Something *useful* LOL :)

Computer geeks are perpetually in demand, even after the dot com bust. So are project managers so having project management education, experience, certifications, can be very useful. The big trick is converting your previous job experience into a generic skill. A CA is a small team leader, so is an FO (So are FAs for that matter). You're also a process manager. You take diverse inputs and make real time operational decisions based on policy, federal regulations, experience, and a wildly varied set of inputs, many of which are contradictory and therefore need rationalization before using the information.

Sounds like a wal-mart middle manager actually. The trick is to aim high enough in that non-flying company's structure since you obviously can't compete with a recent college grad with exactly the training needed for the entry level job. For that, you need leadership experience in environments that translate to the job you're applying for. Making that translation can be hard but a good recruiter or career counselor can make resume magic happen without making up anything or stretching the truth.

I do not agree with the line of thinking that you should get a degree in something else just in case you need a fallback.

That advice does not apply to any other career. I understand that you could lose your medical and need something else, but if you are 17 years old and have a passion for aviation, get an aviation degree.

No one that wants to work in finance gets told to get a degree in chemistry just in case. I have heard this line of thinking from pilots got my entire life and I just don't get it. If you lose your medical in 30 years you might have to become an instructor or take an office job, but I wouldn't get a degree in chemistry in the off chance that you have a heart problem in 35 years.

Kid, if you love aviation, get an aviation degree

AI robots are ready to take over commercial aviation next month or so. Just waiting on the Trumpster to give the green light. I hope you have a plan B!

Certainly would not tell a trucker that a degree in logistics would be the best degree to get. Since a degree related to the occupation is not required, or even desired, the smart move is to diversify.

Why get a four year degree to start with? Go to community college and a local flight service. Get a two year degree and save thousands.

After you get hired at the regionals go online to finish your four year degree.

If I could start over knowing what I know that is what I would do.

You will get knocked down major points on the Delta application for doing that. Completing a four year degree in four years is essential IMHO. Also, I have seen many people who do the regional/college thing, and then wind up not completing that degree.

Stuck my head in a small-town airport recently. No airline service but plenty of corporate, flight training, and general aviation stuff going on. Asked a young guy (mid-20s) if he was a CFI and he said no, I’m the airport manager. It looked like a well-run, well-kept airport.

I was impressed. If you want a fallback option that is aviation-related, that might be a great option.

If you like aviation, get an aviation degree. It'll be easier for you. And a bachelor's degree is a bachelor's degree. The same people who think college degrees are useless are the same people on here recommending a non-aviation degree as a backup plan. I think having an aviation degree gives you a *slight* edge on being hired at a major airlines, but the real reason I would do it is because it's easy and you have a greater chance of completing it with a good GPA if you actually enjoy aviation.

Try to complete everything with minimal debt if you can. Big name schools don't really matter. Get to a regional ASAP. Volunteer, join a fraternity, play intercollegiate sports, or anything else you can do to make your resume stand out from all the other boring pilots.

Good luck!!

I can’t speak for all airlines but know people hired at Fed Ex and Southwest that followed the online four year path.

I think a lot of people forget that it all boils down to the money.. If you have the finances or scholarships that will cover the cost of a different degree AND flight training that's probably the best option. Sadly for most of us that's not the case. For myself I needed the aviation degree because no one would lend me money to finance flight training, but the second my state university called my rating a "lab class" I could get all the financial aid I needed. I've had a lot of acquaintances try and do the pay as you go route for flight training. The problem with that is they are just now 6+ years later hitting regional pilot mins or gave up the career all together, while I'm starting at a major airline. Sadly money tends to make the decision for most.

TL/DR: In a vacuum a unrelated 4 year degree is best, but in the real world money makes the decision.