Jack Miyamoto
Water Chemist
City of Santa Monica
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Got accepted on appeals to UC Irvine.
Changed major to include chemistry.
Met a fellow student who mentored me in the proper way to study and shared his inspiring story.
After various jobs not related to major, found an internship at Orange County Water District.
Hired full time after I graduated as a Lab Tech at OCWD.
Failed to be promoted to Water Chemist. Worked harder and was given more responsibility.
After 2 years I was promoted to Water Chemist.
Hired as Water Chemist in Santa Monica with more control over how the lab is run.
Education
High School
Career
Water Chemist
I test drinking water for compliance with health and safety standards.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Environment & Nature
Helping People
Day to Day
The day begins at 6:00 AM and starts with prepping the lab for samples. Turning on instruments and making calibration standards are the first step. Then I go out in the field and collect water samples in various containers that have different preservatives that are test specific. Once the samples are back in the lab, we run a battery of tests on a fixed schedule that meets health department regulations.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Having experience in a compliance lab is the most important first step. Internships are the easiest way while still in college to obtain that experience.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
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."
Challenges I Overcame
Single Parent
