Michel Ajjan '14, International Relations and Economics

As a Posse Scholar from the Washington, D.C. area, Michel Ajjan '14 arrived at Bucknell focused on building a career in aviation. Engineering initially seemed like the most logical path, but early on, he realized it wasn't the right fit. Instead of giving up on his ambition, Ajjan explored new academic avenues that could still lead him to the aviation industry, ultimately finding his footing in international relations and economics. Through study abroad, internships, and active engagement with Bucknell's alumni network, he laid the foundation for a career in aviation. Today, he works in international commercial planning at Delta Air Lines, overseeing transatlantic markets and helping connect people around the world.

What drew you to Bucknell?

Bucknell just felt like the right fit. I was looking for a small school with an intimate learning environment — somewhere I could really engage with professors and classmates. I also wanted to be far enough from home to do my own thing, but still close enough to family. Coming from just outside D.C., Bucknell checked all of those boxes.

How did your educational path evolve?

I started as an engineering major because I knew I wanted to go into aviation. In high school, I worked in a student program at Washington Dulles Airport and absolutely loved it. Engineering felt like the logical path. But pretty early on, I realized it wasn't the right fit for me. I took a semester undecided and started knocking out general education requirements, including international politics and introductory economics. I loved both classes. The material just clicked, and I found myself genuinely excited to learn. With encouragement from my Posse mentor and professors, I decided to double-major in international relations and economics, which turned out to be a perfect combination for the career I wanted.

How did Bucknell help prepare you for a career in aviation?

Bucknell showed me that the world was possible. Study abroad was a huge part of that. I spent a semester in Copenhagen at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, lived with a host family and really immersed myself in the culture — I even joined a local basketball team for fun. I also participated in Bucknell-sponsored travel programs and alternative spring breaks, which expanded my view of the world and my place in it.

Professionally, Bucknell's alumni network was invaluable. I used the alumni database extensively and, through an alumni connection, I landed an internship with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's aviation department — an experience that directly shaped my career path.

What do you do now at Delta Air Lines?

I work in international commercial planning, overseeing Delta's Europe, Middle East, Africa and India portfolio — essentially anything across the Atlantic. My role is to ensure our flights perform well financially, meet customer service goals and maintain strong relationships with our airline partners, including Air France, KLM and Virgin Atlantic. It's very interdisciplinary and collaborative. I work closely with revenue management, network planning, sales and operations teams.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people, without question. Aviation is such a people-driven industry. I love working across teams, cultures and countries. Communication is everything — whether you're coordinating internally or working with partners across the world. No two days are the same, and that variety keeps things exciting. 

What are the perks of working in aviation?

The travel benefits are huge. Standby travel makes it possible to see the world in a way that would otherwise be inaccessible. I've been fortunate to travel throughout Europe, the Middle East and beyond — and I've even been able to bring my mom along on some of those trips, which has been incredibly meaningful. Travel is a privilege, and working in aviation has allowed me to experience the world in a way that shaped who I am today. In many ways, that all started at Bucknell.