averagepilot

I am an FO here (2 years+) and am thinking about heading back to school for my MBA since I feel extremely insecure about my job and the industry's contant stagnation and upheaval. I would either do an evening program locally or a reputable online MBA. Do you think this is a viable backup in the event I lose my job, or is there a more beneficial degree I could obtain. Have any of you done this while working here full time? Also, I don't have a business undergrad degree, just a useless aviation degree. Any thoughts welcome.

LAfrequentflyer

Capella.edu

I've got their MS in Information Security (active duty USAF) and recommend the school.

Auburn also has a on-line MBA. Not sure the price but it can't be beat/

If you're looking for a fall-back career I recommend getting your CFP (certified financial planner). I've got that as well and you can make a good living during the down times in the airline business.

I don't currently fly for the airlines but if I did I'd be at a fractional. Since I have no flight time past a commercial SE / Instrument SE. My 2nd career is going to be with Alpha Flying. No complaints here.

Good luck.

-LAFF

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lang409

Do it......it's a good back up and an easy way to be a slam clicker if you fly with a couple of tool bags..."Oh I'm sorry I can't go out and be with you stupid people tonight - I have homework"

Same boat for me - little over 2 yrs and started my MBA this January. Not to bad I go to one class on Thursday nights. At 2 yrs you should be senior enough to get pretty much whatever schedule you want to go to class - with CLE being the exception.

I'm actually going to classes so I'm sorry I can't recommend any online stuff for you. If you have any discipline and can set a goal to get though it you can do it. I am 32yrs old, married, commute from GRR to IAH, work only 4 days with 3 days off, have a BS in Aero Sci, and I just finished my first term (6 credits) with a 3.5 gpa.......if I can do it you can!

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me

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BAZ

Tell me more about this CFP..

westcoastguy

I am two classses away from finishing my my MBA. Before you start an online course I strongly urge you to do some research into what employers think of online degrees. I am not going to state the opinion of the multiple business owner and CEO's that I am aquainted with. MSN has a great article out on it right now.

lang409

Can you post a link - I would like to read that

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LAfrequentflyer

Capella's MS programs are accredited and also certified by the National Security Agency as meeting US Federal Gov standards for information security standards. I'm an IT geek so for me having that , my security clearance, and military career made it worth any negatives associated with an on-line degree.

I understand the negatives with an on-line degree. What can I say? My work record speaks for me.

Certified Financial Planner - IMHO, this is an excellent fall-back for a pilot. People will always need someone to manage their investments / retirement plans / options. With a pilot lifestyle / time to kill sitting around you can do all your research / professional reading / etc without it cutting into your days off. Google it and see for yourself. The cost of entry is not high and from all I've heard its an excellent QOL and career.

Money magazine listed it as their fastest growing career for the next 10+ years. Expected salary is in the 75K range and you are working in a business environment.

-LAFF

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LAfrequentflyer

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averagepilot

In terms of the online MBA, I was thinking of Babson (fastrack program). It is online, except you meet on campus (Portland, OR or somewhere in MA) every 6 weeks for a weekend. It seems somewhat legit and costs around 55k. Locally, I have my choice of two evening MBA programs that meet one or two nights per week. One is a highly ranked large school with a great reputation, but I was somewhat turned off by the people I have been communicating with there and it is 65k. The other is a small private college that lacks the esteem/reputation, but is a great value at under 40k. So, someone mentioned MBA "brand recognition" does matter to potential employers, please elaborate.

Stephan Dupourque

Do what I did, go to law school and get out of the business!