Bachelor's degree advice for someone wishing to work in aviation.

[happygolucky394]

Hi all!

I was thrilled to come across this site and would love any and all advice from those of you with experience in the world of aviation!

Here's our story: My significant other is a Senior Aircraftsman in the Royal Air Force. I'm in professional school here in the states and our plan is for him to move here once his service is finished in about 3 years time. Upon his completion of service, he will have had 4 years of experience as an aircraft maintenance mechanic working specifically on C-17s.

My partner does not hold a bachelor's degree. Despite beginning one in the UK in mathematics, he decided to leave university halfway through as he felt a career with the RAF would be a better fit...then we happened and well...life has a funny way of throwing curve balls, huh?

He is determined to earn a bachelor's degree (it will of course have to be an online degree, given his circumstances) during these next few years; however, we are incredibly uncertain of what course of study he should pursue. As of right now, he is interested in pursuing a career in aviation when we arrives to the states, perhaps in aircraft maintenance or a job as an aircraft maintenance manager.

So far we've been researching degree options from Embry Riddle as far as aviation goes. More specifically, we've looked at the BS in Aeronautics and the BS in Aircraft Mechanics with a concentration in management. (He will need to get his A&P certification if he decides to the pursue the maintenance route).

My concern with these aviation degrees is that they may not be the best options to fall back on, should he not end up in aviation. Other options include a bachelor's degree in IT and computing, a degree in business management, etc.

What are your thoughts? We understand how crucial it will likely be for him to have a bachelor's degree under his belt, but we just want to make an informed decision regarding which course of study to pursue.

Thank you all in advance for your help. We would appreciate any and ALL advice!

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

I'm not sure that business administration is the best choice (those degrees are basically a dime a dozen in the States), but definitely something outside of aviation from a legit brick and mortar university. No one outside of aviation has a clue who ERAU is, and no one inside aviation gives a damn where you got your degree. So giving extra money to ERAU makes little sense.

 

[TWP]

First, decide what the exact goal is. A career in aviation is not specific enough. Just getting a BS then worrying about it later is something many people who fold clothes at hot topic do. You need an exact target before you shoot. Second, skills pay bills, not degrees. Most aviation jobs simply require a degree, any degree at all as well as the specific skill. If he has the maintenance skill to be employable, I would recommend the cheapest easiest backup degree he can acquire.

I'm gonna throw this out there right now. A management degree does not usually get someone a management job. Usually you get in at the ground floor based on some skill then stay with the company and work up. Would you hire some guy with a degree that says management on it or the guy who has been working your place for the past ten years and knows it inside and out, who has a degree in something else?

Be wary of the vague touchy feely degrees. Get something that DIRECTLY applies to a skill.