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FrankieA-FL-509 · 05-22-2009

As mentioned in my other posts, I have been in my current career for 15 years. Being 32 years old, you may question the math. However i was raised in the industry in a family owned business where i would work summers in my fathers business while at the same time receiving OJT from the computer specialist employed at that time. After graduating high school, I began working full time. Over the years I developed more experience and knowledge in my industry and also have taken classes and testing to receive certifications and endorsements as a Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. However i have taken no college courses and received no degrees.

In my path to becoming a professional pilot, will my chances of landing a job be hindered because of a lack of a college education?

Thanks again for your input.

SkyWest JJ · 05-22-2009

Hi Frankie,

A college degree is important and I suggest that if you want to be a professional pilot that you come up with a plan to earn your degree. You can be hired at many regional airlines without one--but you will have to work a bit harder for the interview. At SkyWest, the company has a program set up with Dixie College to help employees earn their degrees part time while they work.

Also take a look at help ATP may be able to give you if you decide to train there:
http://www.atpflightschool.com/airli...ge_degree.html

As for major airlines, a degree is a requirement at every airline I know of except for Southwest Airlines.

I knew of a few people who took part-time college classes while they trained at ATP. You will have a lot on your plate for a few years, but it will open up so many doors for you. It is not important what your degree is in--it is just important that you have one. In fact, a non-aviation degree is probably a good idea just to diversify.

The Microsoft certifications are tough courses and you may be able to use those to count for some credit towards your degree.
jj

JJ

HectorH-CT-709 · 07-13-2009

Hello JJ,
So do you prefer a non aviation degree?

Hector H.

SkyWest JJ · 07-14-2009

I like a non-aviation degree because it gives you something different to fall back on if flying does not work out. The industry has big booms and busts, in addition to you needing to stay medically qualified--so personal diversification is a good idea.

When you apply for a job as an airline pilot--the only checkbox is degree or no. You will get no extra credit for an aviation degree vs. a history degree vs. an engineering degree.

05-22-2009	#1 (permalink)
FrankieA-FL-509 Future Professional Pilot Join Date: May 2009 Location: Trenton, FL Posts: 6	Importance of a Degree?? As mentioned in my other posts, I have been in my current career for 15 years. Being 32 years old, you may question the math. However i was raised in the industry in a family owned business where i would work summers in my fathers business while at the same time receiving OJT from the computer specialist employed at that time. After graduating high school, I began working full time. Over the years I developed more experience and knowledge in my industry and also have taken classes and testing to receive certifications and endorsements as a Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. However i have taken no college courses and received no degrees. In my path to becoming a professional pilot, will my chances of landing a job be hindered because of a lack of a college education? Thanks again for your input.

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05-22-2009	#2 (permalink)
SkyWest JJ Pilot Career Coach Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 935	Hi Frankie, A college degree is important and I suggest that if you want to be a professional pilot that you come up with a plan to earn your degree. You can be hired at many regional airlines without one--but you will have to work a bit harder for the interview. At SkyWest, the company has a program set up with Dixie College to help employees earn their degrees part time while they work. Also take a look at help ATP may be able to give you if you decide to train there: http://www.atpflightschool.com/airli...ge_degree.html As for major airlines, a degree is a requirement at every airline I know of except for Southwest Airlines. I knew of a few people who took part-time college classes while they trained at ATP. You will have a lot on your plate for a few years, but it will open up so many doors for you. It is not important what your degree is in--it is just important that you have one. In fact, a non-aviation degree is probably a good idea just to diversify. The Microsoft certifications are tough courses and you may be able to use those to count for some credit towards your degree. jj JJ

07-13-2009	#3 (permalink)
HectorH-CT-709 Future Professional Pilot Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 8	Hello JJ, So do you prefer a non aviation degree? Hector H.

07-14-2009	#4 (permalink)
SkyWest JJ Pilot Career Coach Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 935	I like a non-aviation degree because it gives you something different to fall back on if flying does not work out. The industry has big booms and busts, in addition to you needing to stay medically qualified--so personal diversification is a good idea. When you apply for a job as an airline pilot--the only checkbox is degree or no. You will get no extra credit for an aviation degree vs. a history degree vs. an engineering degree.

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