I'm 24 years old and I've found my calling. Well, I had it since I was born. Life is about risks. And I'm gonna take this one before I get any older. What do I do to achieve this? I know about the hours and conditions. I know I have to start from the bottom. I just want to get my foot in the door (preferably with UP or BNSF). Would specific education be a plus? Would an AA degree in railroad operations help/be worth it? Sacramento Community College offers one. Or would it be better to go with a railroad's training? I live in Los Angeles but I'm willing to relocate. Should I just apply on their websites and send resumes then cross my fingers? Is it a secure job? I heard alot of talk about layoffs and the like. I'm gonna put alot of effort into this. I just need a starting point. Can anyone steer my in the right direction? Any websites specific to my questions? I'm a newbie to this area but I've had the desire ALL of my life. I don't think I'll ever be happy unless I'm riding those rails. Thanks for any info, Manny [ 03 July 2001: Message edited by: Mr. Fritch ]
Hi Manny, welcome to Trainboard. It sounds like you've got some good information to get started in this profession already, that plus a willingness to relocate should be enough to get you going. I hired with Conrail through a classified ad in the paper which goes to show you just have to keep your eyes open and go with the hiring procedures for your preferred future employer. Their corporate websites will have recruiting info but some, such as NS, will hold local hiring sessions and talk to anyone who walks in the door. You will definitly start at the bottom no matter where you go in train or engine service, and you will find that seniority is everything so get a date established with your chosen road as soon as you can. Layoffs are always a possibility, especially for a junior man, that's why a good seniority date becomes important. I've missed being furloughed by one spot on the roster for 3 months. Everyone younger than me was layed off or put back as a conductor and only the luck of my date let me dodge the bullet. Unless you plan on going into management, I don't know that a degree in railroading is necessary, although it can't hurt. Most RRs will have you go through their own training anyway, particularly engine school. I had zero experience and still managed to make engineer in less than 2 years with Conrail's own in-house training. I don't know anyone with specific education in railroading except our superintendent and he never qualified as an engineer or conductor. I'd say you've got all the ammunition you need to get started and get on your way. It's a crazy life, especially at the beginning, but where else can you play with bigger toys? Good luck and keep us posted.
Manuel, to see what is available go to http://www.rrb.gov/rrjobs.html this will give you a.) a list of all openings listed with the Railroad Retirement Board, and b.) a link to many railroad job opening websites. Happy Hunting!
Go to bnsf.com, you can find the employment hot-line # there. On the personal side, I hope you are married or have a S.O.P. in your life, cuz it will be very difficult(but not impossibled) for you to establish any relationships once you are employed by a railroad. Railroads are NOT family oriented or life-style oriented businesses and they dont care if you have or want a personal life. they just want you on the job anytime they need you, and that is frequently nowadays!
