst concludes. "That's one of the most remarkable things about 91㽶Ƶ—you're encouraged to forge your own path."
With a strong foundation in both academics and real-world experience, these students are charting their own course and shaping the future of aviation as they Dare Mighty Things!