Advice needed (long read)

[flynavy830]

I have been reading this forum for some time now, lots of great information and a great community! I will try to keep it short, I am 20 years old. Didnt really know what direction to go with school after highschool so kind of goofed on with GEN ED classes, I have always wanted to fly regardless. I have about 46 credits right now towards general education classes and I'm in a tough spot. I love engineering, physics, chemistry, etc but I know that in order to complete this degree I will need to devote A LOT of time, and I currently work full time.. so basically the following questions come to mind.

If my ultimate goal is to commision through OCS and become a navy aviator, does it really matter that much if I have an engineering degree? After all, if I do get an engineering degree and go straigh into the navy I wont really be using it right?

So should I just get a bachelors in the next two years in something else?

I heard that it looks good to see that someone was working full time while attending school, is this true? I work for southwest airlines and love my job, I really want to work and go to school at the same time.

My best friend (who I call my cousin since we are so close) just recieved the call that he has been accepted for his first choice of pilot for OCS he is prior enlisted and I couldnt be more proud of him. He is trying to set me up with meetings with some people to discuss and give me guidance. I have thought about going to Embry Riddle Worldwide and getting a bachelor through them, maybe profesional aeronautics.. which I know a lot of people say is kind of pointless because you have nothing to fall back on except aviation, but if I'm going into the navy regardless this doesnt really matter right?


I guess what I'm looking for is some advice, because I am 20 and already feel like I am too old. I have held a steady job since the age of 13, and have a extremely strong work ethic. I'm curious as to how much this benefits me when it comes time to interview. I am also working towards my pilots license which I am close to completing. I am so anxious to just hurry up and get a degree in anything so I can start the process. I have been working my whole life up to this point and I have my mind set on what I want to do. I want to serve my country and make a life long career out of it, so any advice is appreciated. I know this is kind of a ramble, so if there is anything more specfic I should mention please let me know. Thanks.

 

[SynixMan]

To be accepted for pilot, you need a bachelors. Liberal arts is fine, there's a ton of poli sci majors that are pilots. Engineering isn't required, but certianly won't hurt you. Whatever you do, your GPA is important. Shoot for 3.0 at a MINIMUM.

Working while in school is difficult and can certianly build character. Don't take huge loans to go to school, but also don't use work as an excuse for a 2.5 GPA.

As for location/school itself, that's your call. I'd pick an affordable engineering school if it were me. This Navy thing might not work out, and putting all your eggs in that basket is ill advised. An engineering degree is marketable much more so than liberal arts if this doesn't work out. FWIW, I got my engineering degree and then went OCS. I've never regretted getting that degree.

Getting an expensive Embry Riddle degree is debatable. Lots of people I know went to Riddle, but all are crushed under student loans if they weren't ROTC. The added value from a "Professional Aeronautics Degree" is dubious at best. It's largely marketing from them to charge $100k+ per year.

 

[MIDNJAC]

You're 20....that's barely out of high school. How old (or rather young) do you think military pilots are? Jeez

 

[Sapper!]

After a solid three years of pain in engineering, I am possibly going to give up that degree if I get picked up for PLC. However, if I am not selected the engineering degree will get done! I am 27 and had an age waiver approved. Yes it is cutting it close but the above advice is crucial and that is how I can relate. Get a degree now, do not wait, get something that you would make a good living at and be happy with if you never got to serve in the military because things can and will happen that are out of your control. There is not much reason with so many resources for not to be able to pick a degree path and get cracking. Research, ask, and think about what you want out of life. If you can't imagine yourself doing that job and are unsure then you are not using your imagination or doing enough research. At 20 you have plenty of time but also at 20 you have no excuse to be sitting around. The best roads are usually the hardest, meanwhile spinning your wheels doesn't help.

For example, if I do not get selected, I will potentially be able to get a decent job with my engineering degree, enlist in the reserves to continue service, and be able to afford to rent a plane and do a little flying. Meanwhile I would be able to raise a family with a good income. Anything besides that, like flying for the military is a bonus!

Now go forth into the world and do great things.

 

[HAL Pilot]

Skip the Embry-Riddle professional aviation degree. For the navy, it will not give you a leg up. For a civilian flying job, it will not give you a leg up. If you want to learn to fly before joining the Navy, there are easier and cheaper ways. All Embry-Riddle will give you is a shit ton of debt and a worthless degree that will not get you a job.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

You're 20....that's barely out of high school. How old (or rather young) do you think military pilots are? Jeez

I have seen a person sent to OCS that was 19, turned 20 while there.

I have sent off several that were 21.

 

[flynavy830]

The only reason I considered ERAU is the worldwide program, allows me to go to school on a more flexible note (online/more locations/courses) while working full time. I really cant see myself enjoying a degree in poli science/liberal arts/business. I have always been hands on, wondering/figuring out why things work and how I can improve. My main concern is work, at one point I will have to decide which path to choose. I can quit this job, and transfer to a good university, maybe UF or UCF and earn the engineering degree, after all... this job I have now wont matter with a completed degree in that field. The good thing is that I have been able to talk to an abundance of people from all sorts of backrounds. I havent been living here long so the journey has just begin, I moved to Jackonsville to puruse aviation/school so being near NAS JAX has helped A LOT... there is constantly officers/pilots flying out of JIA that I converse with and gain insight. As for flying.. I didnt intend on ERAU providing any flight experience, just the degree. I have already aquired about 55 hours in a 172 but thats not conventional flight training so the path to a private license is a little extended... working 40 hours a week and going to school!? cut me some slack. I know I have what it takes, I have developed a strong work ethic from really young, and have proved that I have the integrity and honesty that most people admire in someone. I guess my main issue, is I'm inpatient.. I want to be done so bad/fast that I am cutting corners when in reality I have so much time like everyone has said! Thanks for all the replies so far, its truly helped.

 

[SynixMan]

I think you're moving in the right direction and just need a push. I don't know what your life is now, but I'm guessing you think it's awesome except for not being a Naval Aviator. In reality (and I'm just guessing), you probably hump a mildly crappy job with little upward mobility and live with some buddies you work with. That life train ain't going anywhere. Don't desperately cling to it. I could be way off base, and if I am I apologize, but I think I'm close.

Go apply to a legit school (UF in Gainesville would certianly qualify), get in. Get some financial aid and small loans while you work 20 hours a week in a student job where you can screw off and hit on female coeds. Oh, and you'll be slightly older and have an ID that can buy booze, so you'll be king shit. When you finish, you'll have a degree that's worth a lot AND the experience of going to a real school is invaluable. You'll have friends in the professional world and have started your networking. If OCS is still what you want, the Navy will sure as hell be around when you finish. Or, hell, do ROTC or BDCP if you think it's that awesome.

 

[flynavy830]

Your a little off, I work for Southwest airlines... its actually a great job. The pay is great and I travel anywhere anytime for free on multiple airlines. As weird as it may sound, I'm already kinf of passed the college phase of drinking and partying all the time. I am focused on my end goal. I work my ass off, go to school, and finance my own flight training. If I'm not working or going to school, I'm probably reading a book on something that interests me or working out/running. Dont get me wrong.. I'm not some guy who lives in a cave and doesnt know what a female looks like.. I just have my priorities straight and strong aspirations. I have a little time to figure it out though, so just weighing all my options.

 

[MIDNJAC]

I have seen a person sent to OCS that was 19, turned 20 while there.

I have sent off several that were 21.

There was a guy in my advanced class that CQ'd at age 20, but I wouldn't exactly call those guys the norm. My point being that a lot of us don't even get butter bars until mid 20's. OP has plenty of time, especially if he is already in school.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

There was a guy in my advanced class that CQ'd at age 20, but I wouldn't exactly call those guys the norm. My point being that a lot of us don't even get butter bars until mid 20's. OP has plenty of time, especially if he is already in school.

very true, most of the young ones are those that were in school districts where they could get 2 years of college done prior to graduating HS, I had one guy who had his masters at age 22, in a tech field.

 

[MIDNJAC]

very true, most of the young ones are those that were in school districts where they could get 2 years of college done prior to graduating HS, I had one guy who had his masters at age 22, in a tech field.

Yeah this guy specifically was home-schooled and started college at an abnormally young age. Really smart dude who did well, but not the norm.

 

[jcj]

Common advice for Medical School admissions - which I think also applies very much to what you are doing (others will correct if I am wrong)

1. Make sure you'll have whatever minimum specific courses you need for your career goals (example: for med school this is generally is a year of biology, a year of physics and two years of chemistry - general & organic) but major in something you like. You'll be more likely to end up with a good GPA studying something you like, and you will be educated in something you like if the military aviation thing doesn't work out.

2. About working and going to school - be careful. If you go to an admissions committee or selection board with a good GPA and good work experience, that will be seen as you being able to succeed in school while working (a good thing). If you go to an admissions committee or selection board with a marginal or poor GPA and good work experience, that will be seen as poor prioritization on your part (a bad thing) - the thought being you should have spent more time in study and less time in work. Remember your ultimate goal (bachelor's degree with good GPA) - if you can do that with the SWA job, great. If you cant, it's time for a reality check re: your ultimate goals.

good luck

 

[LET73]

Picking your major should involve a combination of what interests you and what will help you out professionally in the long run, whether that's in the Navy or elsewhere. What do you do if you get a degree that's narrowly focused on being an aviator and that doesn't work out for whatever reason? A college degree is an investment, yes, but you've got at least some flexibility to do what you enjoy. Do you want the Embry Riddle degree on its own merits, or because you think it's going to help you be a pilot? If it's the first, go for it. If not, don't spend all that time and money on something that may or may not help you in the long run.

Also, you're 20. It's not like you're walking around with one foot in the grave. Take the time to lay a solid foundation of good grades and good work, and that will help you far more than any specific degree ever will.

 

[flynavy830]

Thanks for all the replies it has helped a lot. I ultimately enjoy the engineering side of things. Physics, chemistry, science, meterorology, astrology, etc.. at this point.. I'm considering getting all of my engineering pre-reqs done while working full time (still a chalenge considering I have cacl/physics/chem/diff equations) and then leaving this job on good terms to pursue a university... possibly UF or UCF (leaning towards UF) by then I will have a few solid years with Southwest and plenty of letters in my favor.