Plan A: Pilot/First Officer at United Airlines
b. Job Description Safely deliver passengers to their destination comfortably and on-time. Effectively display teamwork and professionalism. Ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the aircraft. Operate in accordance with FAA regulations and company policies.
c. Required Education and Experience High school diploma, Bachelor's degree from an accredited university is preferred. Unrestricted FAA ATP, first-class medical certificate, current passport, and FCC restricted radiotelephone permit. 1,000 hours of fixed-wing turbine time.
d. Starting Salary First year pay is $86 an hour. Per diem: $2.35 domestic, $2.80 international.
e. Potential for Pay Increases 3% in January 2018 and 4% in January 2019. 5 cent raise to per diem every year.
f. Domiciles IAH LAX ORD DEN SFO EWR IAD GUM CLE
g. Schedule and Time Off Schedule varies month-by-month, based on seniority. Average is 11 to 14 days off per month.
h. Benefits and Perks 401k, international override pay, healthcare, standby travel for eligible family members, profit sharing.
i. Quality of Life At every airline, expect poor QOL in the beginning. Weekends, holidays and reserve are the norm. With seniority and monthly line, expect an increase in QOL.
j. Upward Mobility/Progession With time, pilots can bid for captain and/or different aircraft. Other positions include: line check airman, instructor, management, or chief pilot.
k. Retirement Required at age 65. Company contributes 16% to 401k.
Career Path
Most pilots at United Airlines come from the military, regional airlines or the corporate world. I chose the regional path simply because I was too old for the military, and I wanted more time at home with my family (corporate pilots can sometimes spend weeks away from home). The biggest piece of advice that I can give you when choosing an airline is live in base. I've been commuting for over 3 years now. You'll spend less time at home and more time at the airport/crashpad. Plus, there's the added stress of jumpseating. With virtually all of the regional airlines hiring, choose one based on domicile location.
Entry Level Position
b. Job Description Perform SIC duties, PIC duties should the captain become incapacitated/unavailable. Comply with Federal Aviation Regulations and company policies. Assist the captain in providing a safe and compliant flight every time.
c. Required Education and Experience High school diploma, Associate's degree is preferred. FAA commercial certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings. ATP or Restricted ATP eligible. Current FAA first-class medical certificate. Current passport and FCC radio operator's permit. Legal right to work in, and travel freely in and out of the United States.
d. Starting Salary First year pay is $36.35 an hour. Per diem is $1.90 an hour. $30,000 signing and retention bonus.
e. Potential for Pay Increases Annual cost of living adjustment at 1.5%.
f. Domiciles RDU IAD STL ORD DEN
g. Schedule and Time Off Schedule varies month-by-month, based on seniority. As a reserve pilot, expect 11 days off per month. Line holders can earn as many as 15 days off per month.
h. Benefits and Perks 4 commuter hotels per month, performance bonuses, paid airport parking, monthly uniform allowance, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, referral bonuses, flight benefits, and 401k.
i. Quality of Life Expect poor QOL in the beginning, especially on reserve. As a line holder, QOL increases significantly.
j. Upward Mobility/Progression Upgrade times are currently at 2 years, and fluctuate over time. Other opportunities include: line check airman, instructor, and chief pilot.
k. Retirement Required at age 65. 401k ($0.50 for $1.00 up to 6% contribution).
Plan B: SAP BW Developer
b. Job Description Responsible for the design, development and delivery of SAP BW models and reports. Analyze and support SAP Business Warehouse/Intelligence Reporting solutions for multiple business units. Work with business owners, such as financial and purchasing, to define reporting requirements. Create workbooks using SAP BEx Analyzer. Design and develop data extracts from SAP and non-SAP systems. Design, develop and test Data Store Objects (DSO’s), Info Cubes, Multi-Providers and Info Packages. Knowledge transfer and technical support for the SAP BW/BI system.
c. Required Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent. 5 to 7 years of technical SAP BW experience. Experience writing technical and functional documentation. SAP programming language (ABAP) is desired. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
d. Starting Salary $84,616 a year.
e. Potential for Pay Increases The potential is there. Some developers can earn as much as $120,000 a year.
f. Domiciles Not applicable.
g. Schedule and Time Off Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, however, some work from home may be expected.
h. Benefits and Perks Health, dental and vision insurance, LTD, STD, and profit sharing.
i. Quality of Life Expect high QOL from the very beginning. Many organizations provide a company-issued laptop and phone. Only disadvantage is some work from home may be expected.
j. Upward Mobility/Progression There are many opportunities for developers. They include: senior level, consulting and management.
k. Retirement Many developers are able to retire at an early age. Retirement plans and profit sharing are abundant.
Career Path
The opportunities for jobs in computer science and technology will continue to grow. There are many different fields in IT (Information Technology), I simply chose SAP BW Developer based on my prior experience. Many aspects of the job I loved, especially the design and development of data models and reports. Parts of the job I did not care for included: documentation, meetings, and working from home. A great way to enter the field of IT is first level support, or help desk. That's what I did.
Entry-Level Position
b. Job Description Provide technical assistance and support related to computer systems, hardware, or software.
c. Required Education and Experience High school diploma. Extensive knowledge of computers and printers. Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills. Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
d. Starting Salary The national average is $42,052 a year.
e. Potential for Pay Increases In order to see a significant pay increase, new opportunities in IT should be sought.
f. Domiciles Not applicable.
g. Schedule and Time Off Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with weekends and holidays off.
h. Benefits and Perks Healthcare insurance, LTD and STD.
i. Quality of Life Expect decent QOL, there are many opportunities to learn and grow in this position.
j. Upward Mobility/Progression The opportunity is there, work your way up the corporate ladder.
k. Retirement 401k is available at most employers.
In Closing
While I feel that my career in aviation has been very fulfilling thus far, you need to have a back-up plan just in case. The economy, wars, and loss of medical certificate can take you out of the sky real quick. I don't regret making the decision of changing my career from IT to aviation. I love my job, with the only exception of being away from my wife and kids. I recently upgraded to captain (March 2017) and I'm back on reserve, which is not very enjoyable. However, I know that if the industry continues its current path, bigger and better opportunities will be abundant. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: jmankowski@gmail.com
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