Michael Graham has always been interested in aviation. After graduating high school, he planned on becoming an engineer. After a year of school, he decided that engineering was not the route for him. Following his childhood dream, he transferred schools and began flying.
After completing a bachelor's degree in aviation science he became a certified flight instructor (CFI), certified flight instructor – instrument (CFII) and a multi-engine instructor (MEI) and began flight instruction for Utah Valley University. While building hours to become an airline pilot, Graham started teaching an aviation course at the local high school. This prompted another major career change. While still flight instructing and teaching at a high school, Graham earned a Master in Technology Engineering Education from Brigham Young University. Shortly before graduation, he began working at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. There, he ran an after-school program for high school juniors and seniors who wanted to be pilots. The program allowed for students to earn college credit while still in high school. After five years, he made the move to CMU Tech.