Probably not much. Additional degrees are probably worth less than a four yr degree which is a basic requirement. Additional degrees aren't must have's. The time, and effort, would probably be better spent improving the pilot side of your resume.

 

I don't know it as a fact, but I disagree. The higher degree you have, the more points your application scores. Now, how many points, I don't know. I believe I got picked thanks to my M.A. degree, but who knows? I agree they aren't "must haves", they help for sure.

 

He asked if they helped "significantly." I'd say upgrading to Captain helps significantly, military training helps significantly, 121 Qual'd for former military guys helps significantly. 1000 hrs+ 121 PIC might help significantly, 5000 hrs TT, along with 1000 hrs TPIC might help significantly.

A masters or PhD? IMO not significantly. It might be helpful but it's never been mentioned as something significant in any of the briefings or 1:1 conversations with hiring people but the issues in the first paragraph have been mentioned.

Showing up at a job fair probably has more value. Seriously. That's $1000, two days, 48 hrs, vs the effort getting a masters. Does a masters have some value? Maybe. I think yes but limited. Significant? No.

I just looked at approx 15 statements or charts provided by UA, DL and AA hiring departments. None mentiond additional degrees in the data they presented. If they place a significant value on it they're not mentioning it.

Your resume is(?) approx 7,200 TT, 4,200+ PIC, 1,100+ TPIC, 121 CA, almost 4,000 hrs jet, and you think a masters got you the job? I think you're selling your career, and resume, short. That's almost the exact typical resume of a new hire except for the masters degree.

 

NYCPilot...

I was at AA for 20 years before going to the ME.

737-800 there.

Kap

 

Wow, so you already had a career at American before heading to EK and TK.. That's awesome. So I assume you have around 5 years to go more or less at SWA, should be fun. I was an Eagle guy another lifetime ago and would have been at AA at the moment but I also took a dive and flew for Qatar. No regrets, they were good times. Now I'm in the business more as a hobby, flying airplanes is the only thing I enjoy so it keeps me alive. Good to have your experience put to use in good ole America. Tailwinds!

 

Anyone have some insight on how many referrals UA is looking for?

 

Uggggggh, I can't remember what the EXACT number that's been publicly stated at the fairs by UAL people. But somewhere in the single digits (5 I THINK) it STOPS adding points to an app. But I belive it was ALSO stated the "average" hired has around 10-12.

 

There's not really any "magic" number of recommendations. Some guys get hired with a bunch, others don't have any. They are just one piece of the overall system for how they choose candidates. Bill Kennedy did say awhile back at one of the big career fairs that the system won't give you any additional points after 10 recommendations. He also said they are more concerned about someone who can speak to your character than a UA pilot that rode in your jumpseat once. If you know any UA pilots who would write a rec, by all means do it. Also if you meet one that's willing to do it, it won't hurt either. But don't forget that they don't HAVE to be from a UA pilot. They can be from someone who you currently work with who actually knows you well and can speak to your character and work ethic. Again this is scored differently, but definitely doesn't hurt.... With all that said, these observations are based on what BK said and what my experience was. No one who has the exact knowledge of how the system works for picking candidates will disclose that information.

 

Ahhhh, your memory is better than mine

I thought it was a single digit before it stopped adding it's "point" value.

However, keep in mind, BK has ALSO said things at OBAP/WAI that weren't exactly true, even about HIS OWN PROCESS.

He completely misspoke at one of the events, and the airlineapps had to send out a clarification email of what he REALLY MEANT.

 

Welcome! "Wind check?" LOL