How much does a masters degree help?
 

If anybody has any experience in the interview and hiring process, does a masters degree bring that much to the table? I know it is a plus, but how much? In my case, I'm trying to finish a safety related degree from Embry Riddle. Could that offset having fewer hours in another catagory (PIC or heavy jet, but still above mins)?

Thanks CC

Majors
 

A shockingly high percentage of new hires to the airlines have advanced degrees, perhaps 30%. It would suggest that the additional education is helpful however that is not the case. Over half of all new hires to the majors come from the military. Military plots often have access to government funded university training and therefore tend to have a high percentage of advanced degrees.

My guess is that it wouldn't help and the loss in time and money would have a negative effect upon your chances. The only things that have an effect are: having a four year degree, a high level of competitive experience and good solid individuals that are campaigning for you from the inside.

My guess is that if they bring it up during the interview at all it will be in a negative tone, "why did you pursue this instead of buying a type rating"? Pilots are expected to be completely invested in aviation only.

SkyHigh

Don't listen to this clown
 

Fist off, if you want to get a masters--then go get one. Will it help you get an airline job---can't hurt, but I don't think it's req'd. As far as Clown High's statement about military guys having access to free money to get advanced degrees, should I ask for my tuition back that I paid for my Masters--because I had no idea there was free money floating around? Did I get assistance, well yes--I guess I got some GI bill asst to offset the time spent on the pointy end protecting people like Clown High's right to open his cake hole and say something stupid.

What the major players are looking for, and when I say major I'm talking about 3 companies and two of em don't haul people, are sharp pilots who can fly and make decissions while flying. They are also trying to screen out a--holes and losers like Clown High. Don't think the advance degree is going to teach how to not be an a--hole. You can't teach that, you either are one or you're not.

Jolly

One more thing
 

After reading your post a little closer, I would say go get it. A degree in Safety would be a great thing to have on your resume'. How much it will help I don't know, but it's not going to hurt.

I can only offer an anecdotal incident. When I graduated, I only needed 18 months for an MBA in business. My buddy stayed and did just that, got an MBA. I did not. I got hired at a Major 6 years later. He got hired at the same major 3 years after me. After 9-11, I kept my job, he was furloughed for 5 years. Get on the list as soon as you can!!;)

It doesn't take a Masters degree to fly an airplane. Airline management, and specifically those who do the interviewing know that. If it were really important, it would probably be listed in the "requirements" of the particular airline. Will it help break a tie between two candidates.... maybe, maybe not. Not much help, I know. We have guys who were astronauts, mig-killers, doctors, lawyers, (no brain surgeons that I know of) and guys with no college degree. The more important thing is being able to work well together. There's also that thing about being too qualified. Over time, in business (not necessarily aviation) it's been found that people who are hired into a job that they are overqualified for, are much more likely to be dissatisfied with their job. The reason is simple. They just get bored. That's why you hear of someone complaining that he/she got turned down for a job, with the explanation that they were "overqualified." Like Charlie the Tuna was always told: "We're not looking for guys with good taste. We're looking for guys who taste good."

no dont even waste money on an aviation related degree

i.e. waste of time; and mom and dad's moolah!

If you are trying to finish the Masters Degree you might aswell finish it, no point in getting near the end and then quitting.

Unless he is working as a CFI at Riddle, then, I believe, Riddle pays for the Masters Degree. So building hours and getting a Masters degree isn't that bad of a deal.