Career Roadmap
Jack's work combines: Science, Environment & Nature, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Chemistry, General
University of California-Irvine
Bachelor's Degree
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
University of California-Irvine
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Chemists:
Bachelor's Degree: Chemistry, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Got accepted on appeals to UC Irvine.
2.
Changed major to include chemistry.
3.
Met a fellow student who mentored me in the proper way to study and shared his inspiring story.
4.
After various jobs not related to major, found an internship at Orange County Water District.
5.
Hired full time after I graduated as a Lab Tech at OCWD.
6.
Failed to be promoted to Water Chemist. Worked harder and was given more responsibility.
7.
After 2 years I was promoted to Water Chemist.
8.
Hired as Water Chemist in Santa Monica with more control over how the lab is run.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
You shouldn't care so much about your job because you failed to get promoted. Go back to school and figure a way to get out of this field. Just continue to do the job, but don't put extra effort.
How I responded:
Failure is something we all deal with. It truly is how we deal with that failure that matters, especially when the noise we hear comes from within. I had to step away from the situation and realize that hard work got me to where I was and hard work would get me to where I wanted to be. I did question my self worth and my resolve was tested. In the end, I didn't want to be a failure that didn't learn from it. I had to swallow my pride and continue doing the best job possible and it paid off.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My mother was the only one to really contribute to my college education financially. I ate on a budget and worked part time from year 2-4. I would also come home to help the family on most weekends.