College Degree needed for Commerical Airline Pilot
- Thread starter Lostkpot
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JaceTheAce
Well-Known Member
YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! College degree - Bachelor's - REQUIRED.
FL270
New Member
Can you get an airline job without one? Perhaps.
If I were on the hiring board, could you get a job without one? No.
If you want to be an ignorant hack for the rest of your life, skip college. Otherwise, GO. College is not just about checking a box so you can sit in the pointy end of the jet. There's a lot of life you live outside of work and being a well-rounded, well-educated individual is critical.
Sorry, I'm pretty passionate about this one.
If I were on the hiring board, could you get a job without one? No.
If you want to be an ignorant hack for the rest of your life, skip college. Otherwise, GO. College is not just about checking a box so you can sit in the pointy end of the jet. There's a lot of life you live outside of work and being a well-rounded, well-educated individual is critical.
Sorry, I'm pretty passionate about this one.
jonnyb
Well-Known Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
[ QUOTE ]
Can you get an airline job without one? Perhaps.
If I were on the hiring board, could you get a job without one? No.
If you want to be an ignorant hack for the rest of your life, skip college. Otherwise, GO. College is not just about checking a box so you can sit in the pointy end of the jet. There's a lot of life you live outside of work and being a well-rounded, well-educated individual is critical.
Sorry, I'm pretty passionate about this one.
[/ QUOTE ]
You're pretty passionate, true, but you're still a dumb kid who thinks he has it all figured out. Believe me, you don't.
Keep in mind, I'm college educated. BIG DEAL. My dad never graduated college and he's one of the most brilliant and well respected men I know. He's also been, let's say, ok financially.
Let's just say, I think your statement is BS. I've been more impressed in life by people who didn't have a college education, than people who do. Fluke? Maybe, but I doubt it.
I understand why the airlines and other operators have these requirements, and I think it's fine. It CAN be a way to weed people out etc. Some people really NEED college, many don't. Life teaches us much and so do the experiences of others. Undergraduate studies in our country, teach us us very little and I'm usually not impressed.
[ QUOTE ]
Can you get an airline job without one? Perhaps.
If I were on the hiring board, could you get a job without one? No.
If you want to be an ignorant hack for the rest of your life, skip college. Otherwise, GO. College is not just about checking a box so you can sit in the pointy end of the jet. There's a lot of life you live outside of work and being a well-rounded, well-educated individual is critical.
Sorry, I'm pretty passionate about this one.
[/ QUOTE ]
You're pretty passionate, true, but you're still a dumb kid who thinks he has it all figured out. Believe me, you don't.
Keep in mind, I'm college educated. BIG DEAL. My dad never graduated college and he's one of the most brilliant and well respected men I know. He's also been, let's say, ok financially.
Let's just say, I think your statement is BS. I've been more impressed in life by people who didn't have a college education, than people who do. Fluke? Maybe, but I doubt it.
I understand why the airlines and other operators have these requirements, and I think it's fine. It CAN be a way to weed people out etc. Some people really NEED college, many don't. Life teaches us much and so do the experiences of others. Undergraduate studies in our country, teach us us very little and I'm usually not impressed.
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Are you implying that it is impossible to be a well rounded individual without a college transcript? As far as flying goes, it seems to attract a large number of people that are more intellectual and well rounded than the average joe.
I, myself, am not able to afford flying and college. That was a tough choice that I had to make. Should this limit my career goals as a pilot? Unfortunately at some companies the answer is yes, they have a cut and dry requirement for a collegiate background. This doesn't make me less of a pilot, and it doesn't mean that I am incapable of carrying an informed conversation with passengers.
I'm not saying that college is something to ignore, and honestly I am jealous of the people that were able to complete college in the traditional sense(not having to take online classes while on layovers, etc.). I just seems a little close minded of a well rounded person to immediately rule out hiring someone without a degree.
Are you implying that it is impossible to be a well rounded individual without a college transcript? As far as flying goes, it seems to attract a large number of people that are more intellectual and well rounded than the average joe.
I, myself, am not able to afford flying and college. That was a tough choice that I had to make. Should this limit my career goals as a pilot? Unfortunately at some companies the answer is yes, they have a cut and dry requirement for a collegiate background. This doesn't make me less of a pilot, and it doesn't mean that I am incapable of carrying an informed conversation with passengers.
I'm not saying that college is something to ignore, and honestly I am jealous of the people that were able to complete college in the traditional sense(not having to take online classes while on layovers, etc.). I just seems a little close minded of a well rounded person to immediately rule out hiring someone without a degree.
DE727UPS
Well-Known Member
A degree has traditionally been required for the best jobs in aviation. That's a very broad statement and there are exceptions, but it's true, in general. However, many jobs do not require a degree. So...you have to make a choice about where you want to go with the career. Do you want to have a shot at the top someday or would you rather skip college and perhaps get on with your career sooner. Either choice has positives and negatives.
I think not having a degree limits your upward movement but, for some who are shooting a little lower, it doesn't matter.
I think not having a degree limits your upward movement but, for some who are shooting a little lower, it doesn't matter.
The "best" jobs require (or "strongly prefer" ~ quasi-required) degrees.
There is a lot of pre-existing information on the website about college degrees.
It's hard getting a job with experience and a degree. I certainly couldn't imagine a smart kid not understanding the value of higher education.
Sure the Trumps, Gates, etc may not have that, but I don't think your last name is Trump or Gates.
There is a lot of pre-existing information on the website about college degrees.
It's hard getting a job with experience and a degree. I certainly couldn't imagine a smart kid not understanding the value of higher education.
Sure the Trumps, Gates, etc may not have that, but I don't think your last name is Trump or Gates.
jonnyb
Well-Known Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
[ QUOTE ]
Sure the Trumps, Gates, etc may not have that, but I don't think your last name is Trump or Gates.
[/ QUOTE ]
I understand what you're getting at Doug, but there are many many more than just the Trumps' and the Gates'. Now, Graduate degrees, Doctorates, totally different story. These are the realms of "higher education". Oh, and let's not forget experience.
[ QUOTE ]
Sure the Trumps, Gates, etc may not have that, but I don't think your last name is Trump or Gates.
[/ QUOTE ]
I understand what you're getting at Doug, but there are many many more than just the Trumps' and the Gates'. Now, Graduate degrees, Doctorates, totally different story. These are the realms of "higher education". Oh, and let's not forget experience.
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Oh don't get me wrong, you don't need a degree to be a success. But if you want to get that job at UPS, well, all of the success in the world doesn't eclipse the minimum requirements of applying for the job.
Oh don't get me wrong, you don't need a degree to be a success. But if you want to get that job at UPS, well, all of the success in the world doesn't eclipse the minimum requirements of applying for the job.
jonnyb
Well-Known Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Absolutely! I'm a realist, so you won't see me debating that.
That is in fact the reality. So in response to be58, no matter what I think or anyone else, if the requirements say BA (BS), then it's required. End of story. I was mainly responding to 27oh's statements.
Absolutely! I'm a realist, so you won't see me debating that.
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Oh ok!
I really don't think you need a degree to be a success, but unless you've got good entreprenurial (sp?) spirit, strong interpersonal skills, a self-starting personality and some financial means to bring your ideas to fruition, ya best takes your butt to skool!
But for a good airline job, bite the bullet and get the degree.
Oh ok!
I really don't think you need a degree to be a success, but unless you've got good entreprenurial (sp?) spirit, strong interpersonal skills, a self-starting personality and some financial means to bring your ideas to fruition, ya best takes your butt to skool!
But for a good airline job, bite the bullet and get the degree.
Kingairer
'Tiger Team' Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
THe college degree is the Highschool diploma of yesterday. Its not uncommon for people raised in the 50-60's and before not to have one and be highly succesful today. In todays world, be it aviation or elsewhere, for a skilled position its really a "required" starting point. At least get a 2 year deal, something that allows you to check a box higher then the High School Diploma box.
THe college degree is the Highschool diploma of yesterday. Its not uncommon for people raised in the 50-60's and before not to have one and be highly succesful today. In todays world, be it aviation or elsewhere, for a skilled position its really a "required" starting point. At least get a 2 year deal, something that allows you to check a box higher then the High School Diploma box.
FL270
New Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
[ QUOTE ]
You're pretty passionate, true, but you're still a dumb kid who thinks he has it all figured out. Believe me, you don't.
[/ QUOTE ]OK, that was a personal attack and was totally uncalled for. I don't believe I deserved it, and I think an apology is called for. I *never* have, and *never* will, claim to know everything, but I do have the benefit of spending the past ten years learning and studying this industry and working in various segments thereof, and I'll share that experience with anyone who asks ... and the original poster asked.
If one assumes that people entering aviation are seeking the "brass ring" (major airline - cargo or passenger, Fortune 100 corporate, etc.), then they are well-served to do all they can to prepare themselves for the brass ring. Most of those jobs either require or strongly encourage (as Doug said, code for quasi-required) a four-year degree. Now, do you need one to get any flying job? Of course not. For many people the "brass ring" isn't the end goal and that's fine.
This doesn't even mention the fact that there is a LOT more to airline flying than just moving the yoke and thrust levers. All that stuff is where I find the well-rounded background of a college education comes in most handy.
[ QUOTE ]
You're pretty passionate, true, but you're still a dumb kid who thinks he has it all figured out. Believe me, you don't.
[/ QUOTE ]OK, that was a personal attack and was totally uncalled for. I don't believe I deserved it, and I think an apology is called for. I *never* have, and *never* will, claim to know everything, but I do have the benefit of spending the past ten years learning and studying this industry and working in various segments thereof, and I'll share that experience with anyone who asks ... and the original poster asked.
If one assumes that people entering aviation are seeking the "brass ring" (major airline - cargo or passenger, Fortune 100 corporate, etc.), then they are well-served to do all they can to prepare themselves for the brass ring. Most of those jobs either require or strongly encourage (as Doug said, code for quasi-required) a four-year degree. Now, do you need one to get any flying job? Of course not. For many people the "brass ring" isn't the end goal and that's fine.
This doesn't even mention the fact that there is a LOT more to airline flying than just moving the yoke and thrust levers. All that stuff is where I find the well-rounded background of a college education comes in most handy.
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Some college degrees are pretty easy, but don't qualify you to flip burgers in McDonalds.
Art History, General Studdies, Political Science, Ect.
Some degrees are very difficult, but are required to work in that field.
Enginering, Pre Med/Pre Law, Buisness, Ect.
There is obviously a huge diffrence among 4 year college degrees. The attitude of "We don't care what your degree is in, just check the box" is extreemly stupid.
I have met some very stupid/ iresponsible people who have college degrees. Four years of partying and ocasional classes dosen't make you a more intelligent person.
I consider myself very intelegent and well rounded, but I don't have any degree. (I'll get my associates when I finish A&P school) So I must continue to go to school so I can "check the box"
Instead of training to be an expert at my chosen profession.
I find the attitude of "if you don't have a 4 year degree, then you must be stupid" very insulting.
That said, I know that fighting the system is pretty pointless, and having a fallback career is important. So I'll keep taking those buisness classes. Maybee I'll open my own shop before I'm done and I'll never finish. I really couldn't care less about a piece of paper on my wall as long as I have the knowledge to do my job.
edited for spelling
Some college degrees are pretty easy, but don't qualify you to flip burgers in McDonalds.
Art History, General Studdies, Political Science, Ect.
Some degrees are very difficult, but are required to work in that field.
Enginering, Pre Med/Pre Law, Buisness, Ect.
There is obviously a huge diffrence among 4 year college degrees. The attitude of "We don't care what your degree is in, just check the box" is extreemly stupid.
I have met some very stupid/ iresponsible people who have college degrees. Four years of partying and ocasional classes dosen't make you a more intelligent person.
I consider myself very intelegent and well rounded, but I don't have any degree. (I'll get my associates when I finish A&P school) So I must continue to go to school so I can "check the box"
I find the attitude of "if you don't have a 4 year degree, then you must be stupid" very insulting.
That said, I know that fighting the system is pretty pointless, and having a fallback career is important. So I'll keep taking those buisness classes. Maybee I'll open my own shop before I'm done and I'll never finish. I really couldn't care less about a piece of paper on my wall as long as I have the knowledge to do my job.
edited for spelling
Sprint100
Well-Known Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Yep, I would have to agree. The idea of a college degree is pretty senseless in most professions. Personally, I think valuable time is lost learning other "non-important" skills instead of skills focusing on the chosen profession. I say close the colleges & uni's to build up tech schools.
If your not a doctor, lawyer, or engineer college should not be necessary.
Yep, I would have to agree. The idea of a college degree is pretty senseless in most professions. Personally, I think valuable time is lost learning other "non-important" skills instead of skills focusing on the chosen profession. I say close the colleges & uni's to build up tech schools.
If your not a doctor, lawyer, or engineer college should not be necessary.
Getburned
Well-Known Member
Re: College Degree needed for Commerical Airline P
Four years of partying and ocasional classes dosen't make you a more intelligent person.
The people who you are speaking of usually don't graduate in four years, and it's usually reflected in their GPA. But, People who do Graduate in Four or Five years with a decent GPA in any course of study obviously demonstrated that they're committed to their goals and thats why barely 25% of all Americans hold a Bachelor's Degree or Higher. In the end it will only make you more competitive in any industry.
Four years of partying and ocasional classes dosen't make you a more intelligent person.
The people who you are speaking of usually don't graduate in four years, and it's usually reflected in their GPA. But, People who do Graduate in Four or Five years with a decent GPA in any course of study obviously demonstrated that they're committed to their goals and thats why barely 25% of all Americans hold a Bachelor's Degree or Higher. In the end it will only make you more competitive in any industry.