r/erau • u/Floridaman077 • 1d ago

Question

Hello all! My name’s Adam. I’m 43 and have been unhappy in my current profession. Have always had a hobby love of drones so I decided to explore that path. I was accepted to embry and getting ready to sign up for the uncrewed systems associates degree. My question is has anyone else that is currently in the program or graduated from the program, have any advise for me? Is there anything you would have done differently or I guess when you graduated how long before you had a job and are you happy with the path you took? What job do you currently have and is this an overall good idea with the limited knowledge you have of my situation?

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u/ReadyplayerParzival1 1d ago

You really don’t need a degree to do uas stuff. If you look into what it takes to get a part 107 certification it’s 1 test and some paperwork. The hardest part is having industry connections and riddle may or may not do that but spending 40 grand for the chance at industry connections just isn’t worth it. Go get your part 107, it’s probably 300ish$ all in and find out if you like it. Then reevaluate.

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u/Floridaman077 1d ago

Fair enough. Are there jobs that exist if I just get the part 107 or would I need to carve out my own business? Do people hire people with just a part 107 I guess is my question?

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u/WheatleyInCtrl_ 1d ago

There are jobs that exist everywhere!! Southern company’s aerial division is solely ERAU grads, and I’ve interned with them before. In fact, most jobs I’ve gotten are because of my Part 107!

You definitely don’t need the degree in UAS to do well, you can get the license on your own and be peachy. I’m only pursuing it as a minor and I’ve learned far more from my internships than classes personally

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u/0991Arizona1990 1d ago

I got both my undergrad and masters at ERAU recently. I went to the Worldwide campus, if I was using my own money/student loans I would be upset with the education I received (I used the GI Bill).

TBH an associates degree doesn't hold much weight anywhere in the aviation/aerospace field. I'm not trying to shatter your dreams, but I don't want you to spend a ton of money and it be a waste.

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u/Floridaman077 1d ago

Nah speak freely. It’s not a 100%. Just trying to figure out the next step. Needs to be a solid step. Leaving a career that’s the opposite. How deep would I need to go to make it worth it?

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u/yellowgypsy 1d ago

Agree here.

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u/ustedescookie 1d ago

Go to Ukraine, you'll get plenty of hours