Are degrees important now?

[avcraig]

For someone that’s wrapped up flight training, or about to wrap it up with a Diploma from one of the Aviation Colleges recognized by the Jazz Pathway Program, would a degree now be important to have for when the industry and hiring opens back up? I know people were getting hired with just the Aviation diploma before.

I know it’ll probably be really competitive but I’m trying to figure out if I should go to university for the next few years for a degree, or work in the industry (I have a current job at Pearson) while renting a multi every weekend to stay current and continue building hours. I would also take the first small flying job I could get, if I got that chance. Like I said, I do already have a diploma from an Accredited Aviation College in Ontario.

[Jack Klumpus]

For your first job, I think you’d be well suited as it is. I would probably concentrate on getting that first job initially, since you have to be prepared to drop life in the city and move away, something that you may not be able to do if enrolled in full time degree. A degree is also not cheap, and during this time, perhaps that investment may not be the wisest, being that now is survival mode.

Once you get settled in a flying job, then I suggest you re-visit the degree option, which I highly recommend. You could do a part time program, or even online (from a reputable university).

When the time comes, I recommend you choose a degree that you will use and benefit from, and not just something to put on a resume.

Your initial job wouldn’t care if you have a degree or not, this is from my experience. Much later on, a degree may give you an edge, depending on who is hiring and what kind of job you’re applying to.

[EPR]

I would say, based on the current situation...screw the degree and get a trade that you can fall back on, like an Electrician for example.

[Maynard]

Isn't this exactly why degrees were considered useless?

"I have a degree from 20 years ago, and 0 experience in the field. Hire me over that 22 year old grad. I'm in my 40s and might stay, but I get a boner with big planes so I'll probably leave soon."
Like said, get a trade.

[“Bob”]

“I did an electrical foundation course and worked in the industry for 11 months when I was on an airline layoff 20 years ago. No I don’t have my Red Seal and have no idea about current codes and building practices, but hire me over that 22 year old Red Seal electrician who did the apprenticeship program in high school. I'm in my 40s and might stay, but I get a boner with big planes so I'll probably leave soon."

I have a trade with a license and lots of experience that was current 5 years ago. Now north of 40, it would be a very uphill battle for myself to get back into it competing with eager youngsters and grizzled veterans.

Get a trade is millennial speak for the degree the boomers told us to get. Look at doing something that nobody else is doing, instead.

[Heliian]

For someone that’s wrapped up flight training, or about to wrap it up with a Diploma from one of the Aviation Colleges recognized by the Jazz Pathway Program, would a degree now be important to have for when the industry and hiring opens back up? I know people were getting hired with just the Aviation diploma before.

I know it’ll probably be really competitive but I’m trying to figure out if I should go to university for the next few years for a degree, or work in the industry (I have a current job at Pearson) while renting a multi every weekend to stay current and continue building hours. I would also take the first small flying job I could get, if I got that chance. Like I said, I do already have a diploma from an Accredited Aviation College in Ontario.

A degree in what? Any degree will be an investment of time and money, if you don't plan on using it then there is no point.
Also, as said above, degrees are losing their lustre. At this stage, people want real world experience, not paper.

[digits_]

Another way to look at it, is figuring out who can get you the job you want. It's only human to like/prefer people that have somewhat the same preferences, values and experience as you.

If you want to fly in a 703 operation lead by a self made man who barely finished high school. then a degree will probably not help you much.
If you want to fly in a 705 operation that used to require a degree, and where the majority of the hiring committee members have a degree, it's probably a plus to have one.

I doubt any degree holder would consider is a negative if an applicant also has a degree.

Does that mean it is worth it to spend XX XXX dollars on it? That's up to you to decide. Flight school is already quite expensive. Getting a degree just to improve your resume, might not be worth it.

Using the degree as a back up career so to speak, is a whole different discussion.

[gustind]

I think using your post-secondary education to earn different qualifications right now would be worth it. Lots of these diplomas and degrees from colleges can easily be turned into a Bachelor of Education which could give you a teaching job to fall back on in the future.

[tbaylx]

Not many canadian airlines require a degree. If you want to go to AC then it would be an advantage. Like other posters have said I'd be more inclined to get a trade as a backup rather than a degree which wouldn't help me feed/house my family in the event of a furlough.

We should be good for another 10 year run after this is all over but there will be another event at some point during your career that will likely furlough you.

[Bug_Stomper_01]

In short yes, in less short depends in WHAT degree.

[ayseven]

A degree is not a trade. You don't get it so you can prove how useful you are, you get it because you WANT it.

[“Bob”]

A degree shows that you had academic aptitude and determination and could commit to something for four years and complete it.

Training for a trade is just something you do. Used to be there was no formal training... ...just OJT. Honestly, it’s like being a pilot. Anyone can do it and it doesn’t take long to get the basic training for. The only difference is that flying costs a lot in comparison and in the public’s eye is associated with wealth or success for the few pilots they see in their daily lives.

Now, the degree itself might be useless. The person with the degree might be useless. The things I’ve heard even tenured professors at respectable universities say have made me do a facepalm from time to time.

Lots of the most brilliant and successful people in the world are autodidacts... ...but they are because they bring the creativity and drive that a degree alone can’t give you and perhaps even hinder you as you struggle to conform to some academician’s insular yet sacrosanct views.

But for most brilliant autodidacts, you’re just Will Hunting. Sure.... ....you can destroy some cocky Delta Kappa Epsilon in a Boston Bar in front of some hot sophomores in a battle of words, but you’re never going to land that internship BAE Systems or residency at Beth Israel and you’ll be serving fries to them while they’re on their ski vacation at Aspen or Jackson Hole if you ever even leave town.

Not all degrees are created equal, either. Anyone can get into DeVry or a local community college. Unless you were straight As with 30 extracurriculars in high school or daddy donated a building, you aren’t getting into a good university with the same ease as signing up for flying lessons or finishing up your GED so you can start being a welder.

Long story short.

A degree is to differentiate you as part of an airline hiring process where applicants greatly exceed vacancies even during a so-called pilot shortage. A degree is part of an overall strategy.

Getting a trade is generally done because you always wanted to do it, or to build yourself up financially to do what you want to do, or reactionary due to large scale life changes or lack of other opportunities. A trade is to make money immediately.