Thinking of going UND

You know, it comes up once in a while, and I think it certainly helps the resume shine, and I appreciate the leg ups that previous sioux grads have put out there in the industry, I'll take whatever I can get, but I'd like to think that being a Sioux Grad wasn't the only thing that got me my jobs. Also, besides GETTING a job, it's also a good way to help network with other pilots you meet in FBO's, on airline flights, etc. Common connection point, you never know who you'll meet and how they might be able to help your career in the future.
 
I started at UND in 2004. Circumstances have caused me to delay graduation. Still have 2 gen eds to complete, however, I've decided to switch to general studies so that I can "check the box" while I accomplish other life goals, might finish Comm Aviation, might not. Depends on if it's worth it to me to "finish what I started".

I will strongly encourage you to be as objective as you can about picking where you want to go. UND has beautiful marketing and it is easy to get sucked. The planes are as good as it gets for the most part. The faculty on campus is excellent. On the flight training side, the general experience is lacking a bit, but with most CFIs fresh out of training, they'll be pretty sharp. The only real downside I'd say is newbie instructors don't know all the tricks yet to helping someone who is struggling. Lets face it though, it's not cheap, not by a long shot. When I went there, the costs were comparable to an FBO. It's getting to a point where it's about 75% more expensive.

That all being said, the resources and networking oportunities at these bigger flight schools are second to none. But there are places that will give you quality training equal or better than UND, Riddle, Purdue, ect... for a hell of a lot cheaper. Weigh your decision carefully, because it's been 4 years since my class graduated and they're still looking at 100k in principal on their student loans to pay off. Quality of life is almost nil because of it. If it weren't for my father paying for school, I'd be in the same boat. I'm not trying to be a debbie downer, just saying it like it is. Debt is no joke, it can consume you.
 
I really enjoyed my UND experience. I really don't have much to complain about actually. Do what makes you happy. If getting a degree in CJ isn't making you happy, then stop doing it. Get a degree in something you will enjoy doing, and it'll make your college experience that much better. If its aviation, then so be it. I would, however, recommend getting an aviation management degree. That way you can get some accounting classes or other such classes in on the business. I enjoy being a pilot, but would be nice to know a little more about business, because I really don't. Even though the management degree doesn't include the CFI ratings, you can still get those ratings, or perhaps do a double major.

And it sounds like the government will pay for a lot of it. That's even better! You might as well have them pay for something you enjoy doing.

Sax
 
Ok so are you doing Post 9/11 active duty benefits as a vet, or are you still guard, reserve, or active duty doing the TA and GI Bill top up?

If you have have the Post 9/11 benefits then it and can finish your CJ degree down in Fargo ASAP, get a few hours of understanding of Aviation, come up here and do the Masters program and tack on the flight courses (Free of charge thanks to Uncle Sam), that would be your best bang for your buck. You can knock out all the way up to your Multi-Engine checkride in 4 semesters if you apply yourself. So you'd have your CJ undergrad, as well as being able to work on getting a Masters in Aviation as well as your flight courses.

So you have your butt covered if you got furloughed, lost medical, etc... and on top of that have tons of experience in two fields that if you want could be a great career.
 
I just re read through this thread another option (that I would have considered if I could do it again)...

First off... Like the other guys said, if you have to commute from FAR, flying isnt very feasable. Again with weather, mx, scheduling, issues while going through your flight labs etc. I'm not sure your age or personal situation but having a gf or buddy for a bed to crash in for probably 3 days per week would be almost mandatory for sure. Its been a few years but I remember that was a long lonely drive, esp. at night.

Anyways, consider doing Aviation Management (which only takes you to your Commercial Multi) but it shaves a year off of your flight training. Stay summers, you'll probably be done in three years, then if your willing to leave ND come to ATP or American Flyers for one of the quick CFI programs and get your time that way. Having UND on your resume until the Commercial ME will be fine even if you go somewhere else for your CFIs and save you a substantial amount of money... also its easier and less competitive to get a job at American Flyers or ATP after you get your ratings than at UND for sure!
 
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