Drones are now used across construction, engineering, surveying, agriculture, public safety, and infrastructure inspection. As a result, employers are increasingly interested in students who understand drone technology. There is a growing demand for drone skills in business and industry settings, where expertise in drone operations can provide a competitive edge.
But many employers are not looking for what schools often assume they want.
While schools sometimes focus heavily on flying skills or advanced hardware, employers tend to prioritize something else entirely: professional readiness. Both college and workforce preparation are key outcomes employers seek from drone education, ensuring students are ready for certification exams and real-world applications.
Here’s what employers actually want students to know about drones—and where schools often miss the mark.
What Employers Actually Care About
1. Safety and Responsibility Come First
Employers care far more about how someone operates a drone than how fast or skillfully they fly it.
They look for students who understand:
Safety procedures
Risk awareness
Situational judgment
Following rules and protocols
A student who takes safety seriously is far more valuable than one who can perform advanced maneuvers but ignores procedures.
2. Understanding the Purpose of the Flight
In real jobs, drones are tools—not toys.
Employers want students to understand:
Why a drone is being used
What problem it is solving
What data or outcome is expected
Flying for fun is very different from flying with a goal. Schools that teach purpose-driven flight better align with employer expectations.
3. Ability to Follow Instructions and Work in Teams
Most drone work happens as part of a team.
Employers value students who can:
Follow instructions
Communicate clearly
Work within a workflow
Coordinate with others on a job site
Team-based drone projects prepare students far better than solo activities.
4. Basic Knowledge of Regulations and Compliance
Employers don’t expect entry-level students to be legal experts—but they do expect awareness.
Students should understand:
That drone operations are regulated
Why rules exist
The difference between recreational and professional use
What FAA Part 107 represents
This shows professionalism and readiness for real-world environments.
5. Comfort With Learning New Tools
Drone technology changes quickly.
Employers look for students who are:
Curious
Adaptable
Willing to learn new software or equipment
Comfortable troubleshooting problems
This matters more than experience with one specific drone model.
What Schools Often Focus On Instead
1. Flying Skills Alone
Flying is important—but it’s only one part of the job.
Schools sometimes overemphasize:
Flight time
Maneuvers
Speed or precision challenges
Without context, these skills don’t translate well to real work environments.
2. Expensive or Advanced Equipment
Some schools assume professional results require professional-grade drones.
In reality, employers care more about:
Understanding workflows
Safe operation
Data awareness
Professional behavior
Advanced equipment can come later. Fundamentals matter more.
3. Certifications Without Context
Certifications like FAA Part 107 are valuable—but only when students understand why they matter.
Employers want students who:
Understand the purpose of certification
Know when certification is required
Respect regulatory responsibility
Teaching certification concepts alongside real-world application is more effective than test prep alone.
4. Isolated Drone Activities
One-off drone activities may be engaging, but they don’t show employers much.
Employers prefer students who have experienced:
Project-based work
Realistic scenarios
Problem-solving under constraints
Documentation and reflection
These experiences mirror workplace expectations.
The Skills Employers Notice Immediately
Employers consistently notice students who:
Take safety seriously
Ask thoughtful questions
Understand the “why” behind tasks
Work well with others
Show responsibility and accountability
They are looking for a person who demonstrates these skills, as such individuals are valuable assets in any workplace.
These qualities stand out more than flight tricks or technical jargon.
Employers may be worried when students lack these key skills, as it can impact their readiness and effectiveness in real-world situations.
How Schools Can Better Align With Employer Expectations
Schools can close the gap by:
Emphasizing safety and professionalism
Teaching purpose-driven drone use
Using team-based projects
Introducing regulations early, without overwhelming students
Focusing on transferable skills, not just hardware
Additionally, schools should partner with industry or business to ensure their drone curriculum aligns with real-world employer expectations.
This approach prepares students for any drone-related role, not just piloting.
Why This Alignment Matters
When schools align drone education with employer expectations:
Students are more workforce-ready
Programs are easier to justify to administrators
Employers view graduates as valuable entry-level hires
Drone programs gain long-term credibility
Improved student outcomes are a clear sign of effective drone curriculum alignment.
It also helps students understand that drone skills are part of a broader professional skill set.
Final Thoughts
Employers don’t expect students to know everything about drones.
They expect students to:
Be safe
Be responsible
Understand purpose
Work well with others
Be ready to learn
When schools design drone programs around these priorities, students graduate with skills that employers actually value—and schools build programs that truly prepare students for the real world.
If your school is interested in teaching drone skills safely and legally, you can book a call with our customer support team to learn how a drone curriculum can be implemented within your existing programs.