Would like some recommendations

[gator4798]

So a quick bit of history: Im 20 now. My ppl Checkride is in 3 days. I plan, and have the money, to get everything through MEI with everything in between. After I finish that I was planning on going to San Jose State University and getting a BS in Aviation with an option in Operations. However I have heard from many that this is is a bad idea/ not needed. I have come to believe that you all have some pretty decent judgment on these matters and I just wanted to hear your 2 cents on the matter. Thanks a ton for the help! Now back to studying for the checkride.

[jrh]

Originally Posted by gator4798

...I was planning on going to San Jose State University and getting a BS in Aviation with an option in Operations...I have heard from many that this is is a bad idea/ not needed.

Yeah, pretty much.

Here's the advice I, and a lot of other people will give:

If all you can stand to think about is flying, there's nothing wrong with getting an aviation degree. It's as good as any other degree. And if that's the only subject you can stay focused on long enough to complete college, fine.

However, the thing is, you don't need it to be successful as a pilot. Any degree will qualify you for the top tiers of aviation. Flight experience is what matters, followed by being able to check the box that says you have a degree. So why not diversify?

Are you interested in anything outside of flying? Everybody recommends business, but personally I think business is boring. I couldn't stand to do a degree in business if my life depended on it.

For me, I've chosen to study communication, with an emphasis in public relations. I like writing and dealing with people, which is pretty much what my degree is all about. I think it's interesting, and if I ever decide to stop flying, I can see myself doing something related to communications.

I've got friends who are now working as professional pilots who have degrees in business, biology, one guy even has a degree in music performance....he's crazy good on the french horn, and he's flying for SkyWest.

So my point is, study whatever you think is interesting. Have fun and learn something new. You won't regret it.

[Number1atNumber2]

Yeah, get the degree, but I'd recommend getting it in something non-aviation related. Even if it's under water basket-weaving. The flight time is all that matters. And, getting a degree in something else shows you can learn other things, as well as give you a fall back in the event you lose your medical, or choose to do something else with your life. A lot of people get into aviation and find out it's not at all what they thought it was. Some of the regionals do a nice job of killing pilots' dreams and love of flying. That idea is probably hard to imagine when you are starting out, but it does happen.

Good luck with the training!

[gator4798]

Thanks for all the help. I'm thinking about a BS in computer science. I already know I can handle that as I work for a company as a systems administrator. Well thanks..Off to study some more for that darn checkride in 2 days...

[tonyw]

The computer science degree is a good idea because it gives you a fall back plan.

I will say that having any kind of degree is a good idea. My first degree was in psychology, and just having that allowed me to check the box for a wide range of jobs.

And relax about the checkride. By now, you know the stuff well, right? So relax, just touch up to keep it fresh, and don't stress too much about it.