dmandavid wrote:Im just trying to earn a 2 year degree. That way atleast I have a greater chance of getting selected for testing and interviewed over the guys who have high school degrees. Way things are now im thinking taking a conductor class. I put an few apps into BNSF and NS, they never called me in for testing most likey since the way things are they want experiance guys.
Sorry bro but a degree is only gonna get you a leg up in outside hire management. Two years of outdoor work or being on call is much better looking to most railroads. You don't need a degree for this job, they train you you how they want to train you and most don't like previous training or conductors from other RRs. Chances are they didn't call you because you don't have the work experience they want. I would say 95% of the guys I went down to REDI and hired out with were from manual trades, farming, construction, manual labor, mechanics, I was a plumber and HVAC tech. Same with with a buddy who went to an NS open hiring session. They didn't give a shit about his degree but where very interested in his on call experiance working on HVAC units.
I'd be willing to bet my pay for a half that if you could talk to a hire up who wouldn't lie they would tell you you'd have a better chance if you quit college and worked outside all year for a year and then applied.