Uni a good idea?

[parislad]

Hi, I'm 17 and at college and thinking about university as they all tell you to. Always wanted, and still do, to fly for an airline.
What are your thoughts on whether or not uni is worthwhile for someone with these ambitions? And what kind of course or particular university would you recommend- I've heard people say best to do something not related to aviation, then embark on your career aftwerwards. I also understand university is an experience not to be missed.
I know you guys are pilots and not careers advisors, but hey, no harm in asking what you think, because I could do with some guidance before making a mistake.
Thanks in advance

[citation89]

To be honest, only you can decide if it's worth it. I have been at uni 2 years doing a degree combined with training to fATPL standard. I have loved it and don't regret my decision. If I hadn't have done it, I'd now be sat with an fATPL, no degree and waiting for a Job. I understand the argument for a non aviation related degree, if you lose your medical, it's a better fall-back option for you. Then again, if you don't want to go to uni, I would say don't go, even if people tell you that you should.

In my opinion, in the current situation, Uni is a good option whatever course you choose, and when you finish, do your training and you should hopefully be coming out with a degree and an fATPL at a positive time. Also, uni is a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to anyone. You're still young and 3 years at uni wouldn't do you any harm, only good. It will build you as a person as it has to everyone I know, and this will help you through all you training and career.

So to sum up, do it if you want to do it, it wont make your career in aviation any worse, only better, but do a course that you would enjoy, not one you think you should do. If you enjoy basket weaving, do it! :ok: If you don't really want to go to uni, you just thinking of following the 'norm' then I'd personally say don't go.

C89

[Kyriakos]

uni a good idea?

if u ask me, probably the wiser decision you will ever make in your life.
if u r willing to put the effort & have the financial capability of doing it, GO FOR IT! u cant imagine how rewarding it can be at the end.

now, what degree? anything technical i would say. dont waste ur money on retails, psychology , physiology and that kind of b$#@^$^ :P
i dont know if u wanna go through the engineering madness since thats not going to be ur future profession, but something more approachable would be IT and computer science and y not business and economics :)

[parislad]

Thanks C89- what uni are you at and which course are you on? Is it leeds?

[1013 with altsel]

I was in your position at your age! went to salford uni and studied Aerospace Business Systems! While I was there, managed to get on the University Air Squadron. One of the best decisions I have made!

Had loads of free time to work and fly on the Uas! Had summer jobs, saved money got a degree and got 60 hours of free flying, converted it to a PPL with a skill test!

Then did my ATPLs, CPL/IR Instructor rating then a job on a DHC 8 Q400!

The choice is yours, but there aint much out there for a while!

Good luck, if you want it bad enough, you will get there!

[Aerouk]

I would suggest going to University to study a course you have an interest in and has real career prospects...

I would probably say somehting outside of aviation would be a good idea, you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket.

[citation89]

hey Parislad,

I am at Kingston Uni on the Aviation studies for commercial pilot training. It is a fantastic course, loved every minute of it!!!!!

[ba038]

citation89,

hi, could you please read your private messages ,im at kingston college...i would like to know more about you course .

[beamer]

Parislad

Don't get too misty eyed about flying airlines for an entire career. It is not an intellectually demanding job per se even though it requires an element of dedication and enthusiasm to jump through the various hoops to reach the final goal. Unless daddy pays ( ever more common ) it requires considerable financial investment with no guarantee of a job at the end of training; rather like getting a degree with consequent large student loan. Terms and conditions of service are continually under threat ( BA today ) and the halcyon days of the fifties and sixties are long long gone. There are some great people in the airline business and there is satisfaction to be gained but think long and hard about the prospect of forty years plus in an ever more automated world.

You must make your own choices but the prospect of a good degree from a good university would allow you some time to reflect on your options before joining the airline treadmill. There are of course other options flying aircraft at the Queens expense which could still lead to the airlines at a later date. Incidentally, whilst some degree courses these days are a bit of a joke, don't get misled by those who quote the need to study an aviation related subject such as engineering. To be a pilot it is simply not necessary to have a scientific based degree, there are plenty of good pilots with degrees in the Arts, the Law and many other subjects with no aviation connection. Always better to study a subject you enjoy.
Good luck

[Groundloop]

Also, if you want to have a back-up degree at least go for an Honours degree, if possible.

A lot of employers don't know what a Foundation degree is.