I was a flight engineer in the "Sugarbears" Ft. Wainwright ALASKA

 

I was once told that having a college degree basically just shows them that you can finish something that you've started....... Take it for whatever it's worth.

 

its not important at all
airlines just want it because the general public does not like the idea that the person in charge only has a high school diploma,

just another way that the general publics mis-perception is influencing airlines for the worse

 

ohh yeahhh, go get the absolute cheapest degree possible, probably just go online and get a fake degree if you really have your heart set on flying, cause an aviation related degree is worthless!

 

The difference between you and the rest of "us" already employed at "majors' is that we all did the college deal as well. When a company is looking at 2 people with the same flying credentials and one has a college degree, it doesn't matter what it is in. It's a no brainer.

 

That's cool! I'll bet flying around AK was too.

 

Why require a degree when so many are almost worthless? Your military experience should count for something...in my book it is better than some academic programs out there.

However, I think it should be required...how else do we argue our salaries. Mgmt will say, "we are paying these guys $180K and many do not even have a college degree." If I was an arbitrator, I would take that into consideration.

My college experience at the USAFA was definitely a major influence in my life.

 

In some respects- it's a union card. I know, for me personally, some of the most eye-opening credits I earned were functionally useless in my career, but I learned alot from them. About thinking, processes, asking the next question, people.

Imagine being a mediocre football player and then having the opportunity to play 5 minutes in the Superbowl. Academically, I had that opportunity (although I didn't realize it until 10 years later). I was a Biology major and had an opportunity to do a 1 credit seminar with a biologist who specialized in crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, etc). Aside from dietary implications, I could care less about crustaceans- but I needed the credit and she was willing to take me for the course. Afterwards, I learned she was one of the top ten scientists in the world- that's right, the world for crustacean biology. I still remember a little about fiddler crabs- but the requirements for accuracy, thinking "why", and overall expectations of excellence and continuing thought remain to this day. Today I run my own business, if I see a crab it's on my plate, but the lessons still stand.

I guess my point is- college is what you make it- probably a little less so for you because you've been around the block- but true nonetheless.

 

I think I agree with every single post so far. I really do. I am not going to regurgitate their words on why a college degree is important. I will just stress that IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!
!!!!!
!!!!!

 

College does show a higher level of trainabuility (you can tell I didnt go to college) however your military background should show that...but in the big picture you have to have it....these guys are right...I was lucky, I got hired for a major frieghter with just a high school education, however I have been on furlough for 5 plus years....I have the time to be hired at fdx,ups but I dont have a degree...they wont even look at me. I have to wait to go back or give up the dream....maybe I should get mine online too....you have time so get going...at least your not 43