Degree options
07-04-2011, 09:47 AM
#1
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Degree options
So I have read tons of threads advising future pilots against aviation-related degrees and even posted my own "campus vs online" to which I received great advice. I am going with the campus, (and paying for flight school out-of pocket!!) but in choosing a major, I have read folks suggest engineering, finance, and business. I understand the business and/or finance, but I would think engineering be pointless; in the event of being furloughed in the future, would an engineering degree from years ago really hold the same weight as a recent grad? I would just as soon major in chemistry. Thoughts, personal experiences...please share. Thanks!!
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07-04-2011, 11:21 AM
#2
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Chemistry would be fine, although without a Phd you will probably not be doing R&D (unless you want to work as a lab assistant). But there are other jobs for chemistry majors (sales, project management, power plant, refinery, etc). Compared to engineering the state-of-the-art in chemistry doesn't change as rapidly.
A stale engineering degree would require some effort to dust off... take some courses, get a related job, etc. But again there are plenty of jobs where they like the engineering background but don't require you to be a current, proficient engineer. Pretty much the same stuff a chemist could do.
The civil and mechanical engineering disciplines are not going change as rapidly as computer, electrical, aerospace, etc.
Or do both, get a chemical engineering degree.
A stale engineering degree would require some effort to dust off... take some courses, get a related job, etc. But again there are plenty of jobs where they like the engineering background but don't require you to be a current, proficient engineer. Pretty much the same stuff a chemist could do.
The civil and mechanical engineering disciplines are not going change as rapidly as computer, electrical, aerospace, etc.
Or do both, get a chemical engineering degree.
07-04-2011, 11:22 AM
#3
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I have often wondered this myself. I don't have any personal experience to realte to you since I myself am a aviation-related degree type of person, but I would think that with how often tides are changing that any technical degree (engineering, architecture, science, computers, etc...) a significant time spent away from the field and the job will be drastically different than when you left it. I think that you would have to spend considerable time getting back up to speed with the latest innovations before a future employer would see you as an equal with even a recent graduate with experience in the newest technologies.
USMCFLYR
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07-04-2011, 01:14 PM
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Thanks guys. I agree with avoiding the specialty-type engineering; I was originally headed for aerospace, but learned that Boeing and Cessna will take mechanical engineers as well. I was reading one of the forums, and someone suggested avoiding getting the bachelors if the first few years of flying are spent as a freight-dawg or CFI-ing it. Thoughts on this? I figure the sooner completed a degree the better, but it is money I could put to flying instead...
07-04-2011, 02:32 PM
#5
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It depends on where you want to go with the aviation career. If you want to end up at a major or in another field that requires a degree then I would suggest that you finish the degree up first. Time, family, and LIFE just seems to get in the way of finishing that degree after you put it off; but others are great at reattacking things and completing night school or self-study courses for example. I just know myself so I know that I would stay in school and complete my degree first. You can always keep flying a little at a time and it will also give you a chance to see where the industry is going and if you really have the heart for it.
USMCFLYR
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Last edited by USMCFLYR; 07-04-2011 at 04:19 PM.
07-04-2011, 04:14 PM
#6
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I hear what you're saying USMC. I guess I am concerned with age too, being 28. I am actually working a flight line now and been flying here and there, so I know aviation is my passion. I am juggling the time it would take to complete the degree vs putting more money and effort to getting my ratings faster.
07-05-2011, 09:28 AM
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I flew full time for a 135 outfit while in college, while pursuing - and eventually obtaining - an aeronautical engineering degree. I eventually drifted out of flying professionally for awhile, and ended up in another career altogether. BUT, I know that it would have been very difficult for me to land an aeronautical engineering job after being out of that field for a few years. If you enjoy chemistry, I would pursue that. Maybe even chemical engineering? I think you will always be better off in a field that you enjoy studying, rather than trying to "fit" yourself into another person's perception of what a good college major might be.
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