Career Choices

[Ral]

military.

become an officer. become a pilot. get paid pretty decently.

I'm doing this right now. And I'm definitely one of the small % of people with their dream jobs. I used to spend thousands (that I made working summers in HS) flying for fun. The military is definitely a different kind of flying, but I've had experiences in the air that are indescribable.

I'll continue more later, but I would go to your local airport and ask for a $99 introductory flight. it'll be between a half hour and an hour, an instructor will take you up so you can get a feel for it no harm no foul, and most likely he is working his way to the airlines or is retired and doing it for fun and should have valuable insight into flying as a career. For some people, it gets in their blood. Others, not so much.

If you've got good ideas, try using your business sense to start a business if you're inclined.



A good idea aligning with one of his interests.

You're about to get your degree = becoming an officer would be pretty easy for you.

Air Force Pilots when they retire can always fly commercial/private.

Call up your local recruiter and ask him/her some questions.

You won't always get shot at- to be honest, very few flying jobs are "tip of the spear"-type flying like jets, forward deployed helicopters, etc. (I'm in the Navy, so most of my thoughts are geared towards that service.) With that said, if you're not a fan of being shot at, it may not be the right profession for you. There's a few of us on the boards here. I've been commissioned for 3 years, got my wings last October. gkurey is just getting started in the initial 6 week Preflight school. FreedS4 is an air force C-130 pilot, and hoveringuy is a retired Helicopter squadron commander. (CO, in navy-speak.) Whatever you do, ask one of us before you talk to a recruiter, or use us to fact-check whatever a recruiter says.

[Kershaw]

i dont know how it is in canada, but in the US OF A you can go through OCS (officer candidate school) and you are not locked in a contract. the recruiter told me it was like an internship with the Marines (lies, lol) but it does get you a feel. it's the equivalent of basic training.

i graduated from OCS, USMC, in summer of 09. i did not accept my commission. however, it was truly a life changing experience and i'd recommend it to anyone. at the very basic level, if you get nothing else out of it (and you should) you're being paid pretty well to work out for an entire summer. fuck yeah.

[mamzak]

OP

I am currently completing my BBA, as well as apprenticing as a Heavy Duty Mechanic. Having my journeyman ticket is an easy way to guarantee myself $110K-$250K a year depending on if I suck it up and work in Fort Mac or stay in Edmonton, and with a BBA I will likely get moved into a foreman/supervisor/managerial position where you make a journeymans salary as a quarterly bonus. Heavy Duty is the way to go in my opinion... Not only is the work really, really cool and exciting to do, but the money is fantastic. You should think about it! PM me if you have any questions.

Edit: You will have to move to Alberta to make the good dollaz, but it's worth it. Fuck living in Newfoundland. Come on down to the praries! Yeeehaaawww.

[Butler]

Do what you love, the money will follow.



I'm in a similar boat as you. Think of ways to make your self more marketable and start networking with professionals in your area. Check for local internships and job openings even if your not really interested. I'd suggest making contact with those people because they know people and most should be very willing to help out a soon to be graduate.

Its all about who you know. If someone can give you a solid recommendation youre in the door. :D