Her Story
About Emilee
Emilee Hatfield serves as Recruiting Manager at DAVCOR Aviation Services, where she focuses on aviation staffing from her office in Nashua, New Hampshire. She entered the staffing field in 2011 and began specializing in aviation in May 2024. Hatfield attended Hesser College, now known as Mount Washington College, though she did not complete her studies there. She attributes her professional success to resilience in a high-churn industry, the ability to learn quickly and adapt to uncertain situations, and maintaining supportive professional relationships for deep conversations. Hatfield received advice from her mother, also a recruiter, to avoid tying self-worth to her occupation for better long-term mental health. She recommends that young women entering the field network extensively, ask questions, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Hatfield notes that the aviation maintenance workforce is aging, presenting opportunities to raise awareness among younger generations about diverse career paths involving travel and bonuses beyond traditional roles like pilot or mechanic.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emilee
01What do you attribute your success to?
Resilience. Staffing agencies have a churn and burn atmosphere that's very competitive with quick layoffs and focus on KPIs. Learning quickly, navigating uncertain areas, being resilient and adaptive has gotten me to where I am. Having people at each employer to have deep conversations with has been hugely beneficial.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do not tie your self-worth to your occupation. My mom, who was also a recruiter, told me this after I experienced layoffs. It's important for long-term mental health and success to be proud of the individual you are separate from your job title.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Talk to as many people as you can. Ask as many questions as you can. Put yourself in a position to learn from other people by networking on LinkedIn, going to trade shows or events, and engaging with people. Initiate conversations, don't hold back, and connect with people that have jobs you're interested in. The worst they can do is say no.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The workforce in aviation maintenance is aging out. The biggest obstacle is getting younger generations aware that this is a career path and getting visibility to them. There are many incredible jobs beyond pilot, flight attendant or mechanic, with opportunities like travel and sign-on bonuses. We need to get that information in front of the younger workforce.
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