JohnBurke

Agree to disagree, he said, followed by if you don't agree, go away.

Will the dominant personality kindly stand up? (Don't bother: it's rhetorical. I believe we've just seen it).

There's little in academia more useless than a degree in aviation. But a second degree in aviation in laughably useless (much like overhauling a pink Prius).



Mr. Fetzer, why did you seek a degree in aviation?

Well, I was already working as a pilot, and it seemed the easiest, cheapest route.

I see, and what did they teach you?

They taught me what I already knew.

Nothing, then?

Precisely.

Then why did you do it?

I did it to check a box. Now I have a degree.

What does that degree do, Mr. Fetzer?"

It covers a hole in my wall where the plaster fell out.

I see. Would it not have been easier to repair the hole?

Well, they didn't cover that in school, but I can tell you all about the history of agriculture in the lower Mississippi delta, and I can spell it, too. Go on, ask.

That's quite alright, Mr. Fetzer. I appreciate your enthusiasm.

I can do soduku, too. Want to see?

Perhaps later. For now, pleas tell me in your own words how gaining a degree in aviation has made you a better candidate.

I don't end my sentences with a preposition any more, and I stopped spelling council with an 's.'

Very good, Mr. Fetzer. We do have openings in our technical publications department. This is an interview for a pilot position, however. Can you tell me about other training and qualifications you may have?

Sure. I got a masters degree, too.

Excellent. In what discipline did you pursue the masters, then?

Aviation.

Hold on a tic. You got a four year degree in a discipline that you already do that you say taught you what you already know, then pursued another degree in the same thing?

Yep

Pardon my interest, Mr. Fetzer, but was one useless degree not enough for you?

Naw, I'm starting a collection. Baylor has a doctorate in silly putty that I'm interested in. I hope to get a grant to find out how they get newsprint onto the putty, then do a parallel study to see where the picture goes when you mash it up.

You are truly a complex man, Mr. Fetzer. I believe our time here is about up. We thank you for your time, and if you'll gather your things, a gentleman with a badge will help escort you once you leave this room.

Thank y'all so much for your time.

And thank you, Mr. Fetzer. Have a truly wonderful day and do try not to let the door strike you in the ass on the way out.

Thanks, dude.