From Business Classes to Airplane Cockpits: One Graduate's Path to Becoming a Pilot

A childhood dream of flying has led a university graduate from business studies straight into an airline cockpit. Dhriti Reddy completed a business degree before starting her career in aviation, proving that formal studies do not have to limit a person's career goals.

Academic Foundation

Reddy studied entrepreneurship development at Woxsen University from 2022 to 2025. She began her training as a cadet pilot during the final semester of her degree. Her time at university involved several campus roles, including serving as a campus ambassador, a one-day vice president, an intern under the vice president, and an administrative liaison. She was also selected for the Rising Stars Leadership Programme and spent her fourth semester as an exchange student at IE University in Madrid, Spain.

Early Inspiration

Her fascination with aviation began before she turned thirteen, sparked by family travels and a conversation with her father about the charisma of pilots. When she shared her ambition with her parents, they supported her choice without pressure. She was twenty years old when she appeared for her pilot selection process during her final university semester, impressing the selection panel during her group discussion before being selected.

Context

Many professional pilots pursue diverse undergraduate degrees before entering aviation flight schools and cadet training programmes. General business and entrepreneurship courses help develop leadership, decision-making, and communication skills that prove useful in managing flight operations and crew teamwork.