Biz experience versus college

[imploded]

I've seen the common thread "most corporate flight departments want some college experience, a personable person who is intelligent and can talk with the people in back" amongst many of the "is corporate right for me?" questions.

What about us that have a good deal (and growing) of actual biz experience, but no degree? I, for one hand, do not have a degree but I'm head of UNIX engineering at a large health insurance company near Boston. I've got 6 years (and growing, *sigh*) working in various biz roles (consultant, instructor, director of engineering, lead engineer, and entry-level engineer). I'm looking to move into Director of IT roles soon (unless fiancee finishes grad work early). Does any of this previous experience matter? On the one-page pilot resume, I have a feeling it may not....

I like the way corporate looks and works. I like the equipment, the variablity of the trips, the fact that (at least, from what I gathe) the people in back respecting what you do, and the lack of labor problems so prevelent at most of the major airlines. The pay is decent to great, and the equipment maintained to the highest levels. It would be a great destination, for sure.

Thanks for your time, folks.

Cheers,

-Andrew

 

[banned username 2]

Andrew,

Unfortunately all of your stated work experience will have little if any bearing on you getting into the Corporate Aviation Arena...

A Degree can help, and some companies actually require a degree... if nothing else get at least an Associates degree in something... so you can include college on your resume...

Good Luck! It will be a long and hard road, but the payoff in the long run is worth the journey...

 

[2000flyer]

I have to agree with Falcon Capt. I believe there are several companies that would hire you without a degree but competition is tougher than ever right now and you'll more than likely be competing with several canidates with degrees.

While your UNIX experience probably won't do much for you in pilot market, the six years at the same company will help tell the chief pilot you can be counted on to stick around if hired. Companies, corporate especially IMHO, like to see longevity on a resume!

Best of luck in your endeavors.

Regards,
2000Flyer

 

[Gulfstream 200]

All that good experience is great and probably makes you more money than most 4 yr degrees...

but...

Do you have a college degree?

the answer will still have to be NO.

I dont necessarily agree with it, but you gotta have the degree these days! Its as basic a requrement as an ATP or Medical.

 

[501261]

Got to agree, I think the 4 year degree is more important at this point. Sure your IT experience is very useful, but the IT manager isn't the one who will be interviewing you for the pilot position, the flight department manager will be.

However, once you get your 4 year degree, having that IT experience, will certainly give you a leg up on people of comparable flight time.

I'm sure just about every flight department would love to hire a qualified pilot that is also good with computers, right Falcon Capt

 

[GVFlyer]

Education



The military and the three civilian firms in which I have had a position have all required a four year degree for their pilots.

So, like the Air Force recruiting commercial said, "Study hard, take the hard courses..."

GV