10 answers
Emily
Student
League City, Texas
2
Questions
Updated
4094 views
how do i decide a career?
im thinking about becoming a pilot. i took a discovery flight and i felt like i didn’t do a lot (which ive heard is normal for one) more of like a looking and getting to know what its like, but i wanted to do more. I also think if the college im attending had an aviation program i would want to be in it but it doesn’t. Is that a sign i want to do this as my career or am i just reading into it wrong? I think it’s between pilot and interior design/architecture
9 answers
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I love that you have taken actual steps to explore a field that you are interested in. I would say continue that journey by talking to others in the profession and asking what they like and what they dislike. I also think asking them for one thing, they wish they knew before going into the profession.
If you’re passionate and excited about it, I would recommend continue to explore while also doing general education. Worst case scenario you can always pivot. It may not seem like it, but you have plenty of time.
If you’re passionate and excited about it, I would recommend continue to explore while also doing general education. Worst case scenario you can always pivot. It may not seem like it, but you have plenty of time.
thank you for your advice!
Emily
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
128
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Emily -
It's normal to feel unsure about your career path. Not everyone has an "aha!" moment instantly, and many grow to love their careers. Your desire for more during the discovery flight is a positive sign.
Experience is key. Actively explore both piloting and interior design/architecture. For piloting, connect with local pilots, visit airports, and research online. For design, seek internships, shadowing, or hands-on projects.
Reflect on what truly energizes you. Your interest in an aviation program is a valid indicator. Consider if this passion is strong enough to pursue without a direct college program. Also, think about what qualities appeal to you in each field – precision and control for piloting, or creativity and spatial problem-solving for design.
Finally, don't fear changing paths. The journey often isn't linear, and discovering your passion can happen at any stage. You're on the right track by exploring and reflecting.
Hope this helps!
It's normal to feel unsure about your career path. Not everyone has an "aha!" moment instantly, and many grow to love their careers. Your desire for more during the discovery flight is a positive sign.
Experience is key. Actively explore both piloting and interior design/architecture. For piloting, connect with local pilots, visit airports, and research online. For design, seek internships, shadowing, or hands-on projects.
Reflect on what truly energizes you. Your interest in an aviation program is a valid indicator. Consider if this passion is strong enough to pursue without a direct college program. Also, think about what qualities appeal to you in each field – precision and control for piloting, or creativity and spatial problem-solving for design.
Finally, don't fear changing paths. The journey often isn't linear, and discovering your passion can happen at any stage. You're on the right track by exploring and reflecting.
Hope this helps!
Thank you!
Emily
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs, FAA Part 121
102
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Emily - I would suggest you do following to see if you are really interested in being a pilot.
A. Sign up for about 5 lessons. This should give you a pretty good idea what flying is like. This will cost about $150 per hour of flight.
To get to the level of a Airline pilot is very expensive - around $80,000 to $100,000.
If you just want to get a Private Pilots License, this will cost you about $7000.
You will also be required to pass a 1st Class Medical every 6 months. So you should have a skill you can "fallback" on if you are unable to pass your medical. I would get a 1st class medical exam.
B. Check with the local flight schools and ask an Instructor if you can fly as an observer when they are giving a lesson.
C. If you are really into aviation, there are many jobs that don't require a medical exam.
D. Once you have a 4 year degree - then you can join the military as an Officer and if you qualify you can attend flight school and have the military pay for it.
Enjoy your journey, which ever path you take.
Wayne
A. Sign up for about 5 lessons. This should give you a pretty good idea what flying is like. This will cost about $150 per hour of flight.
To get to the level of a Airline pilot is very expensive - around $80,000 to $100,000.
If you just want to get a Private Pilots License, this will cost you about $7000.
You will also be required to pass a 1st Class Medical every 6 months. So you should have a skill you can "fallback" on if you are unable to pass your medical. I would get a 1st class medical exam.
B. Check with the local flight schools and ask an Instructor if you can fly as an observer when they are giving a lesson.
C. If you are really into aviation, there are many jobs that don't require a medical exam.
D. Once you have a 4 year degree - then you can join the military as an Officer and if you qualify you can attend flight school and have the military pay for it.
Enjoy your journey, which ever path you take.
Wayne
Thank you for your advice Wayne! I will look into your suggestions!
Emily
Matthew Wild
First Officer at Compass Airlines
14
Answers
El Segundo, California
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
It’s great you have multiple passions! In aviation you don’t need a flying related degree to get hired. So go pursue your architecture degree and take flight lessons on the side. If, after you get your Private, you get the bug and want to be part of this fantastic profession, then choose a cadet or structured (Part 141) program as the others have suggested.
But don’t give up the degree in another area. It can serve as a back up in case something happens.
But don’t give up the degree in another area. It can serve as a back up in case something happens.
Thank you for the advice, Matthew.
Emily
Albina Temisheva
Career Strategist dtmymonday.com
7
Answers
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Updated
Albina’s Answer
Emily, first off, congratulations on having two concrete directions! Most students come to me completely lost, but you already have clear options - that's a huge advantage.
You know, over my 20+ year career, I've changed professions three times myself, and that's absolutely normal today. The modern professional world doesn't require us to choose "for life" - the average American changes careers 5-7 times. So the pressure to "choose correctly from the start" is a myth.
Your reaction to the discovery flight is very telling. Wanting to "do more" is a classic sign of genuine interest. But let's test this systematically.
Create career hypotheses:
1: Commercial (or not commercial) Pilot
- Market check: Aviation is recovering post-pandemic, Boeing forecasts a shortage of 600,000 pilots by 2040 ( https://www.captechu.edu/blog/pilot-and-aviation-career-demand-outlook-2025 )
- Key qualities needed: strong spatial awareness, ability to make quick decisions under pressure, excellent communication skills, comfort with technology, discipline with procedures, and emotional stability in high-stress situations
- Next step: Book 2-3 more flights with different instructors, ask for more control time
- Find a local flying club, talk to pilots about the real day-to-day of the profession
Hypothesis 2: Interior Design/Architecture
- Market check: Architecture grows slower (4% through 2032), but interior design is faster (9%)
- Key qualities needed: strong visual-spatial skills, creativity combined with technical knowledge, excellent client communication, project management abilities, attention to detail, and patience with revision cycles
- Next step: Create your first design project - redesign your room or a friend's room
- Find a local design firm, ask for a shadow day
Golden rule - don't mix your tests! Dedicate one month to one direction, then one month to the other. Keep a feelings journal.
Self-analysis questions:
- What energizes you more - technical precision or creative expression?
- Do you see yourself in collaborative work (architecture) or individual responsibility (pilot)?
Listen to your heart, but check with your head. Both fields have a future, but require different investments of time and money. You have time to experiment - use it
You know, over my 20+ year career, I've changed professions three times myself, and that's absolutely normal today. The modern professional world doesn't require us to choose "for life" - the average American changes careers 5-7 times. So the pressure to "choose correctly from the start" is a myth.
Your reaction to the discovery flight is very telling. Wanting to "do more" is a classic sign of genuine interest. But let's test this systematically.
Create career hypotheses:
1: Commercial (or not commercial) Pilot
- Market check: Aviation is recovering post-pandemic, Boeing forecasts a shortage of 600,000 pilots by 2040 ( https://www.captechu.edu/blog/pilot-and-aviation-career-demand-outlook-2025 )
- Key qualities needed: strong spatial awareness, ability to make quick decisions under pressure, excellent communication skills, comfort with technology, discipline with procedures, and emotional stability in high-stress situations
- Next step: Book 2-3 more flights with different instructors, ask for more control time
- Find a local flying club, talk to pilots about the real day-to-day of the profession
Hypothesis 2: Interior Design/Architecture
- Market check: Architecture grows slower (4% through 2032), but interior design is faster (9%)
- Key qualities needed: strong visual-spatial skills, creativity combined with technical knowledge, excellent client communication, project management abilities, attention to detail, and patience with revision cycles
- Next step: Create your first design project - redesign your room or a friend's room
- Find a local design firm, ask for a shadow day
Golden rule - don't mix your tests! Dedicate one month to one direction, then one month to the other. Keep a feelings journal.
Self-analysis questions:
- What energizes you more - technical precision or creative expression?
- Do you see yourself in collaborative work (architecture) or individual responsibility (pilot)?
Listen to your heart, but check with your head. Both fields have a future, but require different investments of time and money. You have time to experiment - use it
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Emily,
First - it sounds like you're already have a college picked out, but you didn't say which so it's difficult to correlate.
Second - You never said "Why" you want to pilot aircraft. This is important in that professional Pilots are operators of very complex craft to serve as a "bus" to move people or as glorified taxis for folks with too much money and too little to do. There is also cargo and Agricultural flying, again operating complex aircraft in either the MOST boring (think Air Truck in the middle of the night) or the most harrowing (the agcraft!) environments you can image. Helicopter is out there too, but you have to be an exceptional "stick" due to the very high demands of the completely unstable conglomeration of half-a-million unrelated parts vibrating in formation (I was in helos in Navy!).
Like anything else, if you have the basic talents (balance, situational awareness, a sense of "place/direction", and solid work ethic), you can certainly achieve that goal. You can even do it privately if your primary career supplies enough income and it is your passion. The question is: Is that life what you really want, or is it the apparent freedom that piloting portends?
And that is the rub - You have identified THREE career paths - Two as creative (Interior Designer and Architect) and one as a basic operator of Aircraft.
SO - My recommendation is to pursue your Educational Career choice for the moment. While a Freshman, look around the area for aviation clubs and Civil Air Patrol. CAP will allow you to get less expensive experience and flight time to see if it is your passion. Aviation clubs will generally provide a means to gain instruction at lower cost. In both cases you will learn about the basics of flight and pilot training, as well as any physical qualifications you need before committing to the cost and effort of getting a commercial ticket.
THEN - if you really feel that it is your passion, you can transfer to a school that provides an education directed toward aircraft operations. If you think it is secondary passion, then complete your degree and pursue aviation as a private operator.
Point is - know the demands, qualifications, and ambitions before committing to any program; you have plenty of time.
Good Luck,
Tony
First - it sounds like you're already have a college picked out, but you didn't say which so it's difficult to correlate.
Second - You never said "Why" you want to pilot aircraft. This is important in that professional Pilots are operators of very complex craft to serve as a "bus" to move people or as glorified taxis for folks with too much money and too little to do. There is also cargo and Agricultural flying, again operating complex aircraft in either the MOST boring (think Air Truck in the middle of the night) or the most harrowing (the agcraft!) environments you can image. Helicopter is out there too, but you have to be an exceptional "stick" due to the very high demands of the completely unstable conglomeration of half-a-million unrelated parts vibrating in formation (I was in helos in Navy!).
Like anything else, if you have the basic talents (balance, situational awareness, a sense of "place/direction", and solid work ethic), you can certainly achieve that goal. You can even do it privately if your primary career supplies enough income and it is your passion. The question is: Is that life what you really want, or is it the apparent freedom that piloting portends?
And that is the rub - You have identified THREE career paths - Two as creative (Interior Designer and Architect) and one as a basic operator of Aircraft.
SO - My recommendation is to pursue your Educational Career choice for the moment. While a Freshman, look around the area for aviation clubs and Civil Air Patrol. CAP will allow you to get less expensive experience and flight time to see if it is your passion. Aviation clubs will generally provide a means to gain instruction at lower cost. In both cases you will learn about the basics of flight and pilot training, as well as any physical qualifications you need before committing to the cost and effort of getting a commercial ticket.
THEN - if you really feel that it is your passion, you can transfer to a school that provides an education directed toward aircraft operations. If you think it is secondary passion, then complete your degree and pursue aviation as a private operator.
Point is - know the demands, qualifications, and ambitions before committing to any program; you have plenty of time.
Good Luck,
Tony
Hi Tony! Thank you for the advice! I’m attending Texas A&M i should have made that more clear.
However I am interested in aviation because my parents are pilots and i know they enjoy the life of flying and i love the idea of traveling and getting to see everything for the sky. I like the idea of the benefits that the job brings which includes time off, free travel, etc. In job related terms i feel like i work be good at the analytical side of things which would be make sure everything is done correctly and in the right order.
Emily
Well that makes it simpler!
Let them guide you if that's your passion. There are tons of flight schools in Texas, and aviation focuses on performance and experience. Work on getting up to IFR as part time while attending classes. If there isn't a "family " aircraft, maybe it's time...
If you dream of it, go for it!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
okay i will communicate with them, thank you!
Emily
Poornima Sethumadhava
Program Management Advisor
4
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Poornima’s Answer
It’s completely normal to feel unsure when you're choosing between two very different paths—especially when both spark your interest in different ways. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Reflect on What Excites You
That feeling of wanting to do more during your discovery flight is actually a good sign—it shows curiosity and a desire to engage. Many pilots say that’s how it starts.
On the other hand, if you find yourself constantly sketching spaces, rearranging rooms in your head, or being drawn to design shows or architecture, that’s also a strong signal.
2. Don’t Let One Limitation Define Your Path
The fact that your college doesn’t have an aviation program doesn’t mean you can’t become a pilot. Many pilots train outside of college through flight schools or part-time programs.
Similarly, if you’re leaning toward design or architecture, look into internships, online courses, or transferring to a program that aligns better with your goals.
3. Try Both—Even Just a Little
Take a short online course in interior design or architecture (platforms like Coursera or Skillshare are great).
Look into local flight schools or aviation clubs to see if you can get more hands-on experience.
The more you do, the clearer your preferences will become.
4. Ask Yourself These Questions
Do I enjoy working with my hands, solving spatial problems, and creating beautiful environments?
Or do I feel most alive when I’m in the air, learning about navigation, and thinking about the mechanics of flight?
What kind of lifestyle do I want—travel-heavy or more grounded and creative?
5. It’s Okay to Change Paths
Many people start in one field and shift later. What matters most is that you’re exploring now. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just keep following your curiosity and taking small steps forward.
1. Reflect on What Excites You
That feeling of wanting to do more during your discovery flight is actually a good sign—it shows curiosity and a desire to engage. Many pilots say that’s how it starts.
On the other hand, if you find yourself constantly sketching spaces, rearranging rooms in your head, or being drawn to design shows or architecture, that’s also a strong signal.
2. Don’t Let One Limitation Define Your Path
The fact that your college doesn’t have an aviation program doesn’t mean you can’t become a pilot. Many pilots train outside of college through flight schools or part-time programs.
Similarly, if you’re leaning toward design or architecture, look into internships, online courses, or transferring to a program that aligns better with your goals.
3. Try Both—Even Just a Little
Take a short online course in interior design or architecture (platforms like Coursera or Skillshare are great).
Look into local flight schools or aviation clubs to see if you can get more hands-on experience.
The more you do, the clearer your preferences will become.
4. Ask Yourself These Questions
Do I enjoy working with my hands, solving spatial problems, and creating beautiful environments?
Or do I feel most alive when I’m in the air, learning about navigation, and thinking about the mechanics of flight?
What kind of lifestyle do I want—travel-heavy or more grounded and creative?
5. It’s Okay to Change Paths
Many people start in one field and shift later. What matters most is that you’re exploring now. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just keep following your curiosity and taking small steps forward.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Emily
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2430
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you would like to become a pilot and have a wide range of interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Attend the cadet pilot information hosts by airlines. You can also find out more information online. On the other hand, you can also attend the information sessions hosts by architecture department of colleges
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school teacher, your parents, etc
4. Decide on the career path you would like to proceed
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant courses / programs
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Attend the cadet pilot information hosts by airlines. You can also find out more information online. On the other hand, you can also attend the information sessions hosts by architecture department of colleges
2. Speak to someone who are working in these careers
3. Seek guidance from your mentor, school teacher, your parents, etc
4. Decide on the career path you would like to proceed
5. Explore the entry criteria of the relevant courses / programs
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Rebecca, thank you!
Emily
Praveen Prabhakar
Program Manager
58
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Choosing a career path is a big decision and often not straightforward. It requires knowing yourself, exploring options, and always learning. Here’s a simple guide to help you make this choice with clear steps:
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