Question about how to get started

M

Murrsy

New Member
So I just graduated from college with a degree in business management and unfortunately I have been having a hard time finding a good career. My buddy in the US Air force who has convinced me to pursue a career as an air traffic controller as he is doing the same thing and seems to enjoy it.

I have been to the the FAA website and read all the info on how to become an ATC, however I have not yet seen an opening for an "Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee." Which I assume is what I need to apply for in order to get started with the application.

Is there any other way I can apply? Could I send my resume directly to the training facility in Oklahoma with a cover letter explaining my interest in ATC?
 
Murrsy said:
So I just graduated from college with a degree in business management and unfortunately I have been having a hard time finding a good career. My buddy in the US Air force who has convinced me to pursue a career as an air traffic controller as he is doing the same thing and seems to enjoy it.

I have been to the the FAA website and read all the info on how to become an ATC, however I have not yet seen an opening for an "Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee." Which I assume is what I need to apply for in order to get started with the application.

Is there any other way I can apply? Could I send my resume directly to the training facility in Oklahoma with a cover letter explaining my interest in ATC?
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You have to wait for a public announcement to open up. Word is maybe March. The board will blow up a little bit. Just stick around. After that you'll have to test. Wait. Pick geographical preferences. Wait. Get on a referral list. Wait. Have the selection panel meet. Wait. Wait. Get an email. Wait.

There's a lot of waiting. The whole process takes like a year. Browse the board for some more info. It's a little scattered, but everything is here. Good luck.
 
Murrsy said:
So I just graduated from college with a degree in business management and unfortunately I have been having a hard time finding a good career. My buddy in the US Air force who has convinced me to pursue a career as an air traffic controller as he is doing the same thing and seems to enjoy it.

I have been to the the FAA website and read all the info on how to become an ATC, however I have not yet seen an opening for an "Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee." Which I assume is what I need to apply for in order to get started with the application.

Is there any other way I can apply? Could I send my resume directly to the training facility in Oklahoma with a cover letter explaining my interest in ATC?
Click to expand...

You have to wait until the FAA ASAP website has a posting for an "Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee." It opens and stays open for a short period of time (usually weeks). This is the only way off the street people can apply.

It is very long process as well. 9-15 months possibly. Be patient.
 
Murrsy said:
So I just graduated from college with a degree in business management and unfortunately I have been having a hard time finding a good career. My buddy in the US Air force who has convinced me to pursue a career as an air traffic controller as he is doing the same thing and seems to enjoy it.

I have been to the the FAA website and read all the info on how to become an ATC, however I have not yet seen an opening for an "Air Traffic Control Specialist Trainee." Which I assume is what I need to apply for in order to get started with the application.

Is there any other way I can apply? Could I send my resume directly to the training facility in Oklahoma with a cover letter explaining my interest in ATC?
Click to expand...

You need to do what all of us have done. Wait for that opening you've been looking for. There is a thread about the next pubnat. Occasionally people make predictions as to when that opening will be, but I'm pretty sure none of us really have any real idea.

Take a seat, read around the forum. I applied to pubnat 5, so I spend a lot of time reading that one, seeing what everyone that applied with me is doing while they wait.

Waiting is a big part of the process. A lot of waiting for a little excitement, more waiting for a bit more excitement, etc etc. And sometimes a lot of waiting for a lot of disappointment, as you'll find on here as well.

When the next opening pops up, you'll see people talking about it. Or you can keep checking out the asap page, but I guarantee you'll see something on here within minutes of it opening.

Welcome to the forum. Spend a lot of time reading everything. You'll find your answers to most everything on here. A lot of people get pissy about people asking questions that have already been answered many times before. Yeah, I know it's hard to know what to look for right away, so just get exposed to stuff. And if you have any questions like, I don't know what I should be reading, you can ask friendly individuals on here. I'd be happy to tell you anything I know.

good luck.
 
Thanks for the quick replies everyone. Looks like I'll have plenty of time before the next opening to read the boards and make sure ATC is something I want to do.
 
You're from Lafayette....Louisiana? If so...that will probably be a big help if you decide to go forward with the process. There is quite a shortage in LA and they seem to be scrambling to hire people...
 
TBarry253 said:
You're from Lafayette....Louisiana? If so...that will probably be a big help if you decide to go forward with the process. There is quite a shortage in LA and they seem to be scrambling to hire people...
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Actually Lafayette, California. I am located near Oakland which is where I would prefer to work if I ever get that far.
 
Or you can get in thru second option like I did, Find the FAA approved CTI college and graduate. Luckily for me the college was 10 minute drive form my house:)
 
You have to wait for a public announcement to open up. Word is maybe March. The board will blow up a little bit. Just stick around. After that you'll have to test. Wait. Pick geographical preferences. Wait. Get on a referral list. Wait. Have the selection panel meet. Wait. Wait. Get an email. Wait.

There's a lot of waiting. The whole process takes like a year. Browse the board for some more info. It's a little scattered, but everything is here. Good luck.
Click to expand...

Hello,

just curious. where is the information coming from about the next pubnat coming in march?

tks!
 
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