Graduate Testimonials 2004
December 30, 2004
Hi Eric, Bruce, Scott and Brett and Katja
As the year is coming to an end now I just wanted to say Thank you once again for all you have teached me throughout my stay in Ft. Lauderdale in June. Thanks to you I have finally made a dream come true. Altough I am still waiting for a Dispatcher Position within SWISS, I actually planned my first real Flight with supervision from a other Sheffield Graduate. Of course I couldn’t sign the flight plan but it was close to the real thing. It was a TLV-ZRH flight with an Airbus A320. (Got the flight 45min. prior to ETA into ZRH J). Also Thank you Eric and Katja for having a very good hand (einen Guten Riecher) with the people living in the house. I have made friends for life with the 3 guys and gals I lived with, and I have actually even met some of them after the course.
I wish and your Team all the best in the coming year. May a lot of good and smart Dispatchers visit your school (although anyone who chooses you must be smart otherwise they would not go to the best Dispatcher school in the world). May 2005 be very sucessful for you.
Greetings from Zurich
Gregory Reisdorf
Swiss International Airlines Ltd.
Swiss WorldCargo
Cargo Operations-Control
Ops Center
http://www.swissworldcargo.com
December 16, 2004
Good morning,
I would like to get my dispatching license from your school. A few months ago I was in Atlanta, GA for a retirement ceremony for a Delta Airlines Captain and I had the oppurtunity to sit with a dispatcher for Delta for a few hours to see the basic process and ask questions. I loved it and decided to take my career path in this direction. I do not remember the name of the person who I sat with, but he went to your school and told me that this was the school to go to if I wanted to be a dispatcher… Thank you very much for your time
S.N.
December 8, 2004
There’s so much I wish I could fit into a short e-mail, but it would take me
a week to hone it down, and even then, I’d miss most of what I’d want to say. That being said, read this to your incoming students and staple it to their foreheads:
1) You chose Sheffield, now HANG ON. You chose quality, now give it your best. You’re going to be put through a wringer, but if quality training were easy or cheap, boot camp would be a home study course. It takes an external source to transfer these skills to your head, to construct it. But it’s up to you to APPLY it-and to know HOW, and when. Don’t miss a thing, no matter how small.
2) You will have to work harder than you can imagine, but when you look back, years from now, you’ll be so glad you did, being a Sheffield grad changes you forever. Only a Sheffield grad will understand what it took to graduate, but the industry knows that Sheffield grads ARE a different breed. Stay in touch with your classmates-they’ll know what you went through.
3) Remember this: even what comes easy to you demands-utterly demands your full attention.
4) LISTEN TO ERIC. HANG ON EVERY WORD.
5) Reread #4.
6) The jobs are there. The industry is growing, changing, hiring-don’t miss out. Keep your skills sharp, and keep your good notes to fall back on.
7) Here, and later at work, don’t be shy about asking for help on something. In your job, you won’t make all your decisions in a vacuum, nor should you. Good DRM means using all available sources of data to build a complete and
accurate picture of a situation. Some decisions will be made alone, and some, very very quickly, but the more you know, the better you are able to apply hard won knowledge in the clutch.
8) Professionals expect, and respect the judgement of someone they can look upon as another professional. Their own decision processes may be shaped by, and sometimes overidden by your own. Know your art. Stick to your guns, and don’t be afraid to make a tough call-it’s your job.
9) Develop the ability to multitask and prioritize, and stay on top of what’s happening around you. Over time, you’ll develop your own bag of tricks to pull vital info together quickly, whether it be a favorite source of weather data, or a great working relationship with your local FSS-mine is in Honolulu, half an ocean and a continent away from my ops base, and 3000+NM from where my aircraft are flying…
10) The pace can be furious. It will test your nerves, but keep a sense of humor, and look out for your crews. A hard day is when I’ve worked a shift, am tired and spun, but don’t want to go home. One more thing… You’ll never know when something you share with another pilot, just over coffee, or out flying on a day off, might just save their life. Dispatch is
a field where you are paid to share and apply your knowledge-spread it around. We are all improved by what we give back.
Thanks Eric, and Ron, Katja, and everyone there-I can’t begin to describe the fun I’ve had.
All the best,
Roland
November 24, 2004
Eric,
I also wanted to let you know that I was recently accepted into my employer’s next
Dispatcher class beginning December 6, 2004. Everyone at ASA sends their regards. Thanks for the wealth of knowledge your institution provided me. I am certain that it played a key role in my advancement.
Sincerely,
B. Brown
Atlantic Southeast Airlines
November 23, 2004
Sheffield Staff,
I want to thank you all for everything that you did for me during my stay at Sheffield. I especially want to thank Brett and Scott for doing an outstanding job with the class. Brett for his great work with all the class material and Scott for a great job instructing. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived, but soon realized what all the hype was about. I was told throughout the 4-week course that the material and methods of instruction would prepare me for anything I would come across in the real world. Although it has been almost five months since I graduated, I have landed the job of my dreams. This month I accepted a job with Southwest Airlines in their Dispatch department. I called months before the interview and tried picking the brains of anyone I could about the position and what other candidates in the past had trouble with during the interview. They were telling me things such as reading NOTAMS, WX maps, and TAFs. I told them that I felt very confident in the education that I received at Sheffield. I did open my “large green Dispatch bible” that I received from you all and proceeded to read through it again. Although I was very critical and harsh on myself after the interview, I apparently did very well. I know that came from the type of instruction that I received at Sheffield. The course definitely prepared me for anything and everything that was thrown my way in the interview.
I’m very excited and felt like I needed to thank you because you made it possible. I always have and continue to recommend Sheffield to anyone that I know that might be interested in a career as a Dispatcher.
Thanks again,
Christian L. Mann
4-Week Class
June 2004
October 26, 2004
Hey Eric,
Just wanted to let you know where one of your graduates ended up. After nearly 3 years at Mesa Air in PHX I moved to NY! I was hired by
JetBlue Airways earlier this year and have been happy here ever since!
Thanks for the great foundation!
Best Wishes,
L.T.
October 19, 2004
I have never worked so hard for something so rewardable in my life. It has definitely been an experience. I also have to sincerely thank the staff for their encouragement.
C.S. III
October 5, 2004
Dear Eric,
I have good news! I am going to work at the SKYMARK AIRLINES as an assistant dispatcher. The company started business as the first discounted airline in Japan about six years ago. Since it’s still young, the company has only six B-767s and flies between a few cities in Japan. But, the company is going to schedule more domestic and international flights in the years.
When I had an interview at the company, they were very curious about what I had learned at the Sheffield. After I told a lot of subjects I studied, they were smiling and looking at me like “Well, this person seems to have basic knowledge!” I again realized that your school gave me a lot.
Once again, thank you for good education, and I hope you keep the school the best in the world!
Best wishes,
C. Cho
September 29, 2004
Hi Ron, Eric, and everyone,
First things first. I want to thank you all for the great start you gave me nearly five years ago when I graduated from Sheffield and found myself hired before graduation and settled into Horizon Air within a matter of weeks. It has been a wonderful ride and it’s hard to believe that it has been nearly five years. I am already one of the “old guys”, along with J.M., M.W., and J.C. (now a Flight Control Manager). Thanks so much for the great training and for all you do.
September 19, 2004
“I now understand why Sheffield is so highly recommended and why your graduates are so sought after.” A.
“Awesome school. Thanks for everything.” H.R.
“Hard work, good time! Thx to you all.” Adam
“I was very impressed with the instructor’s ability to teach complex topics to students of various backgrounds…Thought the weather material was outstanding.”
A.
August 23, 2004
Hi Eric,
Hope all is well in FLL. I want to give you the whole story as soon as I have time share my experience with you (later)
I was hired 2 weeks after graduating from the Mar-Apr 2004 class and have 4 months in with Air Wisconsin as of this week. Timing was really on my side. Thanks for all the encouragement and real-life advice. Feel free to email at your convenience and thanks a million !!
J.K.
August 7, 2004
Hi Eric,
Just wanted to let you know how its going at Air Wisconsin. I finished classroom training earlier in the week and am now doing desk training. Its going great…The systems have been easy to pick up. You will also be pleased to know that my classmate in initial training was also a Sheffield Grad…Its a great operation up here, and Sheffield definitely helped us both succeed. Anyways, back to work. Talk to you soon.
R.M.
Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation
July 14, 2004
Hello Mr. Morris,
I am a FedEx employee still after all these years and I must say your licence gave me a huge chunk of knowledge in my career.
Thanks
Regards
J.P.L.
France
July 7, 2004
Hi Eric,
I wanted to let you know that I just accepted a position with AVCARD as a Flight Operations Specialist in Hunt Valley, MD. The director of operations is R.W., a 1988 graduate of Sheffield. I think the “Sheffield” relation really helped me to acquire this position. I also completed my degree through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, my dispatcher license was worth at least 18 credits and possibly more (I only needed 18, but you can receive 24 for the license… I would like to thank you, Bruce and Brett for all of the excellent training.
Once again thank-you and take care.
K.J., April 2004 Class
July 2, 2004
Hi Eric,
I just wanted to let you know that I accepted a dispatcher position with Independence Air in Dulles. I start training on July 19. I’m quite excited about getting started and a bit nervous as well. I suppose that’s normal.
I wanted to express to you and the staff there (Scott in particular) my appreciation for the training and assistance that I received. My thanks as well to Brett who fielded numerous calls from me and answered many of my questions.
I have interviewed with 4 different airlines over the past several months. During all 4 interviews, a statement was made by the interviewer indicating that they look favorably upon or outright prefer Sheffield graduates. I wanted to pass that compliment along to you.
Thank you once again and I will be in touch!
Jim M.
March 2004 4-week graduate
June 1, 2004
During all 4 interviews, a statement was made by the interviewer indicating that they look favorably upon or outright prefer Sheffield graduates.
2004 Graduate – J.M.
May 3, 2004
Hi Eric,
..I would just like to add that I can remember you saying to us that Sheffield is not just a School, but somewhere to turn to if you ever have any questions concerning Dispatching.
Once a Sheffield graduate, always a Sheffield graduate. Those words were so true and I am always boasting this to other colleagues too. A couple of them here at C—– also have FAA licenses but had attended a different School, and they do not have that privelege. That is also something that you guys can be immensely proud of.
All the best,
M.
April 26, 2004
Hi Eric,
Just wanted to drop you an email to let you know how I’ve been doing. .. I finally got the job offer I had been waiting for.
It’s with a new airline based out of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates called Etihad and I’ve been here for 2 weeks. It’s a brilliant opportunity as the company is only 6 months old and I am part of the start-up staff for the Operations Department. We’ve been focussing a lot on the new flight planning systems and just generally familiarising ourselves with the routes and that is where my Sheffield training has come in extremely useful. Everyday there is something new to learn and I’m working with some very experienced industry professionals but I don’t feel underprepared or incapable and that is why I wanted to get in contact to thank you and Scott for the help and support you gave me.
It really has been a worthwhile experience and I feel extremely lucky that they have picked me to join at such a crucial stage..
Anyway, thanks once again and I hope everything is going well over there. Speak to you soon,
A.B.
April 1, 2004
Dear Mr. Morris,
I do want to thank you for all that you did for me. Sheffield was a wonderful program and I feel well prepared to enter the job market. I did get an offer from Commutair, and have an interview with Chautauqua on Tuesday, so it looks like things will work out. Thank you again for your advice and well run program. I will keep you updated, and hopefully can return for recurrent training,
G.K.
February 21, 2004
Eric,
A quick note to let you what a wonderful experience I had with your course. Bruce and Brett were extraordinary, both with knowledge and experience. Bruce and Brett were so personable, that even though they were my instructors, I consider them friends, as well as instructors.
I had considered other courses that required less time/money/effort on my part to receive certification. I chose your course, however, because of your reputation–I didn’t want to feel “lost” on the first day on the job.. It is an indescribable feeling to be confident about the career I am seeking, rather than terrified about what might be ahead of me. I received an appointment for an interview with an airline before I even graduated. I am certain that I have your school and, of course God, to thank for that. I haven’t even actively sought other job opportunities, because (the airline I’m interviewing with) is exactly what I had hoped for (it services my hometown). My fingers are crossed!
I miss everyone at Sheffield already and hope to see you all in the future. In the meantime, thanks – and please send special thanks back to Bruce and Brett.
Best Wishes,
J.B.
February 21, 2004
Hi Eric,
Been working with ACA since December now. So far things are going well. A lot of tough work sometimes, but all in all a pretty rewarding job. Felt really well prepared going through the training. Got A’s on all the tests without putting much effort into preparing… I’d also like to say that I think Scott did an exellent job teaching that class… Anyway, thanks again.
B.
February 20, 2004
Eric,
A quick note to let you what a wonderful experience I had with your course. Bruce and Brett were extraordinary, both with knowledge and experience. Bruce and Brett were so personable, that even though they were my instructors, I consider them friends, as well as instructors.
I had considered other courses that required less time/money/effort on my part to receive certification. I chose your course, however, because of your reputation–I didn’t want to feel “lost” on the first day on the job. During the most difficult parts of your course, I have to admit I joked with other students that I would have gladly taken one of the other courses that “handed out” certificates–just so I could get through it. Having gone through it all though, I am sure I made the right choice. It is an indescribable feeling to be confident about the career I am seeking, rather than terrified about what might be ahead of me.
I received an appointment for an interview with an airline (Skywest) before I even graduated. I am certain that I have your school and, of course God, to thank for that.
I miss everyone at Sheffield already and hope to see you all in the future. In the meantime, thanks–and please send special thanks back to Bruce and Brett.
Best Wishes,
J.B.
February 20, 2004
Dear Sir,
I have a dispatch certificate from another school. I am not though currently working in the industry but would like to start. I am wondering if I would be able to take your course, either accelerated or your 6 week, since I feel my knowledge is lacking and need refreshing on the subject matter. If that is possible, how would that work? Would I have to take the oral over? Any info you might be able to offer would be great. Thank you for your time.
A.M.
February 2, 2004
Dear Mr. Morris,
I spoke to you about 4 years ago about coming down for dispatch school. Unfortunately the timing was wrong for my family then…I did end up getting my dispatch license in Atlanta with (company name). This probably turned out to hurt me now. To make a long story short, you will see by my resume attached, that I had limited success working as a dispatcher… I have been trying with all my heart to get looked at again and have had only a few interviews that were semi-dispatch related.
What I was hoping for here was your professional assessment of my ..resume. In hope that you can steer me in the right direction so I can break this slump I am in.
I know I am not a Sheffield Student and you certainly don’t owe me a thing, I do have the utmost respect for you and the school, I have had the pleasure of working with some of your graduates and later wished I had attended Sheffield in hindsight…
Regards,
HCR
January 28, 2004
Hello Mr. Morris,
I graduated from Sheffield in May of 2000. I have to say that I am glad that I was trained by you and the school. I must thank you for that up front. I have worked for (other airlines), and now I am at Atlantic Coast Airlines. My Sheffield education prepared me for Dispatching in the “real world”. At all of the OCC’s that I have worked, it seems that the “Sheffield grads” do the best job. Thanks again for everything.
M.T.
January 28, 2004
Hello Mr. Morris,
I graduated from Sheffield in May of 2000. I have to say that I am glad that I was trained by you and the school. I must thank you for that up front. I have worked for (other airlines), and now I am at Atlantic Coast Airlines. My Sheffield education prepared me for Dispatching in the “real world”. At all of the OCC’s that I have worked, it seems that the “Sheffield grads” do the best job. Thanks again for everything.
MT
January 27, 2004
Eric,
As always, thanks for the excellent training. The Sheffield grads in our office are hands down the best dispatchers we have on the floor…we continue to run circles around (another school’s) “best” graduates. The training we received is obviously far better than they get even now.
Thanks again for everything.
RJ
July 17, 2003
ERIC….THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I AM UP AND RUNNING AGAIN (jobs password request). YOU GUYS REALLY LIVE UP TO YOUR WORD. STILL CAN HONESTLY SAY COMING TO YOUR SCHOOL WAS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE….
RESPECTFULLY,
C.B.
