Topic: What the hell am I going to do?
started by: j0eSmith
Posted by j0eSmith on Jan. 30 2002,11:03
Alright, heres ye olde 411.I'm at the point where I'm supposed to be decided on universities and such. I've allready applied and been Conditionally Accepted at the two I'm interested in. So about a month ago, I had things kinda planned out. Just trying to decide as to wether to push for the hard-to-get-into-but-really-good school, or the other slightly less good, easier one. Not exactly a big decision. Go for both and see what comes up.
Maybe I should take an interlude here and clairify. These are University-Colleges with a Commercial Aviation Diploma program. Two years of courses at a cost of ~$50k. Get some uni level courses, Multi-IFR Commercial Lisence, and Commercial Aviation Diploma.
Then a couple weeks ago, I was in Smithers filling out a Renters profile and such, so I would be able to rent the plane whenever. When I was there I was talking to one of the instructors (Bob) because I had to do a written test on the plane, and I need a checkride too. So anyways, we're BSing and he informs me that they (NTAir, the company I did my Private training with) are looking to offer more in the way of Commercial Training, and even getting a program together with Pro-IFR in Vancouver (The best of the best).
The lucrative parts? I could get it done in less time (1 year). For less money, A LOT less (about $20k less.). And with people and a company I'm familiar with and know fairly well.
BUT this also means no formal education on top of it, and I would still be living in this same town. Initial Employment Opprotunity is about equal either way. But later on, IF I decide to fly Airlines the Diploma might come in handy. On the other hand, more real world experiance might be more impressive as well.
Theres also the whole 'I want out' factor. Wherein I want out of this town, so I can go meet new people and such.
I'm kind of at a loss as of what to do.. Stayin' here and doing the training locally is looking pretty good though.
I don't really expect anyone to know the answer to this.. but opinions are always helpful.
Posted by Wolfguard on Jan. 30 2002,14:23
get the formal stuff also.there may be a time when you cant fly anymore and the formal stuff will be an edge to get you the cushy management jobs.
Not to mention goverment jobs or private comercial.
Posted by Wiley on Jan. 30 2002,14:42
| Quote (Wolfguard @ 30 Jan. 2002,06:23) |
| get the formal stuff also. there may be a time when you cant fly anymore and the formal stuff will be an edge to get you the cushy management jobs. Not to mention goverment jobs or private comercial. |
I agree. I'm sure most airlines have a requirement of a college education. Not because it's a better education, but because it would put the passengers' minds at easy. Also every freaking day I kick myself for not getting my degree. If I had gone to college I think I would be president of the world right now. Hmmm ...is that a real job? I would know if I every took some kinda political science class or something. See, college r0x0rs! 
Posted by ic0n0 on Jan. 30 2002,19:17
I am a political science major, and I am also pre-law so I have many years of college then law school before I am done.
Posted by Pickle Therapy Lady on Jan. 30 2002,21:51
I think I'll have to go w/the formal education route. It has more long term benefits. The benefits from the 1 you've already worked with are just based on the ease of familiarity. That's quite short term and non-essential in the long run to be honest. But then again...I could be talking out of my ass again now couldn't I?
Posted by editor on Jan. 31 2002,04:32
Always did notice your airplane avatar, I'm kinda partial to aviation...Methinks you might consider going into the Air Force and letting them pay for your formal schooling and your flight training. After the AF, you should be a shoe-in for the airlines... least that's what I hear in the States! Airlines love military-trained pilots!
And Canada uses the F-18, too, which I hear is a blast to fly!
Posted by mqa on Jan. 31 2002,06:51
the only problem with the airforce route is that you are commited to serve for 10 years if they train you as a pilot, which isnt so bad until you consider that airline pay is based almost entirely on seniority.my advice: if you know you want to be an airline pilot, go for the shorter course. that gives you an extra year as far as seniority, and if you need to go back to school later, as an airline pilot, im sure you'll have more than enough money.
i too once though about becoming a pilot, but then i realized that i can barely drive a car without getting killed, i don't think that's exactly pilot material.
Posted by Vigilante on Jan. 31 2002,07:06
As a fighter pilot, though, you don't have to deal with all the other fucknuggets crowding your space. You get to shoot down the ones that do.
Posted by ASCIIMan on Jan. 31 2002,07:18
... but only if they shoot at you first 
Posted by Vigilante on Jan. 31 2002,07:33
Not once we move on to bigger and better targets. I think there will be plenty of habibs to bomb for a good while yet. 
Posted by Dark Knight Bob on Jan. 31 2002,11:49
get the education first. if you want it to just give you a boost in the right driection and open up your options then its a good idea. don't be put off too much by people who tell you you need to get a 1st to beat the competiotion. thats bollox unless you are using your degree for a VERY specific job. most companies well employ you JUST for having ANY kind of degree. its an easy way of getting qualifications and a bit more life experience too.