Ivan Grau, chief flight instructor at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes mentorship as the most important and valuable part of his role.

Throughout his career, Ivan Grau has embraced change, stayed adaptable and built connections with the Eagle community that will last a lifetime. Here, he shares his reflects on his ongoing career journey — noting the unique benefits of Embry‑Riddle, the highlights of his role and more.

What has been your favorite part of working at the university? 

My favorite part of working at Embry‑Riddle has been the opportunity to mentor students as they pursue their dreams in aviation. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students start as freshman with big ambitions and then watching them grow into skilled pilots ready to take on the industry. I enjoy the strong sense of community at the university — working alongside passionate colleagues who share the same dedication to aviation and education makes every day fulfilling. The energy and enthusiasm of the students keeps me motivated and knowing that I play a role in shaping their future careers is what makes this job so special.

What advice would you give to new employees starting their journey at Embry‑Riddle? 

My advice to new employees at Embry‑Riddle is to embrace the culture of mentorship. This university is more than just a workplace — it’s a community filled with passionate professionals who are dedicated to student success and the advancement of aviation. Take the time to build relationships with students; those connections will make your experience even more rewarding.

How have the students, faculty or staff impacted your experience at the university? 

The students, faculty and staff have played a huge role in shaping my experience at Embry‑Riddle. The students are the biggest reason I love what I do — watching them grow, overcome challenges and achieve their dreams is incredibly fulfilling. Their passion and enthusiasm for aviation keeps me motivated and reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. The faculty and staff have also been instrumental in my experience. Being surrounded by such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of professionals has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

What do you think sets Embry‑Riddle apart as a workplace and institution? 

Embry‑Riddle stands out as both a workplace and an institution because of its unparalleled dedication to aviation, aerospace and engineering education. The university fosters an environment where innovation and excellence are the standard, and everyone — students, faculty and staff — are passionate about the industry. As a workplace, what makes it truly special is the strong sense of community and collaboration. The faculty and staff share a commitment to student success, creating an atmosphere of mentorship and support.

Unlike many other institutions, Embry‑Riddle not only educates but also actively shapes the future of aviation by staying ahead of industry advancements and maintaining close ties with major airlines and aerospace companies. The combination of cutting-edge resources, industry connections and a shared love for aviation makes Embry‑Riddle a unique and fulfilling place to work.

If you could go back and give yourself advice at the start of your career, what would it be? 

If I could go back to the start of my career, I would tell myself to be patient, embrace change and trust the journey. Early on, I was so focused on achieving my original goal of becoming an airline pilot that I didn’t immediately see the incredible opportunities unfolding in front of me. Looking back, I realize that success doesn’t always follow a straight path — sometimes, the detours lead to the most rewarding destinations.

How do you balance longevity with growth and adaptability in your role? 

Balancing longevity with growth requires a commitment to embracing change. Over the years, I’ve stayed adaptable by keeping up with advancements in aviation technology, evolving industry trends and changes in student learning styles. Teaching methods, regulations and industry demands are always shifting, so I make it a priority to stay informed and flexible. At the same time, longevity comes from maintaining a strong foundation — staying true to the core values of mentorship, safety and excellence that Embry‑Riddle embodies. I’ve found that building lasting relationships with students and colleagues, while also being open to new ideas, helps me grow without losing sight of why I started this journey in the first place.