Have you thought about what you are going to do after school?
I have had many jobs throughout my life and here are some of them.
- Attendant at the family gas station
- US Air Force- Enlisted
- Clean up crew at multiple construction sites
- Welder
- Pizza delivery driver
- Auto parts store clerk
- Semiconductor Technician
- Semiconductor Engineer
- Life Insurance Agent
- Multi-Level Marketing
- Affiliate Marketing
Throughout my various jobs I was educated by various ways:
Watching others
I was taught about autos by the mechanic that I worked with at the gas station. This was taught by watching and helping the mechanic on site. I also used this education on my own vehicle to learn while in Air Force. I was assisted by a close friend that taught me the things he was taught growing up as well.
Military School
I learned Electronics and troubleshooting from the Air Force. Many of the classes were taught during Technical training but also during the work on the aircraft. We had to work in teams of three. The lead of the crew would share what he had learned as well. I was taught not to remember every detail but, to know where the manuals and procedures were. I was also taught to always have them out even if we knew the details of the task.
Technical school
I learned welding during the summer at a trade school. During High School I took a technical class in Welding. Since I learned quickly, I was offered a job during the summer to learn more. I learned how to weld with different types of equipment from Gas torches to TIG (tungsten inert gas). By practicing and working on projects the teacher has set up with local jobs that needed to be completed. I learned which welding rods and power setting to weld in all positions. I also learned how to weld different materials together.
OJT (On the Job Training)
I learned customer service from delivering pizza and Selling Auto Parts as well as doing work in the Semiconductor industry. By interacting with customers and dealing with various issues from wrong orders or managing routes. I had to get the pizzas delivered on time during rushes. This taught me how to be better organized and manage flow of products. When things did not go as planned, I had to observe and respect how the customer was affected by a variety of situations. I needed to learn what items would help the customer finish the task at hand. I had to give solutions to improve the customer experience while also increasing sales. I had to understand what things would help the customer complete the task they were trying to do and make suggestions to improve the customer experience and sells at the same time.
College in school classes
I learned electronics from Tech school after the Air Force and working in the semiconductor industry. From the learning I had from the Air Force as well as a technical college. I attended (E.C.P.I) where I received a Associate degree in Computer Electronic Technology. I learned how electronics worked in circuits and how to troubleshoot to find breaks in the circuit. I also learned how to find faulty components on various boards.
College on-line classes
I went to school for Business and earned a bachelor’s degree from GCU online. With the education I received from this school. It taught me how to organize and use what I had access to to improve the chances of success in business. I learned various ways to see what the customer may need and how to best support them in their endeavors while improving mine. I learned project management and supply chain management as well.
There are many ways to learn and some find college the best for them but there is always other options. Weather from college, or tech schools the lessons that are best learned by practice. And from those around you. I have found the best learning a person can get is from the experts in the field you are looking to engage in. Utilize all the opportunities you encounter to learn more and use them in various endeavors as you pursue your goals.