Journey
The application trail
Every post in my career-change journal, organized so you can start at the beginning or find what’s relevant to you.
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Use these as shortcuts when you want a specific part of the process.
All journey posts
Listed from the beginning of the story forward. New updates still appear first on the homepage.
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What to Have Ready Before a Union Application Window Opens
Some application windows move fast. Having your information ready can be the difference between applying and waiting another year.
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How I Studied for the IUEC Elevator Aptitude Test
The IUEC test had reading, math, mechanical comprehension, and tool identification. The math was the part I respected most.
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The Tape Measure Part Was Harder Than I Expected
Of all the things I studied, reading a tape measure was one of the small details I was glad I practiced.
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I Took the IUEC Local 8 Test. Here’s What Surprised Me.
I studied, showed up early, and still left feeling like I might have failed.
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My Best Aptitude Test Strategy: Skip, Finish, Return
The timer can mess with your head. This simple strategy helped me protect easy points first.
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Passing the IUEC Test and Preparing for the Interview
After leaving the test unsure, getting the pass email felt huge. Then the next problem showed up: the interview.
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The Questions I Remember From My IUEC Interview
The questions were simple on the surface. Underneath, they seemed to be asking whether I could learn, take direction, and stick with it.
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My IUEC Interview Felt Good. My Rank Told a Different Story.
I walked out feeling good. Then I got ranked in the low 300s.
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What a Low Rank Taught Me About the Apprenticeship Process
Passing the test is not the same as being competitive. That was one of the harder lessons.
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Applying to IBEW 332 After Waiting Too Long
I waited too long because I was too hopeful about one path. That was a mistake.
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How the IBEW Aptitude Test Compared to the IUEC Test
The IBEW test felt more focused: reading and math, without the mechanical or tool section I saw with IUEC.
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How I Studied for the IBEW Aptitude Test
For IBEW, I focused on timed math and reading practice. The structure helped me stay honest.