dt2096

Hey guys,

I came here to seek advice from any airline guys (current or former). I'm 19 years old and have decided to go all the way with my flight training. I got my Private certificate in Nov,2014 and I am due for my instrument rating in a month. As of right now I have decided to take the upcoming Fall 2015 semester off to continue working and pursuing my ratings. By the end of this year I hope to achieve both my commercial single and multi. My question now is what I should major in at school? I figured if I majored in Business management, I would get my bachelors by my 21st birthday, and look to build my time in between that frame. I completed my freshman year as a pre-med guy with 39 credits. I want to have a solid backup. I felt that if I majored in Business undergrad, I could do an online MBA during my regional days. Ultimately I would like to be at a regional by late 21-22, work my butt off to build my time, and get to a decent major by 23-24. During this time frame, I would continue networking and building relationships in the business industry so that God forbid I woke up one day and lost my medical, I would still be able to provide for my family. I'd greatly appreciate any advice you guys could throw my way. Thanks in advance.

bedrock

I would say major in a degree that not everyone and his brother is doing, but one that teaches a skill. Civil engineering, construction, fire protection. In my city, any new construction over a certain size requires a sprinkler system. We are talking townhouses, or multi-family units over a certain size. I would say computer science as well, but you really don't need it to learn to code. Getting an education AND a skill is vital when aviation has its cyclical downturns.

I know a guy who was a good carpenter and did nothing but custom woodwork for the well to do. He owned a couple of airplanes. Loads of people are always looking for a skilled handyman, even if you don't get a contractor's license. My next door neighbor hired a guy @ 25/hr, just to fix some sprinklers, patch a wall, and fix a toilet--5 hrs work! My good friend finds old junk motorcycles, fixes them up, and sells them to the rich as a one of a kind toy. He even found a junk frame that was owned by Steve McQueen!

You need the degree to punch the card to get a good airline job, BUT you need a skill to ensure you against down times and to give you the fortitude to stand up to mgmt. bullying tactics.

Bumper

First major is something you like but will also pay the bills. Lots of guys leave flying for one reason or another like family or hopefully not but loss of medical. Its great to set goals but I would do a little more research into getting hired by a major at 23-24... again great if you do but there are many people ahead of you that will have a lot more time and experience trying to get that same position.

jbizon

Major in Aviation? It seemed to work for me.