I'm having an epiphany here

[gkrangers]

You are right, and I'm sure a degree + the certifications will take you a long way, and make you very good money.

 

[pilotyip]

Airbadger exactly, a college degree that is unused rapidly looses its value, and after 15-20 years is nearly useless for getting a job. Other than the "college degree preferred" ones I referred to in other thread. And if you take a degree in rapidly advancing tech field like computers. It is nearly useless even quicker. I mean get a degree if you feel it will open doors or make you fell better about yourself, but in the 10 years it takes to develop your flying career that degree becomes less useful except for checking a box on an application. So do it on the side while building flight time.

 

[gkrangers]

Airbadger exactly, a college degree that is unused rapidly looses its value, and after 15-20 years is nearly useless for getting a job. Other than the "college degree preferred" ones I referred to in other thread. And if you take a degree in rapidly advancing tech field like computers. It is nearly useless even quicker. I mean get a degree if you feel it will open doors or make you fell better about yourself, but in the 10 years it takes to develop your flying career that degree becomes less useful except for checking a box on an application. So do it on the side while building flight time.

And as we know, most airlines want that box checked. Get the degree, in something useful. Maybe it'll provide good job opportunities right off the bat, and flying becomes a hobby. Or if flying disenchants you in the first couple years, you can try using that degree. It also makes it possible to go into a masters program, opening more job opportunities, even if your bachelors degree has gotten stale.

Not too mention how much fun college can be...

 

[pilotyip]

If you are not sure you want to be a pilot and are only going to try it for a couple years. Then a college education in something that has a high probability of landing a good job is probably the right route. However if your burning desire is to a be a pilot; something you have wanted to do since age 5, then college on the side is an alternative to 4 years and $50K-$100K of debt. There is a growing pilot shortage and opportunities in the cockpit will be growing.

 

[Snakum]

I wouldn't say that for computers anymore. CS degrees are worthless now because the technology they're based on is outdated (nobody can update a curriculum that fast) and nobody gives a fark if anyone understands the principles behind what you're doing, they just want results RIGHT NOW.

Agreed. In my company, the person filling the lowest position I manage - a QA Tech - has three degrees in History, Religion, and Computer Science (done back in the 80s). My most senior Developer went to high school ... barely. In fact, one of my bosses, the most technically-awesome developer I've ever worked with, has only a high school degree. We need guys who can program their azzes off and fit in with the group, and I don't give a rats azz if he has paper or not.

About the certifications, though ... it has been my experience that too many MCSEs or Certified Java Enterprise Developers are complete idiots when it comes to actually doing the job. I'd have to say there is no substitute for busting your azz and tearing your hair out on progressively difficult IT problems.

 

[Prop2Jet]

A college degree will separate you when you're furloughed from those that work at Manards from those that work in a an office environment and make good money. Two more years go by in a blink and can save your but if you ever decide to leave this field. Stick with it, get the paper and have a sense of security for your future. You will never go back after you leave.

 

[FN FAL]

A college degree will separate you when you're furloughed from those that work at Manards from those that work in a an office environment and make good money.

Whachu talkin bout Willis? Menards has a pretty big flight department; a Citation X and a gaggle of oversized King Air looking planes.

 

[siucavflight]

get the degree, or get out of the industry.

 

[Dubya]

It doesn't matter what your degree is in....just get one. It says to ANY prospective employer that A: My education and career development is important to me, B: I have the dedication to commit myself to a goal and see it through.

Example...if aviation was not working out for me...I could fall back and get a job in Pharmaceutical Sales with a company like Bristol Meyers...making very good money. They require a 4 year degree and sales experience or a good recommendation in place of the experience. Without that degree, and mine is a relatively benign degree without a Masters (Aviation Human Factors), you could not fall back on a job like that.

How do you answer this interview question, "Why did you decide not to finish your 4 year degree?"

Answer: "All these guys on flightinfo told me it was a worthless piece of paper that didn't really matter, and I didn't feel like wasting my time and effort."

Good luck with that.

W

 

[Prop2Jet]

Good response my fellow Illini grad! I N I