Originally Posted by
FlyAway88
I would like to ask a question about education standards and whether getting a bachelor's degree now would be worth it or if I would be better off completing it when I'm through all the training.
I currently work in a medical field and possess an Associates of Applied Science degree. From what I've gathered, I could enroll myself into a university now and start working towards a degree in aviation, or I could just focus my time and money on completing my flight training first, and then get my degree down the road.
You could do it either way, especially since you have an AS degree. You'd just need to make sure you finish the degree quickly once you get to a regional, so you don't end up wasting time when you're otherwise competitive.
Originally Posted by
FlyAway88
How much better off would I be with a Bachelor's Degree when applying for commercial jobs as a pilot versus having just an associates degree along with all my certifications and flying hours? Would my resume be pushed aside because I don't have a full degree? I am leaning towards not starting any online college classes until I'm through the training but also don't want to hurt my chances at getting hired.
You will have no trouble getting a CFI or regional job without a degree. Same for many entry-level GA jobs.
But for the major airlines, your options will be limited. For the top tier majors, you will essentially not be getting hired (odds are less than 1% and those few folks need to have some pretty remarkable aviation credentials (or friends).
For some ULCC/LCC airlines you could probably get hired eventually but it would likely take longer and there's some risk. Since you're already halfway there might as well finish it.
Alternative is AA wholly-owned regionals... they will have a flow program to AA which does not require a degree. That will probably take longer and carries the risk that if something happens to the flow (it has in the past), you'd be stuck for the duration.