First let me say getting an aviation degree is a great way to become a professional pilot. The knowledge and background you gain will be invaluable to you as you move forward in your career. This background knowledge is one of the key reasons military pilots are so favored by the airlines. By understanding how the aircraft works and why it works together you will be able to understand far more complex aircraft, helping to insure your success at any airline.
With that said however, piloting is an hour game too. Your number of hours helps to indicate what your experience level is. The greater your number of hours the great your experience level. I know this is nuts because we have all seen 9,000 hour pilots who are clueless, but such is the system.
Because of this you will need to build hours just like everybody else. Right out of college with an aviation degree I would look to instruct at your school or a flight school near where you live.
By having the degree you may be able to move straight into an smaller commuter airline or freight operation. These are great ways to build time and experience. The hours may appear harder than teaching in the beginning but what you learn will be useful. Often even after flight instructing pilots still need some time in the commuter operations. Learning multi-crew work environment, larger aircraft and airports will aid you down the road.
Use your degree to help you get your foot in the door with these airlines. Look for alumni who work there and may be able to carry your resume in for you. Speak up your degree and what you have learned. Show the airlines personnel how your aviation degree will help you succeed with them.
Your new aviation degree does not guarantee your success and quick advancement in the professional piloting world. What is does give you in the knowledge base to succeed and the a rung or two up on everybody else. Don’t waste your efforts now, put your degree to good use and enjoy your career success.
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