Dispatchers with Masters degrees

TheBean

TheBean

New Member
Hi I am thinking about becoming a flight dispatcher. I have a masters degree in geography with some courses taken in meteorology, and I've taught basic weather forecasting in labs. I've been an avid aviation and weather enthusiast my whole life but only heard about flight dispatcher jobs after I received my masters. The job sounds really interesting and worth pursuing.
Would employers see the masters degree as a plus or would it become an issue? If anyone with a masters degree or knows dispatchers who have masters degrees wants to share their experiences I'd be happy to listen.
 
There is no issue. Dispatchers who get hired and stay hired are intelligent and resourceful, whether they hold an advanced degree or not.

I would be curious as to whether you are willing to move and/or take the hit in pay to do it though. It's likely a long road back to your current standard of living.
 
The degree isn't a big deal, I think - most majors like you to have one but I have seen many people get hired at majors with no degree at all. Anything that helps you stand out from the crowd would seem to be a benefit, but it wouldn't get you higher pay or anything - although it might help when applying for internal supervisory positions.
 
Thanks for your replies. I am mainly asking because I would hate to spend the money getting a license only to run into a lot of employers declaring me 'overqualified' just because of my degree. Sometimes some industries can be 'funny' like that.
If starting pay is normally around 30-40k like I've seen in some job descriptions, then that is right about what I am making now, so I'd have no problem there. Would be happy to move, not too picky about where, have my preference for warmer weather being from the southern US :) but if the job is a good one I'm happy to freeze for the cause.
 
ljg said:
Realistic start is 25.5-30k/yr.
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I got a MS in Travel and that's about what I will probably be making with Pinnacle when I start training. For the first job, it can probably help set you apart, but it will come in handy if you try to move up to a major or to a corporate/manager position within your airline. As to being overqualified, I doubt it since I have been offered interviews for crew scheduler positions as well...
 
Jose, did you decide before, during, or after grad school that a flight dispatcher job was what you wanted? And congrats/good luck on your training!
 
I know a few dispatchers that have a MS degree and would teach college courses on their off duty time.
Just tossing that out there
 
TheBean said:
Jose, did you decide before, during, or after grad school that a flight dispatcher job was what you wanted? And congrats/good luck on your training!
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I applied to a couple analyst/corporate positions right after getting the MS, then decided to take the plunge into dispatch I first considered after getting my BS and began studying during the Olympics
 
Our Company prefers a Master should you want to move up the Corp Ladder. However, it does not mean you will get hired because of
it as there are many folks trying to get in. I think we've had over 30 people with licenses try for 2 positions a while back and they come from within the Company. Many have been in management for 10 years, plus. Wouldn't you think that those with experience will take precedence over those without.

Personally I would concentrate on dispatch experience as being more important that a Masters. Reason is you've already gotten your BS or BA. You've worked in a Company dispatching jets and have some years under your belt. You can always get your MA at any time after you go to work for the big guys. Especially since most Corps will reimburse you for going after additional degrees and you will have the time to make it happen.

Arm
 
The head of dispatch training at sCO (UAL), who I believe was Nathan Polderman, had a Bachelors in Geography, with a Masters in Meteorology.
 
All good to know! Appreciated. I'll be looking through ATP test prep, FAR/AIM, and aviation weather books some before making a firm decision on whether flight dispatch school is what I should sign up for.
 
TheBean said:
All good to know! Appreciated. I'll be looking through ATP test prep, FAR/AIM, and aviation weather books some before making a firm decision on whether flight dispatch school is what I should sign up for.
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If you can, try to arrange a tour at an SOC. That's what I did when I was trying to decide if this was a career I wanted to pursue. Then you can actually see what the job is... Best wishes, whatever you decide!
 
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