Career Advice - Ground-OPS or a Second Career?
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Join Date: Jun 2021
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Career Advice - Ground-OPS or a Second Career?
Due to Covid and the uncertainty in the aviation industry, I'm currently between a rock and a hard place and I'm not sure what to do. I'm currently finishing my PPL and I'm not sure if I should go into a ground-ops position within my school (not sure if this is common in other countries but it's very common here) or if I should study ACCA (accounting) which would take at least 4 years. My main goal is to work is to fly business jets (for multiple reasons), luckily enough a few business jet operators have relocated to where I live due to the favourable taxation system on foreign companies. Some of these operators have an internal hiring "cadet pilot programme". Working in a ground-ops position at my school would help tick off the work experience requirement most operators ask for with regard to ground-ops positions. This would give me a direct way into a biz jet operator. Becoming an accountant on the other hand would also give me a chance of being employed by these operators due to the way ACCA is structured (you need 3 years of work experience to become a qualified accountant). Even though I like accounting but I'm not sure if I would regret starting ACCA because I wouldn't be working towards a position that would be directly related to aviation but a position which if I'm lucky would lead me to be employed by an airline. Add to this the fact that after finishing my PPL, I have to fund the remaining 50k myself, either through a bank loan or by working and paying my training as I go. Summing everything up, going into ground-ops would give me exposure to the aviation industry whilst becoming an accountant would qualify me for a sector not affiliated with the aviation industry but which could still lead to employment within it. I realise that for some of you this may seem like a stupid thread but for me, this is a decision that will affect me for at least the next 5-10 years of my life. At some point in my life, I will move over to flying full time be it business jets/airlines/instructing, which is why I'm not sure if getting another qualification is for me.
If you really want to be a pilot, be a pilot. A ground ops job in an airline or Bizjet operator is a great way to get a foot in the door of the industry, and lots of people get their first flying job this way. Have a look at your figures: 50k is a lot of money if you've already got a PPL, you don't need to spend more than 30k.
In a few years time you will have your accounting degree and the basis of a well paying career to fall back on if there is another pandemic. Accountants can work from home and make a good living if they have to, pilots can’t.
Do the accountancy training, get a job, then train as a pilot when it is possible to see how the job market is doing post pandemic.
Do the accountancy training, get a job, then train as a pilot when it is possible to see how the job market is doing post pandemic.
As an FCA on qualifying I joined an airline at the first opportunity and learned to fly. Ended up in senior management. Go for the ACCA first at least you will have something to fall back on in what is not always a stable industry.
Join Date: Aug 2016
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As much as I agree with the statement that you need a backup qualification, whatever that might be, you need to think long and hard about two things:
1 - are you ready to put in the time and effort required for the accountancy studies? It's no walk in the park and four years are not four months. Will you enjoy it?
2 - how do you feel about the biz jet opportunity? Can you picture yourself in that specific company long-term? Do you get on well with the team? Does it seem OK in terms of culture, in terms of treatment of personnel? Are there many similar opportunities around?
You and only you can make the ultimate call. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is that you don't regret it afterwards. And only you can tell which one you will regret the least.
By the way, have you considered part-time studies while working in aviation? Could as well be an option.
1 - are you ready to put in the time and effort required for the accountancy studies? It's no walk in the park and four years are not four months. Will you enjoy it?
2 - how do you feel about the biz jet opportunity? Can you picture yourself in that specific company long-term? Do you get on well with the team? Does it seem OK in terms of culture, in terms of treatment of personnel? Are there many similar opportunities around?
You and only you can make the ultimate call. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is that you don't regret it afterwards. And only you can tell which one you will regret the least.
By the way, have you considered part-time studies while working in aviation? Could as well be an option.
