On Glide Path, On Course: Chart your MBA Journey with Precision at UB and Beyond

Written by: Kaitlin Lafferty

“On Glide Path, On Course” is a commonly known phrase in the aviation community. It’s used by Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to signify that pilots are on the correct descent path and navigational heading as they approach a landing at an airport, usually in poor weather conditions. It symbolizes precision, determination, and the unwavering commitment to reaching a destination despite challenging conditions, such as navigating through clouds or fog. Just as pilots rely on this process to maintain their course with precision, we, too, can adopt a similar process and mindset to navigate our own paths successfully, both at UB and beyond. I will show you how in 3 simple steps.

I’m Kaitlin Lafferty, a former Army officer and aviator turned MBA student with a passion for leadership and continuous learning. Graduating from Army flight school as a Blackhawk pilot not only taught me the need for precision in flight but also the importance of maintaining a focused and adaptive mindset during every flight. I’ve learned to apply this mindset to every facet of my life, inspiring me to chart my path with precision and approach challenges with determination and resilience.

Now, eight years later, as a student pursuing an MBA at UB, what’s next? The answer: Anything I set my mind to. I firmly believe in the power of agency – the power to shape my own path.

Do you feel a sense of agency within yourself? Do you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to and not give up even in the face of adversity? If you don’t, you should!

We are all capable of achieving incredible things, and the good news is you are the pilot of your life. Once you recognize this, you can utilize the following steps to help you stay “on glide path, on course.”

Step 1: Chart Your Path

One concept that will become familiar to you in your MBA journey is backcasting. It is a strategic planning technique where you begin with the end goal in mind and then work backward to identify the steps required to achieve it as it applies to your professional career. Think of it as plotting your course on a map. Picture a straight line extending from your current position to your desired end state, much like a plane navigating its course to a desired destination. By precisely mapping out this career trajectory, you can execute your plan with confidence, even in challenging conditions.

Step 2: Find Your Flock

They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, who’s in your flock? Surrounding yourself with individuals who uplift, inspire and support you is crucial for success. Not only will you come to learn the importance of teamwork in your MBA journey, but also the importance of building a network of people you can lean on to help guide or even redirect you if necessary. Just as ATC provides navigational guidance to pilots, sometimes you, too, will need to rely on others for guidance as you navigate your journey at UB and beyond. Find people you trust—mentors, peers, someone in your desired field or friends. Your flock is your fuel and guidance for staying on the course you’ve charted for yourself. And don’t forget to tap into the incredible resources offered by the campus’s Career Resource Center—they can be instrumental in shaping your career trajectory.

Step 3: Course-Correct

Inevitably there will be turbulence making for a bumpy ride, wind blowing you off track, or clouds making it difficult to see your final destination. Just as a pilot often flies in challenging conditions and constantly adjusts their course to stay on track, you will also encounter moments where you realize you’re off course and need to make corrections. Trust in the guidance you receive from your mentors, peers and support network, just as a pilot trusts the guidance of ATC to stay on track. Trust yourself, stay flexible, adjust as needed and keep your ultimate goals in sight.

“On Glide Path, On Course” is a phrase that has always stuck with me and resonates deeply. It symbolizes precision, determination and the relentless pursuit of our goals, even in the face of adversity. As you embark on your own path at UB and beyond the classroom, don’t forget that you are the pilot of your life. Trust in your ability to chart your course with precision, lean on your flock for support and guidance and be ready to course-correct when needed. Your journey awaits; embrace it with courage and determination.