-
Late to the Game – Maximizing Chances
I was hoping to get some feedback on the things around the fringes that I could use to maximize the chances of being competitive to a hiring board. I’m currently 30, turning 31 in November, and due to some immaturity in my 20’s, I still have about a year and half before I graduate college, and the best GPA I could graduate with would be a 3.2.
So, to try to offset the drawbacks of my age and my GPA, besides maximizing my PCSM score, what else can I do? Do things like aerobatic flying carry any weight? Joining the precision flying team? Having volunteer time? Or do only leadership positions carry weight?
Can I rush a unit before I have all of the qualifications in order to build rapport and show progress? Additionally, I see some postings specifically mentioning an age cutoff? Should I send packets to those squadrons if I’m older than the cutoff, or is it considered disrespectful?
Since I have such a small window of time, I just want to be sure that I’m putting all of my energy into the correct places and doing everything possible to make this dream a reality.
I’ve learned so much from Bogidope.com and this community, so I thoroughly appreciate any insight! Thank you.
-
5 Replies
-
3.2 isn’t too shabby I think. The most immediate way to offset that in particular is your PCSM and AFOQT score. Along with that getting your PPL and any additional ratings can also help, shows you’re a good and active learner. As the guys always say it is a full person thing. Stuff like volunteer work, physical fitness showing, doing good at work, leadership, all sorts of things like that which you can put onto your resume.
-
Eric,
You wouldn’t be the first Guard/ Reserve Flyer to take the scenic route through college. My best advice is to rush, rush, and then rush some more. You can absolutely do this before you’re qualified. Trying to offset your weaknesses by padding your resume on paper pales in comparison to getting face time with the pilots, telling them your story, and building a relationship. Your best bet is to find a unit or two you can build a rapport with and convince them you’re worth a shot when the time comes.
Lastly, turn in any and all Apps. The worst they can do is tell you no.
Hope this helps!
-CHAOS
-
Thanks for the replies, gentlemen! I’m glad to see that someone with your experience has seen people take the scenic route, because I thought for sure that would be my downfall. The advice is much appreciated and I will get to work on implementing it.
I also see that you flew in New Orleans! Some of my earliest memories of being enamored with aviation are going fishing at Shell Beach with my dad and seeing the F-15’s come roar over us.
-
No worries! Well hopefully that’ll be you flying over the beach soon enough.
-
-
-
I’m in a similar boat as the OP here. I’m 30 as well, I turn 31 in March next year. I currently only have a 2.87 GPA in a degree in animation. My pilots score however is 90, CSO is 76, and PCSM with maxed out flight hours is 87.
I’ve already taken the AFOQT thrice, passed on my third attempt but still haven’t given up my pursuit.
Log in to reply.