Freightpuppy- How would you recommend getting my ratings/certificates/hours if I pursue a degree in something other than aviation? I wont step foot into an airlplane for another 4 years if I go this route.

Trash Hauler- Souther Illinois University will not allow me get a BS in Aviation unless I get all my training there. Otherwise your idea sounds terrific. I might take Freightpuppys idea and combine it with yours.

I'll get to the bottom of this Internship deal. I also remember the manager/flight instructor told me that as an intern, I will not be working in the flight department. This raised a red flag to me because other than making contacts in the company, if your not gaining experience in the flight department, how can that help you get hired in the flight department as a pilot? I contacted the UPS airport in Louisville and left a voice mail for Buzz Thompson regarding this internship deal. I guess he's one of the guys that does the hiring of pilots.

So, if this internship deal gets blown out of the water, I may not take this route after all. You all seemed to hit it right on the nose when you say to get a degree to fall back on, and get in the military to get certifications/hours. I'm very grateful for this information. I will post back as soon as I hear from Buzz Thompson, and I will let you guys know what he has to say about the matter.