Originally Posted by
HectorD
Hey guys,
I am going to be an Engineering student at Saint Louis University in a few months. I have been reading around the web looking at the current internships airlines provide. Most if not all of them require you to major in aviation as well as have a number of different licenses. I understand why you would need the ratings but why do you have to major in aviation? I personally am going to minor in aviation in order to get my licenses and ratings while I study engineering. I guess my main gripe is, why should I be limited by my major just because I would not only have to work harder to graduate but it is a smarter choice to major in something that is not aviation? Doesn't majoring in something difficult like engineering and having all of the required ratings show you are capable of the job just like aviation students?
My second gripe is, as far as I know, most of the internships are reserved for select colleges like ERAU and UND. Talk about equal opportunity.
I know this is sort of a stupid rant because internships don't guarantee you a job but you can't deny the they help.
Though not as common, thery're out there. I go to a school that would be the last you'd guess in terms of aviation or engineering, but I was offerd an engineering internship this summer/fall with Delta. It wasn't in flight ops, but rather engineering Mx. I'm sure it helps your odds of getting hired with that particular airline, whether in be as an engineer or pilot.
I've been offered/participated in a couple other (well) PAID engineering/aviation internships, just by showing that aviation is my passion. That sure beats the heck out of most of the unpaid aviation only intern opportunities. Just do something that sets you apart from the rest. I grew up in STL, and focused on keeping my resume aviation heavy from my first high school job. Boeing has a large facility in STL, maybe look into something with them in the future.