What to do...

Longhorny

Longhorny

New Member
So basically I graduated from college this May and through apathy/laziness/bad market I haven't gotten a "real" job yet. I'm in pubnat 8 and am WQ (93.5) so I have that going for me, but, that involves some waiting and a bit of luck. I'm kinda torn right now since if I go ATC I'd want to be in Chicago or Austin (pref tower). ORD is a level 12 (mo money, mo problems) while AUS is a level 9 so I'd stand a better chance of not washing out. Right now I'm leaning towards ATC, but, the dilemma is do I try to get certified at a higher level (near my family) and risk washout, or start low and increase my chances of passing? Or just get a job in engineering, or go ATC and if it doesn't work go back to engineering? Any ideas/comments?
 
Don't even think about ORD. They probably won't even hire someone without ATC experience. Even AUS would be a stretch. Look at a lower-rated tower in Texas or Illinois.

Do what you want to do. If it's ATC then go for that. Engineering is a great backup in case you wash out/don't get selected/medical out of ATC.
 
You don't hear a lot of talk about washing out but believe me it's happening to tons of people!! Even CTI and VRA's are getting smashed!!
 
Yah I've been reading up on horror stories for OTS people going into ORD. What about going into ZAU since I live 20 minutes from it? It seems like training is a lot better so it seems like I'd have a better chance of passing. Also, what kind of options would somebody who gets certified at a center have to going to a tower?
 
You don't get to choose your facility, you select two states and they TELL you where you are going, IF you are selected.
 
You can specify counties within states you want, to narrow it down somewhat. For example, if you select Illinois, you can select counties near St. Louis to avoid being sent to Chicago. I know that's changed since PUBNAT 6.
 
I have a suggestion. Go En Route. lol... All these poor swivel heads... Joke, joke. ;) You know we love you, Tower People. lol
 
flyingwriter said:
You can specify counties within states you want, to narrow it down somewhat. For example, if you select Illinois, you can select counties near St. Louis to avoid being sent to Chicago. I know that's changed since PUBNAT 6.
Click to expand...

Actually, county selections where available for PUB 6. There is a comment section where you can list specific counties.

If you're thinking about going to ZAU, don't expect to start working until probably next January, not '10, but '11. There are a lot of ZAU people from 5/6 that have been selected and where just recently told that they have no more slots until the next fiscal year.

My suggestion; list Texas and Illinois, choose both Enroute and Terminal and try to find an engineering job in the mean time. If you don't get the facility you want, try to redirect, if it doesn't work, stay with Engineering.
 
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