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What steps did you take to get to your position today?

I have graduated high school in 2015, but have struggled to get into the trades of my choice. I want to know what you did in order to get into your trade, as well as any advice that you could give if you were to do anything differently.

Also, just to specify further, I am interested in two specific trades. Carpentry and Computer Hardware Engineering.

construction computer-engineering carpentry computers computer-hardware hardwareengineer hardware-engineer
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Charlie’s Answer

The path to my current position involved many turns and twists. Along this journey I sharpened my skills at every turn and learned from many sources. I always knew I wanted to be in the Information Technology (IT) industry but didn't immediately get an opportunity in my field. I joined the Air Force immediately following H.S. However, IT positions were not offered to me at first. I had to accept a position in logistics. This was a minor disappointment and I quickly set a course to learn everything I could about logistics and seized an opportunity to work with computers early in my career....30 yrs later I am still in the IT field and I love what I do. My recommendations to you are listed in next steps

Charlie recommends the following next steps:

1. Fine-tune or prioritize your desired fields. The paths to carpentry and hardware engineering are very different....focus your energy on the one you desire most (have a laser focus on success and channel your efforts).
2. Take inventory of opportunities that are available for you to gain work experience in your desired fields or related fields (don't rule out volunteering without pay...non-profits offer many opportunities but can't always pay).
3. Seek opportunities for higher education in these fields (increases your skills and allows you to network with teachers and others in the fields of your choice.)
4. Be the best you can at whatever job you are in...communication skills, interpersonal relationship skills and attitude translate across many fields. Your desire to do well in your current position may open doors for you to other opportunities.
Thank you comment icon I really appreciate the feedback Charlie! This will help a bunch! Glad to hear that you are doing what you love! Christopher
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Demi’s Answer

After graduating from undergrad I had a difficult time finding an entry-level position that utilized my degree. I went to a technical college/trade school and got a specialized certificate. These certificates make you eligible for more niche positions, with less competitive hiring pools. This increases your chances of getting a job you applied for and getting your foot in the door on a specific career path. I highly recommend trade schools for anyone struggling to find a career that suits them. Programs are usually short, hands on, affordable, have relatively career outlooks and often match you with positions immediately after graduation.

For me personally:
1. Completed a histology program at a technical college
2. Worked as a histology technician
3. Became a lab supervisor
4. Got my Master’s
5. Became a Pathologists’ Assistant

Technical school was the first step for my career path in the laboratory sciences and I have loved every step of the way!

Demi recommends the following next steps:

Find a technical college in your area. Often their website will lay out a step-by-step guide on what is needed to enroll in a program with information on each programs end salary, career ladder, and career outlook.
Apply
Meet with a career advisor
Decide on a program
Enroll
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much Demi!!! This will really help me out! Also congratulations on becoming a Pathologists’ Assistant! Christopher
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Rafael’s Answer

After graduating from Graphic Design (studied art because I didn't wanted to mess with math) it was very hard for me to find a job in a related area. I've been working since I was 11yrs doing many things: gardening, agriculture, car detailing, hardware store assistant, sales rep among others. But all of these jobs had one thing in common: people relations. This helped me in setting one goal which was to work at a great company that allow to develop myself and others. Have to say I failed in three attempts but never give up and landed were I am today as an Sr. Application Engineer. Your passion will get you there. One of my favorite uncles has a masters degree in Anthropology, but you know what? He is one of the best wood workers this little island has given. As he did, I'd never stopped chasing my dream, please do so.

Write down your ultimate goal, then write down the steps you will need to get there. Be relentless.
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Brian’s Answer

I think a lot of us had a different path to our careers than we at one time imagined, don't be discouraged.
I went to college for something entirely different from what I do now as a telecom/IT Project Manager to be honest. I came out of college during the recession and jobs were few and far between it seemed. I took what I could get at the time, got all the experience I could and never stopped looking.
Eventually I landed a contract position for a major telecom and that for me, is where things changed. Don’t turn down a good opportunity because its contract or not quite the perfect fit either! I clicked with the job, work, company, and put everything I could into thriving in said position. Since I joined as a contractor, I was hired permanent and have been promoted 4 times in 5 years. The best advice I can give is don't get discouraged and don't stop looking.
You may have to push through some positions and jobs you are not fond of to get you by on the day to day and get experience. However, if you continue to look and do what you're supposed to right position will present itself. Try not to be discouraged if you look around and your path seems much more difficult than many of the people around you. I certainly went through similar but continued forward and it all worked out.

Good luck!
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Liran’s Answer

Hi Christopher,

I started learning computers in high school and it was very interesting, although I didn't like to code/programing.
After high school I had to choose what I want to learn, and eventually decided to do courses instead of degree. I studied for 2 years, few courses such as (Linux, MCSE, Networking) and started working as technician while studying (mostly fix computers hardware and install operating systems).
Once I finished the courses and after some time of looking for a new position, I found my first "real" position in high tech/IT company.
At the beginning I did mostly the "easy" tasks, but I was constantly learning from my experienced co-workers, until eventually I started doing all the tasks including the interesting and important tasks.

At the beginning it was not easy but I can tell you it was worth it :)

Hope that's help and good luck!

Thanks.
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