Originally Posted by
rickair7777
If it were a major airline I would say go for it. That guaranteed interview (with better-than-average odds of getting hired) would be golden.
But I would not do an unpaid internship at a regional, especially if it delayed my graduation. Regionals are not hiring right now (probably nobody will until summer 2012). When they do start hiring again, they will pretty much hire anyone with a CPL...you don't need an internship. Get a summer job, and spend the money on your ratings.
I don't see the point of rushing to graduate either. The economy blows, and who knows if there's a job for him when he gets out (i hope there is..but reality sucks sometimes).
I'd say take the internship, it's a foot in the door of a good quality regional. No one says you have to go there, or that they're now the only option for you. But, in the near future when everyone starts hiring again..and the minimums are no longer 250-25 or CMEL or 600-50 or even 1000-100 because of all the experienced unemployed pilots out there..it might put you above the rest in a very competitive market. (at least that's how it seems to be heading)
The major airline comparison is silly, it's more important than ever in this industry to take one step at a time. If you have an end game in mind, and the thought of a very linear/planned career, in terms of "I want to be at x airline at this time" you're going to find yourself very disappointed and discouraged.
Do what's best for you...what ratings do you already have?