ghillis - I would be careful in saying that United hires based on connections. I'm a 2200 hour type guy, all MIL fighter (IP/EP/FCF/DO), with only a couple of low ranking FO letters of recc and I was hired. They are many in my shoes as well. I also do think that Master's degrees add points to your application. For those wanting to get hired an undergrad degree is the minimum but a Master's is most definitely a discriminator that increases your chances of getting hired in today's highly competitive environment. It was the first question my interview panel asked me about in my interview a couple of months ago. Best of luck everyone.