What to do with an Aviation Degree?

[Low_Level_Hell]

Its kind of an open-ended question but I am wondering what success individuals with professional flight degrees are having in non-flying related careers. Simply fishing for ideas.

I know this is kind of a reverse question on this forum but in fact from what I learned from this site has been discouraging and only confirmed what I fear about starting a career as an airline pilot.

I am considering getting out of the Army in the near future and am looking for some direction on what to do next. Unfortunately, all my work experience since highschool is one-sided. I have been so absorbed in what I do now I have not had the opportunity to look into other career opportunities or interests. While flying helicopters in Army I earned my degree online with EARU and have my COMM-INST ratings in SE, ME, and rotor-wing, but do not have the desire or patience to pursue a civilian career flying (especially spending the next few years of my life making less than a third of what I do now).

P.S: ....and yes, I have been trying the gigalo thing for years with very limited success and if I were to deal drugs I'd end up smokin' all the crack befor I could sell it.

[SkyHawg]

You check the box.
Go get an MBA.

[Doug Taylor]

It kinda sits in my office lockbox behind some of my mortgage paperwork and my social security card.

[SkyHawg]

Make a very nice paper airplane?

[Beechlover]

15 years ago while on active duty in the USAF, I started on an aviation degree program and after finishing about 36 semester hours, getting my PPL with about 92 hrs, I was 7k in debt. Airline deregulation had hit the industry and many high time pilots were being laid off. My instuctors who were considered hire-able were'nt moving. It was then that I began to ask myself, the same question you're asking now, what if I can't work as a pilot what can I do with this degree? After all, there was no VA financial aid for pro pilot training then so I was facing being over 30k in debt and no way to pay it. Soo, I decided then to back out, get a regular degree and then once I finished it, if I still wanted to get back into flying I told myself I'll have something to fall back on when times get really rough. So that's what I did. It took me 9 years to finish my bachelors due to active duty life as an AWACS flight crew member (but I got it!). I'm newly remarried, both of our kids are raised, she's a nurse who can work anywhere! So after 15 yrs, alot of my (new) wife's convincing, I've picked a school out, got my eye's checked today, and am calling a flight doc tomorrow to set up an appointment to get my physical done. Got a lot to do before I start flying like sell the house and quit our jobs, then move to Florida, hey but you only live once and it's been a life long dream despite the fact that I already have over 5000 hours in the E-3!!! She's all about making this happen for me and I can't believe I'm actually gonna do it!! But ultimately the decision I made all those yrs ago does bring some comfort but I don't think that you have to worry so much. Just the fact that you have the "degree" makes you very marketable. Have you thought about civil service jobs, federal Government positions. Often times, when you look at the job description many say simply "degree preferred." Doesn't sound to specific to me but I'm no expert, just something to think about. Best of luck to you!

[Bandit_Driver]

you may be able to find a gig flying helos for hospitals. I would start checking that out now before you get out. Those gigs can pay pretty well. I have buddy who just got of the guard and is nearly making 6 figures and works 3 on 3 off schedule.

[Coney]

One of the other instructors here at AUS has a B.S. in Aviation Science. He now works two jobs: 1) CFI and 2) Weed Eater Guy. I'm not being critical of his situation. He told me he dislikes it. The point is this: From what I've seen, it doesn't seem that a degree in Aviation Acience is particularly useful, except to serve as a "square filler" or resume item.

A good business degree of some type is always a safe choice, as it tends to be regarded as stable and widely employable. Good luck!!

[mbrusko]

I know several people who have gone through college and earned a four year generic degree (ex. communications business) At the same time they completed all of their ratings and are pursuing prof careers as pilots. Airlines want a four year degree and they don't care if it is aviation or dentistry. If you ever lose your medical you can always fall back on that diploma.

[MFT1Air]

Originally Posted by SkyHawg

You check the box.
Go get an MBA.

Agreed. I work for a primary contractor of NASA. As much as they would like to have engineer types, we do in fact have a small percentage of aviation science degreed individuals working for our organization. . .quite a few. Many I've seen so far transitioned into the MBA or Technical Management programs.

Does that mean you won't be hired with us? No. . .not even, but prepping for the future is sound advice and a Master's degree would help.