Importance of a College Degree?
12-16-2008 | 10:08 AM
#1
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From: C402
Importance of a College Degree?
Im a first year student at a community college. I want to eventually become an airline pilot with a regional and in time move up to a major. My question is how, how big of a factor is a college degree when apply to a regional or mainline, experience aside? What if I only have an associates degree?
thanks
thanks
12-16-2008 | 10:26 AM
#2
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Most regionals do not require a degree, but they often say it is "prefered" . When regionals are hiring lot (2006-2007) lack of a degree will not limit your employment options at most regionals. When times are tough (2008+), most regionals will use the degree as a screening tool to thin their stack of resumes...right now it will hurt you.
At the major level, assume that there is no way in heck that you will ever get a job without a four-year degree. There have been exceptions in the PAST, but few recently.
In fairness, SWA has been known to hire pilots with an associates. I even know one, but he had heavy-duty internal connections. Other than that, an associates is the same as no degree.
At the major level, assume that there is no way in heck that you will ever get a job without a four-year degree. There have been exceptions in the PAST, but few recently.
In fairness, SWA has been known to hire pilots with an associates. I even know one, but he had heavy-duty internal connections. Other than that, an associates is the same as no degree.
12-17-2008 | 01:56 PM
#3
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From: Left seat in a Seminole
I have spoken to pilots who have said they have never been asked if they have a degree or not.. One flies for FEDEX and the other for Spirit.. Also, I have spoken to recruiters for airlines who have said although it is a good thing to fall back on if something goes wrong, and the fact that it shows you can complete something long term, it isn't necessary to have it to go onto the Majors after flying in the Regionals or elsewhere.
12-17-2008 | 02:46 PM
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From: Spartan
I have spoken to pilots who have said they have never been asked if they have a degree or not.. One flies for FEDEX and the other for Spirit.. Also, I have spoken to recruiters for airlines who have said although it is a good thing to fall back on if something goes wrong, and the fact that it shows you can complete something long term, it isn't necessary to have it to go onto the Majors after flying in the Regionals or elsewhere.
12-17-2008 | 03:10 PM
#6
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
I have spoken to pilots who have said they have never been asked if they have a degree or not.. One flies for FEDEX and the other for Spirit.. Also, I have spoken to recruiters for airlines who have said although it is a good thing to fall back on if something goes wrong, and the fact that it shows you can complete something long term, it isn't necessary to have it to go onto the Majors after flying in the Regionals or elsewhere.
But don't kid yourself about FDX. How long have your acquintances worked there there? Since 1988? Things were different in the past...BUT THE PAST IS NOW OFFICIALLY OVER! GET A 4-YEAR DEGREE!
12-21-2008 | 07:30 PM
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From: EX - OHJFKCRJFO
I understand four year degrees are a prerequisite. What kills me is that about 98% of people that have them and post here have no concept of spelling and/or grammar.
I'm not pointing to any one post... just in general. Also I am not claiming to be perfect, but I'm also not saying a four year degree is all that.
I'm not pointing to any one post... just in general. Also I am not claiming to be perfect, but I'm also not saying a four year degree is all that.
12-22-2008 | 05:03 AM
#8
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From: EMB-170 FO
If you have flight time look at Embry-Riddle's extended campus. I was awarded 36 credits for my CFIs and 500 hours as a CFI (other option is ME-Comm with 1000TT) for the Professional Aeronautics Degree.
I knew a guy who typed in perfect English. This guy had a degree in English literature. I don't one in English lit, had one English class in my undergrad and there are no classes in spelling and/or grammar in grad school. I think that spelling and grammar is a prerequisite for college.
I understand four year degrees are a prerequisite. What kills me is that about 98% of people that have them and post here have no concept of spelling and/or grammar.
I'm not pointing to any one post... just in general. Also I am not claiming to be perfect, but I'm also not saying a four year degree is all that.
I'm not pointing to any one post... just in general. Also I am not claiming to be perfect, but I'm also not saying a four year degree is all that.
01-07-2009 | 07:08 PM
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From: Sleeping in the black swan’s nest.
Put it this way. Without a four year degree you are placing yourself in the 2 percentile range for getting hired at a major. Good luck and while you are at it buy some power ball tickets you might just hit it.
01-08-2009 | 12:28 AM
#10
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From: Floatin' down the river in a old tube smilin'
I have been very happy with Utah Valley University so far. Junior this year. I say ratings first, then college. That way your building some experience while your getting the degree, and you will get all that experiential credit. No need to work any harder than you have too.
Then again, if you have a brain I would get a degree in something completely unrelated to aviation, because you never know when you might need it.
Then again, if you have a brain I would get a degree in something completely unrelated to aviation, because you never know when you might need it.
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