5ME posted an update
RUSH or NO RUSH
It seems that many squadrons say that they don’t do rush these days unless they’re the invite-only events associated with interviews. That said, I have seen some BogiDopers say to just show up at UTAs even if the squadron doesn’t specifically have a rush event. I can certainly see that going poorly. What’s the consensus out there? If the squadron says they don’t do rush, is there any way to get your foot in the door? If you just show up at a UTA, how would you even carry out the plan of action to make it worthwhile?
8 Comments
Unrelated, but an alternative way is to is go to an air show. I was able to talk to some of the pilots from 144th Fighter Wing out of Fresno.
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@Randy_N Smart!
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Yes airshows are a great way to meet people! I was able to turn that into a rush invite once. Beyond watching airplanes rage, I use them as a bit of a networking event. Talk to just about anyone and everyone, commissioned or enlisted, pilot or not, and you never know where that can take you. You’ll usually end up with a lot of good advice, stories, and people willing to talk more and help.
I have yet to do it, but if you find yourself traveling for work or for fun, others I know have reached out to unit POCs saying they’re in the area would like to stop by and visit. Then they’re the only one there and aren’t competing for face time with pilots on a crowed rush weekend.
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Go to airshows for sure. Also check the unit’s social media for events open to the public. Even if they aren’t centered around pilot training applicants it’s a way to make your name and face known.
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Airshows are great; but maybe low probability of linking up with the right people? Here is my opinion (disclaimer): pilots are people too and can network like most professionals in other fields. This is why that benefits you: pilots like to grab a cocktail and meet fresh, interesting, and highly motivated people who are gunning to keep the squadron meat grinder fed. All said, there is a proper way to do it.
1.) Find a contact (hiring or not) or a way to communicate digitally with the squadron.
2.) Reach out with basic info, and make it known that you have done your research on their hiring timeline.
3.) After finding a solid contact, inquire about stopping by when you’re next in town.
4.) Set up at least a semblance of a visit plan with really any pilot.
5.) Go get a bottle for the bar.
Generally, not advisable to just “show up” at a UTA out of the blue. The key here is a little bit of groundwork (networking). Feel out the temperature of the water for stopping by.2-
@Smack-Meier I like this and I appreciate the UTA comment – felt like that as well, but wanted to be sure. One of the interesting parts of pilot networking vs other professional careers is the general lack of LinkedIn presence. I’ve had lots of success in my finance career by networking via LinkedIn, Team/bio pages on company websites, etc. but the fighter community often requires a little bit of a different path because pilots aren’t “broadcasting” their roles in the same way. Do you feel the most effective path for these digital connections is just via the normal POC emails/squadron recruiting emails?
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@5ME Hate to say it, but yes. Without another connection, their hiring POC will be the best.
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If you just “show up” at UTA unannounced requires that the Unit find someone to “babysit” you. Not always a “bad thing”, but some Units may not like this as they have limited time to train on the weekends. Also, some UTA’s can be busier than others such as internal exercises, medical appointments, Changes of Command, etc.
Bottom Line – Showing up for UTA “depends” on the situation. I would not take it as a “bad thing” if they don’t like people to “rush” during UTA. I would look at this as an opportunity to make connections other ways, such as airshows, events the Unit may attend in the community and just “old fashioned” networking with your buds.
