BGSU student-athlete lands high-profile internship with FlightSafety International

Emma Hellwege uses a co-op experience through the BGSU aviation program to see a different side of the industry

Well before she took any of her official visits, Emma Hellwege decided she would not compromise on her college experience.

Already being recruited by colleges as a middle-distance runner, Hellwege knew she also wanted to study aviation, a field that, like athletics, requires a significant time commitment beyond traditional classwork.

At Bowling Green State University, Hellwege found the best of both worlds: the chance to prosper as both an aspiring professional pilot and a Division I athlete.

In addition to being a member of the BGSU track and cross-country teams, Hellwege is pursuing her dream of working in aviation, which includes a high-profile internship this summer with FlightSafety International in Columbus.

A native of Valparaiso, Indiana, Hellwege said BGSU — one of the few universities nationally with an airport on its campus — turned out to be the perfect fit.

“When I went on my official visit, they really prioritized me seeing the aviation side of BGSU,” she said. “At the time, I was already working on my private pilot's license, so I knew it would be seamless for me to start flying and working on my instrument rating right away.

“I remember within the first week, I was able to begin flying, so my commitment to BGSU to further my education held true."

FlightSafety International, known internationally for its flight simulators and training acumen, has been an educational next step for Hellwege.

BGSU aviation students are required to complete between one and three co-op experiences depending on their chosen pathway within the field, which Hellwege said has been illuminating as someone pursuing a career within aviation.

FlightSafety International is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, which is also the parent company of NetJets, the largest private aircraft fleet in the world. Through her co-op, Hellwege has assisted with the development of a phone system used by FlightSafety, but also explored additional pathways into the career that include private aircraft or being a flight instructor.

“The co-op feature of our major really introduced me to other opportunities within aviation that I didn’t really recognize,” Hellwege said. “It’s been really cool to work closely with NetJets, which is the biggest private charter operation. My co-op has allowed me to connect with pilot recruiters at NetJets and open my eyes to how I'd like to continue my career within aviation."

In addition to her role as a student-athlete, Hellwege also has seen the research aspect of aviation alongside Dr. Shantanu Gupta, an assistant professor of aviation at BGSU.

Gupta said Hellwege has shown the ability to thrive as an athlete and a student, but also to be an “awesome team player” through contributing to complex research projects within aviation.

“The best part is that she approaches each opportunity not just with skill, but with a genuine enthusiasm and a positive, respectful, team-oriented attitude,” Gupta said. “Her trajectory clearly reflects someone with strong potential to lead and innovate in the future of aviation. I am very proud of her achievements and eagerly look forward to seeing her fly.”

As she prepares to begin her senior year, Hellwege said her experience at BGSU has fulfilled her goals both within her athletic career and her academic discipline — precisely what she set out to do prior to choosing a college.

“It’s really worked out perfectly for me,” she said. “Honestly, it’s been seamless — the on-campus airport access, along with highly educated instructors and state-of-the-art planes that our University provides its students, shows how the aviation program is truly a priority. I couldn't have asked for a better experience."