Jen Harwood Higgs: Persistence Pays Off

by Betsy Jordan Donovan, Careers Committee

Three words describe Jen Harwood-Higgs: Attitude, Persistence, and Enthusiasm.

Following in the footsteps of her father and both grandfathers, Jen has been flying since she was ten days old and at 28 has accomplished much, including CFI, ATP, seaplane and helicopter ratings. While completing a B.A. at Baylor and an M.A. at Louisiana State, she landed a traffic watch job, which changed her career focus. Flying a Cessna 150 while reporting live on the air "was the best job ever."

After 40 rejection letters, she started with Continental Express on September 10, 2001, only to be furloughed eight days later. Through networking she found work as a contract pilot flying Citations, King Airs, and Cheyennes. Next Jen had a chance conversation at the doctor's office that led to a Falcon 200 position. Now she's flying a Gulfstream III for the same company.

Jen's advice to others is, "Make every use of networking available to you. I'm kind of a shy person, and cold calling and pounding the pavement is something I truly dread… but it works! Be persistent and consistent-keep bugging pilots to let you fly. Talk to every pilot you meet at the airport and get a business card."