FUTURE ATC HELP
Hi all. I’m considering a career in Air Traffic Control. I actually found that I would probably enjoy this more than flying for the airlines, something I originally was interested in. I visited the Minneapolis Control Tower (MSP) and was blown away in excitement. Obviously, watching controllers control planes is more exciting than being in his/her position (with the added stress, and excitement that probably wears off), but I still think I would enjoy it.
Anyway, I talked with a former controller (who gave me the tour) and he instilled confidence in this career choice from stability and benefits. He told me that you DON’T need a college degree, only 4 years of work experience. To me, it sounded like getting a degree in ATC would not be hugely attractive, given if the ATC venture fell through. I have therefore laid out a few options for myself and would love some guidance since most of you are probably 100 times more knowledge in the profession. Here they are:
1) Go to University of Minnesota and get a business degree from Carlson School of Management (the business school at Minnesota), then apply and take the ATC test. In this option, I go to a very good state school, and get a business degree (business has also been something that has been interesting to me) from a top 20-30 undergraduate business school. This works wonders if I lose interest in aviation, or if it doesn’t work out. And, I like the U of M campus more. More vibrant, in a big city, big ten sports etc.
2) Go to University of North Dakota and get a BS in Air Traffic Control. Obviously, it makes sense to study what you would do in life, but I have a problem with this. It is, learning how to control airplanes applies to NO other job. No company would be interested in taking someone with an air traffic control degree. It closes so many other doors. It’s like getting a degree in women’s studies. The one other thing I keep asking myself is: why the hell would it take 4 years for North Dakota to teach me this?
I could also go to the University of North Dakota and double major in business and ATC. Obviously, Minnesota provides a way more attractive business degree with more connections and internships available from its school. However, going to UND would allow me to study both.
Anyway, I would love some guidance. I would even love new suggestions if you can think of a better option. I really want to be a controller, but don’t want to shoot myself in the foot with respect of falling back on something.
I have two other questions:
1) Does going to CTI schools give you any advantage in admission to the FAA?
2) Does going to a CTI school save time as opposed to just applying off the street. If I spend 4 years at North Dakota, am I in an accelerated training program for the FAA academy? Do I need to start from scratch?
Thanks for all the help. I really can use it. I will be a senior next year in high school.
Hi all. I’m considering a career in Air Traffic Control. I actually found that I would probably enjoy this more than flying for the airlines, something I originally was interested in. I visited the Minneapolis Control Tower (MSP) and was blown away in excitement. Obviously, watching controllers control planes is more exciting than being in his/her position (with the added stress, and excitement that probably wears off), but I still think I would enjoy it.
Anyway, I talked with a former controller (who gave me the tour) and he instilled confidence in this career choice from stability and benefits. He told me that you DON’T need a college degree, only 4 years of work experience. To me, it sounded like getting a degree in ATC would not be hugely attractive, given if the ATC venture fell through. I have therefore laid out a few options for myself and would love some guidance since most of you are probably 100 times more knowledge in the profession. Here they are:
1) Go to University of Minnesota and get a business degree from Carlson School of Management (the business school at Minnesota), then apply and take the ATC test. In this option, I go to a very good state school, and get a business degree (business has also been something that has been interesting to me) from a top 20-30 undergraduate business school. This works wonders if I lose interest in aviation, or if it doesn’t work out. And, I like the U of M campus more. More vibrant, in a big city, big ten sports etc.
2) Go to University of North Dakota and get a BS in Air Traffic Control. Obviously, it makes sense to study what you would do in life, but I have a problem with this. It is, learning how to control airplanes applies to NO other job. No company would be interested in taking someone with an air traffic control degree. It closes so many other doors. It’s like getting a degree in women’s studies. The one other thing I keep asking myself is: why the hell would it take 4 years for North Dakota to teach me this?
I could also go to the University of North Dakota and double major in business and ATC. Obviously, Minnesota provides a way more attractive business degree with more connections and internships available from its school. However, going to UND would allow me to study both.
Anyway, I would love some guidance. I would even love new suggestions if you can think of a better option. I really want to be a controller, but don’t want to shoot myself in the foot with respect of falling back on something.
I have two other questions:
1) Does going to CTI schools give you any advantage in admission to the FAA?
2) Does going to a CTI school save time as opposed to just applying off the street. If I spend 4 years at North Dakota, am I in an accelerated training program for the FAA academy? Do I need to start from scratch?
Thanks for all the help. I really can use it. I will be a senior next year in high school.