SWA Slow Day

[crjdude]

I really want to work for Southwest, I know just like everybody else and their brother. But I have wanted to work there for years. I was turned down 2 yrs ago. Now I am eligible to reapply.

I am considering going ahead and getting the type. Really a no brainer for those who really want to fly for SWA.
But I also only have a 2 yr degree.


My question is:

1. Should I get the type or finish the 10 classes I need to get my
Bachelors degree? In your opinion which is more critical?

2. Since I was called to interview 2 yrs ago, just how important
is the 4 yr degree to SWA anyway?

3. If I was called next week for an interview, would the lack of a
type or 4 yr degree hurt me the most?


Any comments are appreciated. If anyone knows of someone hired with a 2 yr degree please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[Metropilot]

I also want to work for southwest but do not have a four year degree. I would go for a type rating first. At the airline I work at now we've had several guys get jobs at SWA. Some did not have four year degrees. One just had a High School diploma. So it is possible, and at SWA people get hired often without degrees.

In my guess-da-mation, it seems SWA is more interested in who you are as a person. Would you want to fly with someone with a degree who was hard to get along with or another with strong work habits who was a pleasure to work with, and no degree. I am in no way discounting the importance of a degree, it is important.

 

[RJones]

I agree with Metropilot, however, if I was in your shoes I'd go ahead with the type rating, then the Bachelors. It would have made a big difference for me had I the type prior to the interview...I'd be flying the line now instead of sitting here in the pool. (in the pool as jetpltrich)

RJ

 

[Goose17]

all your eggs in one basket

Consider this...

I understand that SWA is your target. That's great, however would you rather go bird hunting with a rifle or a shot gun. Let me 'splain myself. Most major airlines require you to have a 4-year degree and if it is not listed as required, it is heavily weighted when considering your competitiveness. On the flip side, a 737 type rating will do practically nothing for you at other airlines (and can count against you if they suspect you will jump ship for SWA).

The point I am trying to make is I would definitely go for your degree first! With a 4-year degree, you are eligible for all airlines. Then get your 737 specialty (become the doctor then specialize as a surgeon).

Also realize that Fed Ex is the only major hiring right now. That is NOW, things change. Make yourself as marketable as possible and don't limit yourself to just one airline.

Goose17

 

[jbhootr]

degree

I was hired recently without a degree. 49 college credits to my name.

 

[SWA/FO]

There were two guys in my class with no degree. SWA wants the right type of person, period.

 

[Full of LUV]

Why not get an education? You only go through life once and it will only get harder to fit in that MBA as your life get's busy with wife, kids, job, etc. As they say, "education is wasted on the youth!" or
"The only thing people are willing to pay for and not receive.....an education!"
Southwest will continue to be there to exploit, I mean utilize, your dedicated labor.

 

[KingAirGuy]

Wasted Youth

I have over 260 credit hours and No degree (sad but true) I chose to waste my youth on the Military. Sure Lots of people do college and the Military at the same time, but not I. If working for SWA is being exploited, exploit me baby!

They are more concerned witht he Type than the degree I do believe

 

[Duds]

Stay focused on your goal.... Job at SWA.

They want to see that you are dedicated to SWA... The Type rating will show that more than the degree.

You are already qualified! They would not have given you an invite for the first interview if you were not qualified for the job. They do not waste time and money at SWA to interview people that they know are not going to make it.

Stay focused!

Good Luck,

Duds

 

[NavyMetro]

College or Type?

First, call and talk to your parents, they know you better than we do. After that, go with your gut, we're just a bunch of "yahoos" with opinions. And you know what they say about "opinions".

Good luck.

 

[crjdude]

Thanks for all the response.
Gonna go for the type. After that I will continue to work on the degree as money allows.

Here goes.........

 

[av8instyle]

I don't think so...

I'm gonna be the minority here. I'm going to have to strenuously agree with Goose 17 on this one. Why put all your eggs in one basket in today's market. Haven't you thought it possible that the one thing that kept you from getting on the first time was a lack of a degree. I know this may not be the case, but it might. I specifically know of a guy who interviewed at a major airline that had a very similar incident. He re-interviewed with a degree and got the job the second time around. Was it the degree? Only the board members know. The point is that this market is way too tight to limit yourself to a handful of airlines because of a lack of a degree. It makes you look unmotivated. That's not saying you are, but that's the way it could be taken.
SWA interviewed you before without a type, and they've hired several others that were type-less.
If it's a money issue and I had to choose, I'd get the degree every time before the type. If money is not an issue, then do both, IMHO.

 

[falcon20]

I interviewed the first time with a type and no degree and didnt get it. I finished my degree four days before my second interview(Sept 10,01) and now im on the line. Take it for what its worth, had a guy that had neither and was hired in my class. Its all about you, but you do want to show improvement in your self from the last time you were there. Good Luck