Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Janine K. Iannarelli
Founder & President @ Par Avion Ltd.
Janine got involved with Girlstart in an effort to give back, the same way that adults did for her when she was growing up. She loves to see the “ah-hah” moment on the girls’ face when something clicks, and that is why she is sharing some inspiration with our audience today.
What are your favorite things about your career?
The people, travel and the planes of course! I consider myself a people person and my career provides me with the opportunity to travel the world and meet people from all different countries and cultures. Some of the time I actually get to do it in the planes that I am selling. Among the tasks I regularly have to complete, I enjoy reviewing the technical history of the airplane and then compiling the specifications that ultimately are relied upon by prospective buyers when making their purchasing decision. I view time spent at the maintenance and repair facilities are great learning opportunities as to the how’s and why’s certain inspections impact the future operation of the aircraft.
Can you describe a little bit of what Par Avion Ltd. Does, and what your role is?
My company, Par Avion Ltd. is an international aircraft marketing firm that specializes in the sale of business aircraft with an emphasis on pre-owned business jets valued upwards of $70,000,000. My role is primarily to serve as a sales person of these highly technical, capital intensive assets, but as the President, I also attend to all the administrative duties associated with running a business. Today’s aircraft sales person must employ a multitude of skills and effectively serve as the project manager providing oversight of a sales transaction. Key services that Par Avion Ltd. offers include exclusive representation, acquisition on demand, and the oversight of an aircraft sales transaction.
Do you have any advice for girls who want to pursue a STEM career?
Be fearless even when you are afraid! Fundamentally, believing in you can accomplish the task and rise to the challenge is your key to thriving in any profession. Additionally, paying attention to detail is a quality that will be admired no matter what job you do. Practice active listening…hearing and listening are two different things, with the latter a harder skill to develop.
Why is confidence in STEM important for girls?
Girls develop a strong sense of self when they can achieve something that is difficult or otherwise perceived as such. If a young girl can master early on the fundamentals of math and science and build upon their accomplishments, the sky is the limit as to where they can go. There builds a hunger to learn more and reach out for challenges, rather than avoid them. STEM confidence builds self-confidence.
