Originally Posted by
hockeypilot44
Getting a degree in something other than aviation is not as useful as you'd think. It sounds like a great idea in theory, but in reality, a pilot will spend years flying for an airline before trying to move onto another career. At this point, all employers care about is real world experience. Look at it the other way. Let's say you get an aviation degree, then become a police officer for 10 years. After 10 years, you decided to get back into flying. No one will offer you a job flying due to recency. Other fields are the same way.
I'd agree to a certain extent. But let's say you have a choice...what would you do?
1) Let's say you're a pilot with an Aeronautical Science Degree, and you're furloughed. What can you do with that degree? Pretty much nothing, whether you try to "freshen up" that degree or not. Especially if the aviation industry is in the pits, which is the reason you probably got furloughed.
2) Let's say you're a pilot with a Bachelor's Degree in accounting and you're furloughed. What can do with that degree? Well, maybe you're right- you can't get an accounting job because it's been 10 years. But perhaps you can take a few classes at your local state university and "freshen up" that degree. Or perhaps you could spend a year or two and get a Master's Degree then be eligible for gainful employment in that field.
Which situation would you rather be in, 1 or 2? Neither situation is "good" because, he11, you're furloughed and not flying! But I'd much rather be in position #2 than position #1. So if you're young and
it doesn't matter what you get a degree in as far as the airlines are concerned, then why not go for that non-aviation degree?