Backup degree
 

After I finish my associates I'm transfering into either International Relations or zoology for my bachelors so I can have a back up degree. What is the idea on a back up, and these majors specificaly and will they make me any more marketable? i know that the majors dont care what the degree is in as long as one has been earned

They won't make you more marketable for a flying job. The idea is, if you can't fly, which one would be a second interest for you. Which one would put food on the table while you wait for the next flying gig.

JSF, think long term. You never know what the future holds in store for you. Bad things happen to good people. There's several reasons for a back up, and like 727 said...it's mainly as a back up in the event that God forbid, you lose your medical...or your airline goes 6 feet under and you have to sit life on the ground for a while. As hard as it is to think about, try to give yourself an idea of what you'd want to do if you couldn't fly and go from there. Zoology is a really awesome major though, even if you never use it. Got a BS in it, and have absolutely no regrets.

Speaking of zoology, one of the educational channels had a nice show last night on the most poisonous creatures in the world, it was sea snakes and toads in the amazon jungle. I found it interesting that certain lizards and centipedes are also poisonous. There are not many antidotes available as one would think, and most poisonings are treated for symptoms.

The ideal backup degree...

- Non-aviation related (except engineering is OK).

- Marketable Skill (accounting, engineering, business etc...history, english, and zoology are not marketable)

- Something you enjoy.

- A field that doesn't experience revolutionary change every 18 months. Accounting, business, and even engineering are always based on the same fundamentals. Computer technology would be not be so good in this regard.

- Military experience (even 4 years) will help
- Security clearance (the higher the better)
- Military leadership training (NCO academy, Airman leadership, etc...)

All three of the above can you / do give you a leg up in the workplace.

I agree with everyone else here, right now I am working on my 4-year applied engineering science degree as a backup, while taking flight school in the summers and flying as much as I can on school breaks.

B.A. in criminal justice administration.... no pre-requirements from most schools so thats always a plus..... you can work for a private eye firm if you ever get laid off.... pays good for the time being.

Well, I did mine in Aviation Technology. I guess if I can't fly, I could still work for airline or at the airport. Aviation is my second interest as well.