Two year degree's, will you get a job?

[JeremyAV8R]

Okay, I'm currently a student at UVSC, in the Pro Pilot Program. I should be a CFI in a matter of months. If I were to get my Associates degree, then slow down on my studies focusing on my CFI obligations, and being a good teacher. Would it be possible for me to land a Regional job with an associates degree, and a sufficant amount of flight time?

My basic plan is to get this CFI rating, finish up this Ass. degree, then once I have enough time, try to get a job with a regional." Like everyone else" And keep working on my Ba online, while working for a regional. Does this sound reasonable? Has anyone actually done this?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[MYFpilot]

I can't get anybody, regional or 135 to call me back with 2000TT/300Multi and a real (non-internet) 4 yr degree in Computer info systems. I think in today's pilot market it dosen't matter if you have a PHD from Yale. You are only going to get a flying job if you know somebody who knows somebody, and unfortunately I don't know anybody.

P.S. If anyone out there who works for, Skywest, ACA, ASA, Comair, Mesa, PSA, Chautauqua, TSA, Pinnacle, Horizon, Colgan, Air Wisconsin, Alleghney, or any other airline that's hiring talented and exceptionaly hard working pilots, such as myself, please PM me so I can be your friend. I'll even buy lunch and pay the green fee's.

 

[JeremyAV8R]

I know 4 guys that recently went to Skywest, all are going to be refrences for me. I hope that will help me out when the time comes. I will probably know more, by the time I'm ready. Training in Utah, helps if you want to work for skywest. A lot of the instructors are going there.

 

[Jeepman]

I would DEFINATELY get the 4yr. And get it in something other than aviation! It never hurts to have a back up degree in something else.


I had no idea I would be going to class this time last year at SkyWest after 9/11. I was gearing up to use my Industrial Tech degree when they called. I don't know how many trips that saved me to Kinko's, but man am I lucky!!

 

[azpilot]

I know folks with 4yr degrees, 2 yr degrees, and NO degree that all flying. One good friend with no degree is flying for Southwest. The other for a regional. So I don't think it really matters. Some airlines won't accept you without a 4 yr degree but there are many other out there that will.

 

[JAFO]

I can't get anybody, regional or 135 to call me back with 2000TT/300Multi and a real (non-internet) 4 yr degree in Computer info systems. I think in today's pilot market it dosen't matter if you have a PHD from Yale.

MYFpilot, just curious as to what the difference is between an internet degree and a "REAL" degree? Does that mean that a degree from an accredited distance learning curriculum does not hold the same significance as a degree from say Kent State?

 

[WyoHerkdriver]

Get real,
With thousands of qualified pilots out there looking for work, the airlines can be very choosy and the first bunch of applicants they will eliminate from their stack of resumes will be those without a four-year degree. It was very difficult even before 9/11 to land a flying job without a four-year degree (at least at almost every major) and it is even more the case today.
I would highly advise those out there without degrees to get the four-year degree. On top of that, I would suggest you get a degree in something that is worthwhile so that you can fall back on it in case the flying dream does not work out.
I am very glad I received a four-year degree in Accounting as I am now an Accountant after being furloughed from AA in March. Since I am looking at a five year furlough, I am darn glad that I have a degree and skill that allows me to do something other than fly. Just some food for thought for the younger guys out there debating on whether to stay in college for four years.
Hoss

 

[bobbysamd]

Four-year degrees

There is a danger in dealing with absolutes. Normally, I would say, unequivocally, that you need a four-year degree to make it to the top in this business, whatever that may be to you. Then, I hear from people who tell me that they have far less and still made it to the top. Accordingly, I won't make such a declarative statement.

But, take a look at hiring figures in such magazines as Career Pilot, Kit Darby's old rag (I realize that Kit hasn't published it for years - I'm sure he publishes a similar mag as Air, Inc.). Every month there was a column called "Congratulations, FAPA Pilots." Invariably, the majority of those hired at the majors had four-year degrees or more. What I'm using here is inductive reasoning. I see that most pilots whom the majors hire have four-year degrees. Therefore, I, personally, must conclude that the majors regard these applicants as the most desirable.

Moreover, quite a few people post questions about the best way to complete a four-year degree. Therefore, others must find it apparent that you need the degree to attain your career goals.

Another point to consider is a pilot can exert some control over the quals he/she offers. Meaning, in this case, getting the ATP on your own, taking the FEX written, and offering the best education credentials possible. So, if you know that the majors and others hire primarily with four-year degrees and it is within your power to earn one, it would behoove you to get it. (PS - from an accredited college!)

A final point. I have a B.S.B.A. I earned it in the normal course of schooling, just like most of my peers at that time. It was several years later that I considered an aviation career. My first full-time employer, ERAU, required flight instructors to have a four-year degree. So, my degree helped me get my first aviation job.

Just my .02. Nice to see another pilot besides me with a degree in Accounting.

 

[larry]

MS

What about a Masters Degree? I'm working on mine now. Does that earn you any bonus points at Air Wisc or Skywest?

 

[Rvrrat]

Alternate idea

With the airlines (particularly the majors) in an absolute slump, what about starting ones own business? In the same way that two or more people get together and form partnerships or member owned flying clubs, so could a few intrepid folks start their own business. Pros & cons ad nauseum, however, it is an alternative.

 

[virgil336]

You will

Most airlines don't care if your degree is from Yale, UNC, or the smallest school down the street. All they care about is that you have one. Getting a job in avaition is about who you know. All the degree does is check off another point for qualification.

Sometimes you still need to meet all of the requirements to land the job. They can't bend the rules all the time. Let's face it, the degree requirement was made my some HR executive who thought it would be a good idea. It doesn't mean you can't fly better that someone who does have one.

Some airlines do realize that and will hire you anyway. I personally got a job last month with no degree at all. My choices of airlines were limited. I would have loved to be on with one of the other airlines but they bump the requirements for non-degree people. I have 6 more credits for my A.S. and I plan to follow the same path. You will find a job in this business in just about any configuration, however, having your 4 year degree will open up more options.

I agree with everyone else. You should explore your degree in something you will enjoy doing when you are furloughed. The companys who chooses the Yale grad vs. the small school are few and far between. Every HR person I talked to says it's more of who you know but if the market is good and they can discriminate against qualifications, they will.

 

[Jetsnake]

My grandfather put it best,
Education never hurt anyone.

Any post high school education will not hurt
you in any field. A degree in Underwater
Basket Weaving will really suffice. Regardless
of what you do. Finish your degree.
What many post's have left out, is the fact that you;
and only you will appreciate the satisfaction of
completing your degree.

It's a pat on your back that you have given to
yourself. And it's also, something that no one
can take away from you regardless of your career
path.

I have something that I have because of what my
farther did. It's called a "Love Me Wall."

You put your accomplishments up on the wall and
display them proudly. My 3 year old daughter also
has the same, she now share's my wall with me,
I'm more proud of her doing's than mine. And some
day you'll be able to experience that also. I even went
to Wal-Mart and bought 2 cheesie frames in which I can
insert her artistic ability on a weekly basis.

Do yourself a favor, get your degree and have fun
regardless of where your fortunes take you.

Jetsnake

 

[Draginass]

What's your competition have for the few jobs out there?

Probably as much or more flying time.

Probably as much or more work experience.

Probably just as nice a guy and interviews just as well or better.

Has a four year degree.

. . . . . Now, how important do you think that degree is?

 

[JeremyAV8R]

Fellas, thanks for the responses.

But, as I said in my original post. I plan to get my degree. I'm just wandering if I just have my associates, and am still working on the BA, am I going to have trouble finding reginal work? Or, if my flight time is to par, but I'm still working on the degree, am I game for a reginal job.

Again thanks for the replys,
Jeremy

 

[Clownpilot]

Finish

Jeremy,


Use this time in the cycle of the airline industry to finish your degree. Don't worry about anything else right now. When the cycle swings up again you'll be ready. Remember, it looks like it will be years before that happens. BTW, I hope you're not considering a degree in English.

Just kidding.

Fella's, thanks for the responses.

But, as I said in my original post. I plan to get my degree. I'm just wandering, if I just have my associates, and am still working on the BA, am I going to have trouble finding reginal work? Or, if my flight time is to par, but I'm still working on the degree, am I game for a reginal job.

Again thanks for the replys,
Jeremy

 

[JeremyAV8R]

Re: Finish

Jeremy,


Use this time in the cycle of the airline industry to finish your degree. Don't worry about anything else right now. When the cycle swings up again you'll be ready. Remember, it looks like it will be years before that happens. BTW, I hope you're not considering a degree in English.

Just kidding.

English in not my forte.

 

[bobbysamd]

Masters

What about a Masters Degree? I'm working on mine now. Does that earn you any bonus points at Air Wisc or Skywest?

I once heard that anything beyond a Bachelor's was regarded as a negative. In fact, I recall reading some years ago about a lawyer who wanted to change careers and was told not to list his J.D. It was implied that anything beyond a B.S. or B.A. might imply that you might have an argumentative or know-it-all personality.

Frankly, I would ignore all of that. Finish your Masters. You'll be better off overall. Good luck with your thesis.

 

[LITCHAT7]

I'm sure you'll get a regional job with an associate (they dont give a rats a$$) however the majors are more picky. Internet or correspondence courses dont fly very well with them! I know there are a lot of people that fall into this catagory and dont like hearing this but its true (wife works in HR at a major). This is not to say it will never happen. There are going to be many people that "know someone" that got in without a normal degree, yet the chances are far more slim (especially in these times). I know you just want to start playing airline pilot right away, but the pay-off in the end will be much greater if you wait. There are MANY guys at my regional that wish they did!

 

[Viking]

"Internet or correspondence courses dont fly very well with them! I know there are a lot of people that fall into this catagory and dont like hearing this but its true (wife works in HR at a major). "

I've never seen an official college transcript differentiate between correspondence, distant learning or campus classes. So how would the interviewer know if you took a class via distant learning unless you told him? There are many well know universities that offer classes through distant learning. UNC, BYU, UCLA, Embry Riddle, Delta State, Ohio State and dozens if not hundreds more.

It goes without saying that it is important to check the schools accreditation. This notion that an airline or any company for that matter does not like distant learning courses is complete nonsense!

 

[Turbojet]

IMHO,

I believe a 4 year degree is very attractive to any airline hiring pilots right now. That being said, at the regional level, I still believe that the most important qualification is to have as much flying experience possible and having a "clean" background. A two year degree is definetly going to get you in the door if you have competetive experience in your logbook.

My advice is to keep flying and trying to get in the door. There will be pleanty of time to finish the four year degree once you are there because it will be many years before the Majors even consider hiring off the street again.

Good luck
tj