Presidency School of Commerce (PSOC), Presidency University, organised a masterclass titled “Beyond the Cockpit: Interdisciplinary Career Opportunities in Aviation Safety” on 16 October 2026, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Seminar Hall 1, F Block. The session featured Ms. Ankita M Hundekar, Assistant – Aviation Safety, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), as the resource person. The programme was convened by Dr. M. Padmavathi, Dean, PSOC; Dr. Poornima Karthikeyan, HoD, PSOC; Dr. Saba Inamdar, HoD in Charge, PSOC; and Dr. Samiya Mubeen, Programme Coordinator, BBA Aviation, PSOC.

 

The masterclass aimed to broaden students’ understanding of the aviation industry by highlighting the perse career opportunities available beyond conventional cockpit and flight operations roles. Recognising aviation safety as a fundamental pillar of the aviation ecosystem, the session emphasised the importance of safety management, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, operational procedures, and professional responsibility in ensuring safe and efficient airport operations.

 

Drawing on her professional experience in aviation safety, Ms. Ankita M Hundekar provided valuable insights into the significance of safety practices within the airport environment. She highlighted how aviation safety depends on the coordinated efforts of professionals from multiple disciplines, including management, commerce, business administration, engineering, operations, human resources, and risk management. The discussion enabled students to understand how their academic knowledge, analytical abilities, communication skills, and other transferable competencies can be applied to emerging opportunities within the aviation sector.

 

The masterclass also encouraged students to explore career pathways in airport operations, safety management systems, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and aviation risk management. By connecting academic concepts with industry practices, the session provided a broader perspective on the skills, competencies, and professional attitudes required to succeed in the aviation industry.

 

An important takeaway from the session was that aviation safety is a shared responsibility extending beyond pilots and flight crew to encompass the entire aviation ecosystem. Students were encouraged to cultivate a safety-oriented mindset, strengthen their analytical and decision-making abilities, and remain open to interdisciplinary career opportunities. The session highlighted the growing significance of safety professionals in maintaining operational standards, identifying potential risks, and supporting a secure and efficient aviation environment.

 

The masterclass served as a valuable platform for industry–academia interaction, enabling students to gain practical insights into aviation safety and its growing professional significance. It reinforced the Presidency School of Commerce’s commitment to providing industry-relevant learning experiences that enhance students’ career awareness, professional readiness, and understanding of emerging opportunities.

 

Overall, “Beyond the Cockpit: Interdisciplinary Career Opportunities in Aviation Safety” strengthened the connection between classroom learning and industry expectations, empowering students to explore diverse career pathways and contribute meaningfully to the future of aviation safety.