Patrick Gough
PKL Services, Inc.
Poway, CA USA
"I deal with discouragement by reminding myself of characteristics like my strong sense of self-motivation, my passion for the things that I do in my life, and knowing who I am fighting for."
Career Roadmap
Patrick's work combines: Armed Services, Government, and Accomplishing Goals
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
St. Paul High School
Bachelor's Degree
History, General
California State University, Fullerton
Certification
Aviation/Airway Management and Operations
Naval Aviation Flight School
Graduate Degree
Marine Corp Amphibious Warfare School
Graduate Degree
Marine Corps Command and Staff College
Graduate Degree
Air Force Command and Staff College
Certification
Eno Center for Transportation Leadership Transit Executive Seminar
Graduate Degree
The Naval War College
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Chief Operating Officer:
Bachelor's Degree: History, General
Certification: Aviation/Airway Management and Operations
Graduate Degree
Graduate Degree
Graduate Degree
Certification
Graduate Degree
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
First, I immigrated to Whittier, CA, USA from Waterford, Ireland at the age of 5.
2.
Then, I lived there all my life where I eventually graduated from St. Paul High School.
3.
Then, I went to Whittier College as a pre-med major with a full ride and I also played football on the varsity team.
4.
Then, I got involved with my then Fraternity where I got in some trouble and was told by my college that I would no longer me getting my education paid for.
5.
Then, I transferred to California State University, Fullerton where I also changed my major to history.
6.
Then, I went straight into the Marine Corp where I moved immediately to Quantico.
7.
Then, I was in the USMC for about 30 years where I retired as a lieutenant colonel.
8.
Then, I worked for OCTA for 6 years as an executive director and then later worked for a company called PKL Services Inc. as a Chief Operating Officer.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
I suffered a head injury while in active duty for USMC. The doctors told me that I would never be able to fly again, but, with determination, not too long after, I was the first person to fly after having a head injury.
How I responded:
I deal with discouragement by reminding myself of characteristics like my strong sense of self-motivation, my passion for the things that I do in my life, and knowing who I am fighting for.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I overcame my obstacle as a first-generation immigrant by immersing myself with encouraging leaders in all times and aspects of my life. Be willing to accept change and adapt to a different culture.