9 answers
Heidy
Student
Gainesville, Florida
6
Questions
Updated
3768 views
As a senior in college, how can I decide which path to take after graduating?
Currently I am a senior in college persuing a B.A. in International Relations but want to change careers and focus on the aviation industry (more specifically, flight attendant or commercial pilot) or in tourism (going to graduate school and get a master's in tourism management). However, I like both industries and I do not know how to decide.
9 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Becoming a commercial pilot takes a lot of time and money for training. It's a job with a lot of responsibility, but it pays well and is very secure. A flight attendant is a faster way to join the airline industry. If you want to work in tourism, you can go to graduate school for tourism management. This costs a lot of money and time, like pilot training, but it leads to a different kind of job. You would work in an office and manage things like hotels or events. This path is more about business and planning.
To decide, think about your ideal lifestyle. Do you want to fly planes, help people on flights, or plan tours and events from an office? Your choice depends on what kind of work you want and how much time and money you are willing to spend on training.
To decide, think about your ideal lifestyle. Do you want to fly planes, help people on flights, or plan tours and events from an office? Your choice depends on what kind of work you want and how much time and money you are willing to spend on training.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
One of the things I love about college is the fact that you can explore different disciplines at the same time. Work with the counselor to map out the general ed that would be required for both degrees. You can use the first two years to check off the general requirements while folding in an elective or two from each course area. Make your final decision going into year three. I highly recommend that you interview people from both areas of study and see what they like about their job and what they wish they had known before going into that field of study.
Aulani McGee
21
Answers
Updated
Aulani’s Answer
Hello Heidy,
Thank you for sharing your question, I am happy to help you. Do not worry in this time of uncertainty that you are facing. Instead, embrace this turning point in your life and use this time to reflect. I encourage that while you are reflecting and evaluating your options, keep a pen and paper prepared. Keeping note of all things you are thinking will help you visualize your inner thoughts and ideas more clearly. Also, to help you in this process I have prepared a few questions that I found might be of great help to you. Ask yourself these questions and pay attention to how you feel and respond to each one.
What are my strengths and other areas that may require a little more growth?
First, identify your every strength developed (academically, technically, and personally) and areas in need of improvement. Determine which field will allow for those strengths to contribute in an effective and meaningful way. By doing this, you will be able to fully understand your abilities and find a career path that profoundly resonates with you.
Would I be willing to commit to further education and training?
Next, consider your willingness and commitment to exploring each field to the fullest. While deciding between two fields, furthering your education and training will help you navigate and align to a career path. For instance, through internships. Consider seeking internships (make sure to research and find all your available options) in both fields of interest to gain firsthand experience, you may find it helpful to come closer to a firm decision. Internships are still an option even as you are approaching graduation as a senior in college and will be of great help. It is common for many students, even recent graduates, to struggle with coming to a decision of the next step in their career. It is still a process of transitioning into the early stages of a full time career, thus I understand that you may find it challenging as you’re dealing with uncertainty. Believe in yourself, this opportunity that you still have, and the journey that is ultimately yours.
How do I envision my future to be?
Finally, consider the demands of each career and how well they align with the future you envision for yourself long-term and the impact that it will have on your life. Take critical and careful consideration, focusing on planning your career goals and purpose. Take your time in this process, there’s no rush, these are just a few questions that will help guide your thinking and decision-making. Approach this time of your life with eagerness for growth and willingness to learn.
I hope you found this information helpful, wishing you all the best and success!
Thank you for sharing your question, I am happy to help you. Do not worry in this time of uncertainty that you are facing. Instead, embrace this turning point in your life and use this time to reflect. I encourage that while you are reflecting and evaluating your options, keep a pen and paper prepared. Keeping note of all things you are thinking will help you visualize your inner thoughts and ideas more clearly. Also, to help you in this process I have prepared a few questions that I found might be of great help to you. Ask yourself these questions and pay attention to how you feel and respond to each one.
What are my strengths and other areas that may require a little more growth?
First, identify your every strength developed (academically, technically, and personally) and areas in need of improvement. Determine which field will allow for those strengths to contribute in an effective and meaningful way. By doing this, you will be able to fully understand your abilities and find a career path that profoundly resonates with you.
Would I be willing to commit to further education and training?
Next, consider your willingness and commitment to exploring each field to the fullest. While deciding between two fields, furthering your education and training will help you navigate and align to a career path. For instance, through internships. Consider seeking internships (make sure to research and find all your available options) in both fields of interest to gain firsthand experience, you may find it helpful to come closer to a firm decision. Internships are still an option even as you are approaching graduation as a senior in college and will be of great help. It is common for many students, even recent graduates, to struggle with coming to a decision of the next step in their career. It is still a process of transitioning into the early stages of a full time career, thus I understand that you may find it challenging as you’re dealing with uncertainty. Believe in yourself, this opportunity that you still have, and the journey that is ultimately yours.
How do I envision my future to be?
Finally, consider the demands of each career and how well they align with the future you envision for yourself long-term and the impact that it will have on your life. Take critical and careful consideration, focusing on planning your career goals and purpose. Take your time in this process, there’s no rush, these are just a few questions that will help guide your thinking and decision-making. Approach this time of your life with eagerness for growth and willingness to learn.
I hope you found this information helpful, wishing you all the best and success!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
49
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Heidy,
Go with tourism management that plans and directs travels for others giving you a much better chance and choice in your own travels. It is a much better fit with your current studies and gives you a much better opportunity to actually travel without the downside and career risks of flight crew duty (crew are only paid while the door is closed!).
However. If your "Passion" is being part of that continuous hustle and bustle of traversing the sky at all hours of the day/night in a closed aluminum tube with a hundred unwashed strangers every day - go for it! But only do that if you are passionate about flying and not simply seeing flight crew duty as an easy way to get a travel "fix".
And that is where this concept of "Passion" comes in; understanding the "Why" of your question. And we can't answer that here.
WHY do you want to do one career over the other. WHAT is your "Dream Job" and WHY is it your dream? Don't start with the "job", start with what you're looking to get out of the work and be very critical. Then seek jobs that fill many of the criteria you identified as making YOU happy or satisfied or fulfilled (Maslow! Always sneaks into these discussions.).
When one job always appears at the top of the list - that's the one you go for.
Take care and good luck,
Tony
Go with tourism management that plans and directs travels for others giving you a much better chance and choice in your own travels. It is a much better fit with your current studies and gives you a much better opportunity to actually travel without the downside and career risks of flight crew duty (crew are only paid while the door is closed!).
However. If your "Passion" is being part of that continuous hustle and bustle of traversing the sky at all hours of the day/night in a closed aluminum tube with a hundred unwashed strangers every day - go for it! But only do that if you are passionate about flying and not simply seeing flight crew duty as an easy way to get a travel "fix".
And that is where this concept of "Passion" comes in; understanding the "Why" of your question. And we can't answer that here.
WHY do you want to do one career over the other. WHAT is your "Dream Job" and WHY is it your dream? Don't start with the "job", start with what you're looking to get out of the work and be very critical. Then seek jobs that fill many of the criteria you identified as making YOU happy or satisfied or fulfilled (Maslow! Always sneaks into these discussions.).
When one job always appears at the top of the list - that's the one you go for.
Take care and good luck,
Tony
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
50
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
If you're torn between aviation and tourism, think about the lifestyle and long-term goals each path offers. Aviation roles like flight attendant or pilot offer high travel, fast entry into the workforce, and dynamic experiences, but come with irregular hours and demanding schedules. Tourism management, especially with a master’s, opens doors to leadership roles in hospitality and travel planning, offering more stability and broader career options—though it may require more time and schooling upfront.
Since you enjoy both industries, consider starting with a role that offers exposure (like a flight attendant) to gain real-world experience, then pivot to tourism management later if it fits better long term. You don’t have to choose forever—many careers evolve with time and experience.
Since you enjoy both industries, consider starting with a role that offers exposure (like a flight attendant) to gain real-world experience, then pivot to tourism management later if it fits better long term. You don’t have to choose forever—many careers evolve with time and experience.
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Heidy,
It is great to hear that you are considering your career options for after you graduate. It is important to follow your passion when choosing your career, as it will keep you happy knowing that you are doing what makes you happy. The fact is, you might not know if you are making the right decision until you start taking steps forward. But with every step forward you can get closer to a career thats for you. You can first try to reach out to people who are in these industries. See if you or anyone you know is in one of this work fields. Get a list of questions ready for them. This will help you get an insight on what it might be like to be in one of the positions you are considering. There also might be information on what a day in the life for one of these workers looks like. Do all the research you can, then make a pros and cons list. Consider all the things you see as a positive and negative of each job, then compare. Consider what you would want most. It you stay within an airplane, you will be able to take flights back and forth from your current home and can see different parts of the world in between. You can also consider changing locations entirely and pursuing tourism in another country or city. Regardless, no matter what decision you make, know that it is not the end of the world and you can always change your mind.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you are considering your career options for after you graduate. It is important to follow your passion when choosing your career, as it will keep you happy knowing that you are doing what makes you happy. The fact is, you might not know if you are making the right decision until you start taking steps forward. But with every step forward you can get closer to a career thats for you. You can first try to reach out to people who are in these industries. See if you or anyone you know is in one of this work fields. Get a list of questions ready for them. This will help you get an insight on what it might be like to be in one of the positions you are considering. There also might be information on what a day in the life for one of these workers looks like. Do all the research you can, then make a pros and cons list. Consider all the things you see as a positive and negative of each job, then compare. Consider what you would want most. It you stay within an airplane, you will be able to take flights back and forth from your current home and can see different parts of the world in between. You can also consider changing locations entirely and pursuing tourism in another country or city. Regardless, no matter what decision you make, know that it is not the end of the world and you can always change your mind.
Best of luck on your journey!
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
54
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Heidy,
I think it’s important to reflect on what draws you to each path. Both fields offer dynamic, travel oriented careers, but they differ significantly in lifestyle, cost of entry, and long term trajectory. Both career paths offer immediate immersion into global travel, but pilot training is costly and time intensive, while flight attendant roles, though more accessible, have more limited long term financial growth. On the other hand, pursuing a master’s in tourism management opens doors to leadership, planning, and hospitality roles with more stable hours and a strategic focus. Comparing these paths through factors like lifestyle, income potential, job stability, and personal interests can help you narrow your focus.
To move forward, consider gaining firsthand exposure through internships, informational interviews, or even a trial flight lesson to better understand what each path feels like in practice. Reach out to alumni from the school you will be attending or professionals in both fields to hear real stories about their careers, and make a short term plan, such as applying to entry level aviation roles or researching grad programs in tourism to test your interest. Remember, your first step doesn’t have to define your entire career. Choose the direction that excites you most now, and give yourself permission to pivot later as your interests and experiences evolve.
Best wishes,
Wyatt
I think it’s important to reflect on what draws you to each path. Both fields offer dynamic, travel oriented careers, but they differ significantly in lifestyle, cost of entry, and long term trajectory. Both career paths offer immediate immersion into global travel, but pilot training is costly and time intensive, while flight attendant roles, though more accessible, have more limited long term financial growth. On the other hand, pursuing a master’s in tourism management opens doors to leadership, planning, and hospitality roles with more stable hours and a strategic focus. Comparing these paths through factors like lifestyle, income potential, job stability, and personal interests can help you narrow your focus.
To move forward, consider gaining firsthand exposure through internships, informational interviews, or even a trial flight lesson to better understand what each path feels like in practice. Reach out to alumni from the school you will be attending or professionals in both fields to hear real stories about their careers, and make a short term plan, such as applying to entry level aviation roles or researching grad programs in tourism to test your interest. Remember, your first step doesn’t have to define your entire career. Choose the direction that excites you most now, and give yourself permission to pivot later as your interests and experiences evolve.
Best wishes,
Wyatt
Ranjit Chatterji
(Former) banker, non-profit Board member
4
Answers
Randolph, New Jersey
Updated
Ranjit’s Answer
Your Bachelor's degree in International Relations is a great asset for any career path you choose. It has given you a wider view of the world and improved your critical thinking skills. To become a flight attendant, you don't need more academic qualifications. Employers look for a positive attitude, strong communication skills, language abilities, flexibility with hours, and a focus on safety. If you're interested in the hospitality industry, a graduate degree in hotel or tourism management can open many doors. Becoming a commercial pilot requires a lot of time and money, so consider if you're ready for that commitment.
Dan Costigan
Application Engineer
11
Answers
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Your degree doesn't matter as much as you think it does (unless you want to be something like a medical doctor or the actual pilot of the plane). Finish school strong, (I don't think changing your major is necessary) then go after what you love. If you love it, you'll never stop doing it.
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