getting a aviation associates degree make a big difference..

[rogerthatbravo]

does getting a aviation associates degree make a big difference on getting hired..(I have limited aviation experience/didn't attend the top 3 schools..got my license about 7 months ago, and still don't have a job, couple of interviews)any advice on landing a job?

 

[ATC_Boilermaker]

A degree is never a hindrance, of course, but ultimately you have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of taking on the cost of getting one.

 

[MT]

A degree in aviation is about as useful as used toilet paper. Any degree will give you a leg up over those without one, but I was hired by a major with no degree and lots of dispatch experience.

I would get any degree only if it is within your personal goals to get one. It can't hurt your chances as ATC said.

 

[nyk]

IMO it will come in handy if you want a managerial position at some point. Now before some of you jump down my throat and say you don't need it. I know a few people that don't have a degree and are in manger positions so it's obviously not a guarantee. I got mine because I wanted a degree in something in cause dispatching didn't work out for me.

 

[kilo]

I'd suggest building on your aviation experience while waiting for a dispatch interview. Find any way to put experience on your resume. Try to throw bags for one of the airlines that operates at the nearest commercial airport. Or get on with one of the contractors that do basic handling services for private jets and general aviation at your local muni. Maybe a nearby flight school needs someone to do administrative work. I know a fair amount of people who went the associates-degree-in-aviation route and they all pretty much start off in the same boat as people who have degrees in totally unrelated fields or no degree at all. You might as well get paid at least some petty cash to accumulate experience in some sector of the aviation industry instead of paying hefty amounts for something that doesn't give you that much of a leg up. But I know getting that kind of job is not always practical depending on your situation. Just something to consider.

 

[manniax]

We have hired people at my major airline with anything from no college at all to master's degrees. A general aviation degree will help you a little bit and help check a box on your resume, but it won't make the difference in being hired or not hired. However, when interviewing for your first dispatch job with no experience, it could help push your resume into the "interview" pile over someone with no degree. That being said, I think a person with airline experience and no degree will likely get a call for an interview before a person with a degree and no experience.

 

[DispatcherSam]

Apply at 9E, they should take a look at you.

 

[Luigi]

Maybe it's not your resume but you? Have you tried working on your interviewing skills? It was something I noticed I had to focus on in order to find the job I have now.

 

[Flying Saluki]

does getting a aviation associates degree make a big difference on getting hired..(I have limited aviation experience/didn't attend the top 3 schools..got my license about 7 months ago, and still don't have a job, couple of interviews)any advice on landing a job?

I got an interview with the company that would become my first dispatch job because I had an aviation degree. A degree in a related field can, to a certain extent, make up for a lack of experience. That said, I agree with Luigi. It may not be your lack of experience, but the way you are presenting yourself.

A few things to think on:
Have someone critique your resume. Ideally, it would be someone who works in Human Resources somewhere. It doesn't have to be an aviation company. Anyone working in an HR department ought to be able to give you some good tips. If you can't swing that, then find some dispatchers who have been successful at securing an entry level job (the job you are seeking) and ask to see their resumes.

Secondly, read a book on interviewing and interview questions. The more you understand the the rationale behind the questions, the better you will be able to prepare for the interview.

Finally, practice interviewing with a friend. Video record it, or do it on Skype or something similar. I did a Skype interview the other day, and I was surprised to observe several behaviors that I was not aware of.

 

[av8or757]

I got an interview with the company that would become my first dispatch job because I had an aviation degree. A degree in a related field can, to a certain extent, make up for a lack of experience. That said, I agree with Luigi. It may not be your lack of experience, but the way you are presenting yourself.

A few things to think on:
Have someone critique your resume. Ideally, it would be someone who works in Human Resources somewhere. It doesn't have to be an aviation company. Anyone working in an HR department ought to be able to give you some good tips. If you can't swing that, then find some dispatchers who have been successful at securing an entry level job (the job you are seeking) and ask to see their resumes.

Secondly, read a book on interviewing and interview questions. The more you understand the the rationale behind the questions, the better you will be able to prepare for the interview.

Finally, practice interviewing with a friend. Video record it, or do it on Skype or something similar. I did a Skype interview the other day, and I was surprised to observe several behaviors that I was not aware of.

Good post.