Career in Aviation Industry (Not a how to become a pilot thread!)

Hi Folks,

I have a question that I would love if you could throw some ideas at.

Basically I am very interested in moving my career into the aviation/airline industry, but just not sure where or how exactly.

To sum my self up to give you an idea of where I am coming from, I am 24 and have an undergrad and masters degree in marketing and management. I also have a couple of professional certifications in IT. I have worked for a year in aircraft leasing (an intern year during college) and for a summer in Car Rental in Dublin T1 Arrivals between my undergrad and masters. I also have 30-something hours towards a PPL built up over three years (not looking to become a commercial pilot however, mostly just a passion).

I am currently working in a job-split between IT and Research in the tourism industry. What I really love is the airport environment, and the operations and day-to-day management side of things from what I have seen. I have a year left in my current role, so am thinking about it now so I can be keep an eye open for positions and maybe look to take some kind of qualification through distance learning.

I was kind of thinking about doing the aircraft dispatcher course in DIT in order to gain a working knowledge of airport ops, but I am not sure how beneficial it would be given that I don't know exactly what areas would be open to me.

Any suggestions as to what I can do with my life are most welcome!

Cheers.