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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All journey posts
Listed from the beginning of the story forward. New updates still appear first on the homepage.
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What I’d Do Differently Before My First IBEW Interview
I would prepare fewer answers and better examples. That is different from memorizing a script.
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The IBEW 332 Interview: Fast, Formal, and Hard to Read
The interview moved fast. I had a few minutes to show who I was and why I belonged there.
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What My IBEW 332 Rank Taught Me About Moving Lists
My rank did not stay fixed. It moved as new applicants came through the process.
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Why Electrical Work Still Appeals to Me
Even with the waiting and low ranks, electrical work still feels like one of the trades that fits how my brain works.
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UA Local 393 Was Not My First Choice. Then I Went to the Seminar.
I went into the UA 393 seminar unsure. I left with a completely different view of the program.
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Why Every Applicant Should Take Union Info Sessions Seriously
The seminar was not just a box to check. It helped me understand the work and changed how I ranked my options.
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Plumber, Steamfitter, HVAC: What I Learned About UA 393’s Programs
UA 393 had more paths than I understood at first. The differences mattered.
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Why I Chose Steamfitter Over HVAC
HVAC interested me, but steamfitting made more sense for my situation and got me excited about learning to weld.
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How I Prepared for the UA Local 393 Aptitude Test
By the time I tested for UA 393, I had a system. Math, mechanical practice, and staying sharp on time management.
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Ranking Top 10 at UA Local 393 Changed My Outlook
After two disappointing ranks, getting a top 10 rank at UA 393 felt like the first strong yes.
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How UA Local 393’s Ranking System Felt Different
UA 393’s ranking system felt clearer to me because the rank was tied to my test batch.
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Applying to IBEW 234 and Transferring My Test Score
IBEW 234 had a more manual application process, but transferring my test score helped me move straight to the interview stage.