Does other work experience help in interviews?

[wrxpilot]

This is looking pretty far into the future, but I currently have an engineering job as a turbine engine designer. I'm considering another field of engineering in a few months, and hopefully will have my CFI in about 18 months (I'm doing the FBO route for everything). I'm estimating (very roughly) that I will be ready to start interviewing for commerical pilot positions (freight, charter, etc.) in about 3-4 yrs. Do you think my technical experience in turbine design will be seen as a big plus? Would a company feel that I may have a better chance at understanding a/c systems, etc? Or is it going to be the same old deal where they just want you to have a degree? The reason I'm asking this question so far in advance is that I'm trying to shape up my short term engineering plans. Thanks!

 

[Flying Illini]

it definitely couldn't hurt you.

 

[Ralgha]

Having that in your background would tell the interviewers that you shouldn't have any trouble in their groundschool, so a big plus.

 

[wrxpilot]

Having that in your background would tell the interviewers that you shouldn't have any trouble in their groundschool, so a big plus.

Thanks. It's a job that sometimes drives me crazy (lots of computer work), but if it can help me w/ aviation it'll go a long way towards keeping me in the field.