Interview and college grades

[mamba20]

I've got an interview with a major coming up and I'm concerned that my sub par performance in college will hurt me. Any advice?

 

[pilotyip]

Yes apply and do not tell them you have college degree. Then you will not have to worry about grades. Only 5 of the 173 companies presently hiring pilots make a 4 yr degree a show stopper.

 

[Oakum_Boy]

You should have studied harder.

 

[DrProc]

Tell them you were drunk all through college.

 

[GogglesPisano]

My advice is to drink heavily.

 

[RichardRambone]

Who gives a sh!t.

 

[TWA Dude]

I've got an interview with a major coming up and I'm concerned that my sub par performance in college will hurt me. Any advice?

It'll only hurt you if you can't maturely discuss why your grades were poor. You'll need to prove that you can apply yourself now.

 

[jumppilot]

It'll only hurt you if you can't maturely discuss why your grades were poor. You'll need to prove that you can apply yourself now.

Grades don't matter. If you have the proper time and do well in the interview, and have the proper references, grades won't even come into the equation.

"I see you have 1000 PIC and 757 time, which is exactly what our company is looking for...wait...hang on....you graduated with a 2.5 in college...well, I don't know about that."

Won't happen.

Continue to work the contacts, shine in the interview and your logbook will carry you through.

But, as TWAdude alluded to, if it comes up, give the standard reponse..."To this day I wish I could do it all over again and do better while I was in college. However, I continued to better myself after I graduated to show my dedication as a professional aviator."

Done.

Remember, hiring qualifications are based on insurance mins, not college grades.

 

[Mercury]

Yes apply and do not tell them you have college degree. Then you will not have to worry about grades. Only 5 of the 173 companies presently hiring pilots make a 4 yr degree a show stopper.

Not so sure that I would knowingly hide this information from any potential employer regardless of whether a degree is required or not. If you remeber one piece of interview advice let this be it...DO NOT LIE!!!!

If it was just one or two classes with low grades, turn it into a positive by saying that you found those courses very challenging and rewarding but just not your forte. It shows work ethic that you stuck it out instead of just dropping the class all together.
I graduated Cum Laude but had a D in Calculus I and II. When asked about this at an interview, I admitted my weakness in Calc and then directed their attention toward my strength in the three Physics classes I took. (2 As and a B). I think that your overall college performance is more important than one or two poor marks. Additionally admitting your weaknesses will show you are a person of strong character and have the ability to crtique your own performance. And oh yeah...DO NOT LIE!!!!


YIP,
You and I have talked in the past, and I value your input and experiences. However I'm sure that you would not want a potential employee to intentionally hide info from you during an interview. If a pilot is willing to lie to you in person or hide college grades what else will they try to cover up???? I know I do not want that type of individual at my operation.---Merc

 

[zonker]

I had terrible grades in college, and no one has ever asked about them.

Of course, you'd want to have an explanation ready.

If you have a good work record and training record, chances are you'll have no problems and they know that.

 

[pilotyip]

Of course do not lie, but that post was more of a jab at the "You must have a college degree" crowd.

 

[jumppilot]

Of course do not lie, but that post was more of a jab at the "You must have a college degree" crowd.

Yip,

For a lot of companies you must have a college degree to get a call. However, I never thought I say this, but the pilot shortage of '07 that you talked about is upon us. A college degree may not matter.

When the airlines have a choice, they want a degree. When the pickings get short, they only want warm bodies to help their bottom line.

In other words, a degree matters most of the time. You honestly have to be retarded to think a degree doens't mean anything.

 

[pilotyip]

I have never said a degree doesn't mean anything, I have only stated it is not necessary to have a successful career as a pilot. The counrty needs all of the college educated people it can get who apply what they have learned in college to make the USA a better place to live. Pilots rarely use thier degrese in thier career.

 

[Lazy8]

I have never said a degree doesn't mean anything, I have only stated it is not necessary to have a successful career as a pilot. The counrty needs all of the college educated people it can get who apply what they have learned in college to make the USA a better place to live. Pilots rarely use thier degrese in thier career.

God bless our counrty of pilots and thier degrese!

lol

:beer:

I hardly ever hear of people getting asked where they went to college in interviews. I wouldn't sweat it, but if they do ask just tell them you were too wasted to remember to go to class.

 

[pilotyip]

Like I have said before, MY 4th grade teacher wanted to hold me back because of speeling. Just another example of being a good or bad speeler has nothing to do with flying an airplane. BTW why do most pilots being hired have college degrees? Because most pilots applying have degrees. It is very simple if you understand math.

 

[Lazy8]

Like I have said before, MY 4th grade teacher wanted to hold me back because of speeling. Just another example of being a good or bad speeler has nothing to do with flying an airplane. BTW why do most pilots being hired have college degrees? Because most pilots applying have degrees. It is very simple if you understand math.

I'm just giving you a hard time :beer:

I don't think the 4-year degree is a showstopper at the regionals right now, but it will be in the future as hiring slows down. These days, as someone interested in an airline career, I think it would be silly to not get it. It's a lot easier and more convenient to get with the online programs out there.

g

 

[pilotyip]

My thoughts exactly, do your degree on-line full time college for a pilot puts you behind those who are flying for a living while you are in college. Plus it is cheaper and sometimes you can get your employer to pay for it. Yoiu come out a age 25 with very little debt, lots of good flight time, a couple type rating and a 4 yr degree you will probably not use.

 

[tranceport]

I've got an interview with a major coming up and I'm concerned that my sub par performance in college will hurt me. Any advice?

I was asked similar questions about my sub par grades in college by both a regional and major when I interviewed. (got hired by both)

It all revolves around several things but the biggies are: taking full responsibility in your attitude when answering that question and an answer that sounds honest and believable.

Ask yourself 'why?' you didn't get good grades and then use elements of that (maybe not 100% truth like: I partied too much. common, but doesn't sound good) and then be prepared to answer it. Practice this answer in various forms before hand (as well as other potential 'killer' questions) until you are comfortable, not nervous and sincere in your answer.

When I was asked: 'I see you have some D's and some failures of classes at the University of ______.". That's how one asked. It wasn't really a jab question to get me to be defensive but more of a statement with an intention for me to 'talk about this' and explain it. In other words, if you are a good candidate and you don't have too many skeletons in the closet that need explaining on that day then have some poise and confidence and take responsibility and explain yourself, short and sweet....no need to go into chapters of 'why'. Ie: 'although finishing my degree was very important to me, I really didn't have my head in the books. I was flight instructing (or flying or insert sob story here if necessary) and go sidetracked. If I had to do it over again I would definitely have spent more time to finish stronger".

hope this helps. It worked for me (suckers:beer: )

Love,
Dr. Pheel