I never thought about being an ATC until I read an article on it and it really sounds like it could be a great fit for me.

A few questions if you don't mind since you offered

How did you know you wanted to be an ATC

Did you do any shadowing If so, how did you go about getting a shadow

The offer you mentioned that you decided not to take - where was this for Maybe I am not understanding the process correctly from app to hire, do you mind explaining it to me

What do you think a 'typical' ATC personality is I just wonder how well I would fit in to the environment since some say that most ATC'ers are 'a**holes' and I'm actually a very nice, down-to-earth woman who just feels that a fast-paced, challenging (yes, even stressful) job is what I need I don't like slow and I don't like routine, I am smart and have always been great at picturing 3-D, I actually think my brain works more like a typical guy than a woman

I've also heard the schedule suc*s, have you heard the same I just worry I won't be able to spend evenings and wknds with my children and family. I don't have children now but do plan on it in the next 3-4 years or so.

I realize this isn't always going to be a possibility but a more 'normal' schedule is what I need and I am not sure this job could ever really provide that. What do you think

Anyway, that's all I can think of for now, I look forward to hearing back. Thanks, in advance, for helping

PS: Go to hell, Carolina, go to hell (hopefully you are a Duke fan)

daustin408 wrote: [TO: hessduke]
I don't mind the questions at all. I can just help a little and tell you how the process has been for me, and maybe that will give you some idea on what to expect.
I went to school at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I recieved a bachelors in Aeronautical Science. The degree prepared you to become an airline pilot. A lot of my friends took that route, but I decided against it, because of the time away from home and the little starting pay (around $20k). I then decided to look around for jobs, preferably in the government that had anything to do with aviation. I have a government job now, but its the routine and slow kind of job your not into as well. So ever since April I've been exploring other options, and I heard the FAA was hiring people who didn't go through their college program, which was good news for me. I could have taken classes and become part of that program while I was in school, but it would have delayed my graduation by about a year when I decided I wanted to get into ATC, so I gave up on the idea until now. I knew from a very young age that I was going to get involved with aviation, its the only thing i'm interested in except for music.
I've never dont any job shadowing for ATC. I've been in a tower once, and visited a TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control). Oh and facility, we just mean job location (Ie: RDU Tower).
I don't know a lot of ATCers but I don't think they all are a**holes. I work with some retired ones and they seem to all be very nice people. I wouldn't worry about fitting in, if your nice you can fit in anywhere.
The offer I turned down was for Indianapolis ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center). They deal with all the Enroute traffic usually at high altitudes. I just didn't really want to go to Indianapolis after all. I visited and didn't really like it, especially being so far away from family.
The process has changed a bit from what I understand. First they go through and select people that they want to look into further and have you take the ATSAT test. After you do that they will select people to consider further and place them on a referral list. The referral list is for the panels that meet to make selections for interviews. If your chosen for an interview they will notify you. The interview process has changed I hear. They used to have you interview and if you were recommended then they sent you a tentative offer in the mail along with paperwork for security and info on scheduling the medical portions. Now they are doing all that at one time. They have you interview then you go right after the interview to do the medical and security if you accepted the facilty they offered. After you go through the medical, security, and interview they give you a firm offer, if you accept they schedule an OKC start date. I think OKC can last from 10-13 weeks depending on what type of facility you go to. After that your off to your facility to do On the job training for 2-3 yrs.
The schedule will suck a little bit if your used to working the typical 9-5. I think its something people can get used to. I like that atleast its rotating, so the same person isn't working nights all the time. At the same time they pay more for nights, and sunday. I have a family, and they realize that its just something we will have to work around. I have a 4month old and a wife. I don't think you'll ever avoid the whacky schedule, unless you went to a facility that closes at night, there are a few. One thing about those facilities that close is they are lower level because of how much traffic they get and that equals less money for you.
You didn't offend me, I prefer Duke over Carolina. We used to sneak off campus and hang out around there on the weekends.
Hope I helped some.