HectorD

Hey guys,
I am going to be an Engineering student at Saint Louis University in a few months. I have been reading around the web looking at the current internships airlines provide. Most if not all of them require you to major in aviation as well as have a number of different licenses. I understand why you would need the ratings but why do you have to major in aviation? I personally am going to minor in aviation in order to get my licenses and ratings while I study engineering. I guess my main gripe is, why should I be limited by my major just because I would not only have to work harder to graduate but it is a smarter choice to major in something that is not aviation? Doesn't majoring in something difficult like engineering and having all of the required ratings show you are capable of the job just like aviation students?

My second gripe is, as far as I know, most of the internships are reserved for select colleges like ERAU and UND. Talk about equal opportunity.

I know this is sort of a stupid rant because internships don't guarantee you a job but you can't deny the they help.

FlyerJosh

Hector,

Fair or not, right now the airlines have more than plenty of folks who will line up to do an internship. Because of this, they can essentially dictate who they want to choose from...

If only opening internships to people with aviation majors results in 2000 applications for 20 internships, why include people with a minor and end up with another 1500 for the same number of positions? (Those are arbitrary numbers, but you get my drift).

Maybe airlines think that people who have aviation majors are more "committed". Who knows-

As far as UND/ERAU (and other major schools) getting the most internship opportunities, its simple- each of those schools has an established reputation and relationship with the employers that offer internships. In many cases, it's because of graduates who now work at those companies and now have the authority to create or effect the internship program. (For UND, a perfect example is the internship/hiring agreement they have with Horizon, where the Chief Pilot is a UND graduate).

Simply put, larger schools put out more graduates, who in turn have a larger networking base, which ends up benefiting the school. It's not an equal opportunity thing- it's an industry networking thing. (Just like in real life, the more people you know the better the job pool will likely be).

I can say that if/when I'm ever in a position to start an internship program, my alma mater (UND) will be where I turn to for candidates...

BoilerUP

I don't know its current status (I've heard its been all but shut down in the current economy) but I personally UPS had taken people for their Flight Training Co-ops from Purdue, ERAU, UND, SIU, Parks, Dubuque, and Indiana State.

So, some big name and some not-so big name schools in there.

I know it doesn't look fair, but don't let it stop you from applying to them all; a well-written cover letter could be all it takes to sell yourself as an aviation minor vs. major.

TheGreatChecko

Not all the internships specifically require the aviation science major, some will accept minors, some will accept any degree with experience. Furthermore, a few airlines also offer engineering internships, Southwest Airlines, for example. All hope is not lost. SLU has a good reputation with a number of internships, so you'll have plenty to choose from.

In any case, if I'm gathering your situation correctly, you have at least a year or two before you'll be considered for an internship. Most require completing your sophomore year.

Checko

atpwannabe

How true this is.

When I got hired at KPBI in Airport Ops back in 1990, the Ops Manager was actually an extended-campus Riddle student. Albeit he had been with PBI (Palm Beach County) for about 5-7 years at the time I applied, nontheless, he was working on his Bachelor's degree at the time.

The flip side of that is being in direct competetion with an alumnus or alumnae and the person doing the hiring or running the internship program are old classmates, buddies, frat bros, or sorority sisters with the person(s) you are in direct competetion with.



atp

AeroTS

Though not as common, thery're out there. I go to a school that would be the last you'd guess in terms of aviation or engineering, but I was offerd an engineering internship this summer/fall with Delta. It wasn't in flight ops, but rather engineering Mx. I'm sure it helps your odds of getting hired with that particular airline, whether in be as an engineer or pilot.

I've been offered/participated in a couple other (well) PAID engineering/aviation internships, just by showing that aviation is my passion. That sure beats the heck out of most of the unpaid aviation only intern opportunities. Just do something that sets you apart from the rest. I grew up in STL, and focused on keeping my resume aviation heavy from my first high school job. Boeing has a large facility in STL, maybe look into something with them in the future.

Gchamp3

This is not true.

You need to look a little bit harder.

On not majoring in aviation:
Don't worry about the requirements. Just put in an application and go for it. Many schools do not even have an aviation degree program. One particular one I know of is a General Studies degree with a Concentration on Aviation. Any HR Manager would be foolish to deny you because you did a worthwhile major.

All you have to do is ask. Don't let the job requirements scare you, as a lot of times they are guidelines and can be worked in other ways for the right person.

The second you start playing victim is the point that marks whether or not you get a job.

Pilotpip

Most of these colleges have the internships because they have the resources to attract attention to their students. In most cases they'll have a number of the following:

A strong internship program.
Renowned degree program.
Lots of alumni at the specific company.

Parks has all of the above.