Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/22/2008

Question
I am currently a junior in college majoring in aviation. I am working on my commercial planing to complete my CFI and hoping to get a job with a regional airline after I build some more time and graduate. I have recently been thinking about getting an MBA in aviation management particularly from Embry Riddle University. My question is the following: Would this make me more competitive when I am trying to get my first job as a first officer on a regional jet? Also, would having an MBA as such help me to advance to positions like chief pilot if I were flying for a major airline? I am interesting in staring my career as a pilot but would hope to advance to a management position like chief pilot someday. I realize that an MBA would probably not get me seniority faster, but was wondering if having an MBA would help me at all to advance within my career. Thank you very much with your help.

Answer
Jonathan:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.  In general, more education is usually a benefit to anyone in any field.  However, as far as helping you gain a first officer position, I would say that it probably will not be as much help as more PIC multi engine time or more total flight time.  In other words, to land that first flight job with a regional airline, the airline is interested in FLIGHT credentials, not an MBA.  As far as advancing later in your career, an MBA should be more helpful.  If you are interested in becoming a chief pilot, an MBA will help you understand the fiscal aspects of the position.  Also, pay attention in any of the personnel or human resources classes since that is an area within which a chief pilot spends a lot of time.

My advice is to concentrate on flying until you get that first regional job and then go for the MBA....

I hope that this helps.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale