If you aren’t participating in the industry… you aren’t participating in the industry! Breaking into an industry isn’t by chance, and Bill shares some great insight into where to start. TLDR? 1. Engage in the community, 2. Establish a foothold, 3. Break down barriers. Let DAG help you reach your UAS goals.
UAS Consultant and Serial Entrepreneur that specializes in helping clients understand the UAS marketplace by providing clear-eyed analysis
As the industry continues to accelerate towards viability and sustainability, I am reading and getting asked more often “How do I break into the UAS industry?”?I’m assuming there are many that are thinking the same thing, so I’ll attempt to provide my insights. The quick answer is, “You don’t.”?I’m not trying to be negative, it just takes time and effort to establish yourself in any industry.?The UAS world is no different.??? That being said, if you’re looking for a new challenge and think that the UAS industry is an exciting one to be a part of, here are a few suggestions that may help you on your way. 1.?????Realize that just because something is new to you, does not mean it is new.?Listen to podcasts focused on the aspect of the industry you are interested in.?There are many out there.?Dawn Zoldi, Randy Goers, and Drone U are some good ones to get you started.?The more you listen, the more you’ll understand the direction of the industry, and the better chance that you’ll find the vertical within the industry that ignites your interest the most. 2.?????After spending time studying the industry, focus on one area.?Saying you want to be part of the UAS industry isn’t any more specific than saying you want to be part of the medical industry.?Doctors, lawyers, nurses, administrators, and janitors are all part of the medial industry in some way.?Just like pilots, programmers, engineers, and a multitude of others are all in the UAS industry.??Understand your strengths and look for areas that you can apply those strengths. 3.?????Find your local UAS groups and become involved.?AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International has many chapters, there’s more than likely a group in your area.?Show up for meetings and events.?In addition, attend a few trade shows.?It doesn’t have to be Xpontential or a big show.?Just start walking the floors and you’ll get a pulse and understanding that you can’t get through any other means.?By the third show or so, you’ll start recognizing people, companies, and trends enough to focus your conversations better. Many view the UAS industry as new and different, and it is.?However, based on my experience in many other industries, I would suggest that getting started in this industry isn’t really all that different than any other.?The industry is growing rapidly.?We NEED people of all skill sets and backgrounds to continue to help advance it.?If you’re excited and want to give it a shot, roll up your sleeves and dive in.?It’s going to be one heck of a ride. P.S.?If the above is TLDR, just follow Bobby Sakaki, he has very graciously helped a lot of people throughout the industry over the years.?If you put in the effort, he’ll probably help you too.