Originally Posted by
Dan64456
True, but if I was the one doing the hiring, I would much rather take someone that has work experience in many different fields over some kid with a newly minted college degree... I'd be willing to bet that option A would handle those non-flying aspects of the job much more professionally than a new grad with little to no work experience outside of school. It's this "conventional wisdom" that needs challenged sometimes. It's where I focus wayyy too much of my energy.
That is if you haven't noticed
I see it all of the time with these interns or new grads getting hired at my office (well not anymore since the economy). They come in there all arrogant with this entitlement mentality because they went to whatever big name university... Then when it comes down to it they don't know anything about anything. I think respect needs to be earned through life experience and true knowledge of the world around you... Not some Latin piece of paper with your name printed on it. Maybe my train of thought is even more "conventional" than modern conventionalism when you think about it... =)
It wasn't until recently that the airlines were hiring "kids" who were fresh out of college.
It's not that a college degree suddenly makes an expert in any particular field.. it is a function of how much work you put into learning, and subsequent experience.
What many college degrees do is expose you to a variety of subjects and disciplines. Yes there are those who spend their time with beer, bongs, and parties.. but they weren't going to make much of themselves anyways.
When I read some of the posts on these forums it's amazing how things as simple as basic grammar seem beyond them. I fly with pilots who continue to buck basic math skills, despite the fact that we work with numbers every day.
Now is this a function of not going to college? Some of the most intelligent people I have met do not have a degree... however they are constantly educating themselves. Some of the greatest leaders and thinkers in history didn't just focus on one area of expertise, but strived to be knowledgeable in many areas.
That is really the point... when was the last time you read a historical book rather than a Maxim? Do you continue to learn more and more about aerodynamics, engine theory, industry news... or do you pull out a Sodoku?
We all have a license and ratings that qualify us to do what we do.. but if we want to continue to be treated like professionals, we must work to present ourselves as such.
Never miss an opportunity to better yourself through education, where ever you may get it...