An interview with Ricardo Garay who attended an Engineering program at Wyotech in Long Beach, CA.

What program did you participate in?

Automotive Technology.

What is your current career?

I’m in the Military and I’m also a part time student.

Did you have to relocate to attend this school? And why? Was it worth it?

Yes, I moved from Missouri.  This school offered the best program and I had always wanted to go to CA.

Describe a typical day in your current career?

Right now I am still a student, but with a different institute locally. I am a Reserve with the National Guard.

How did your training help you get into this career?

This was a stepping-stone into my career choice with the military. It opened more options with law enforcement or engineering in the military.

How would things be different for you if you hadn’t received this training?

I probably wouldn’t be doing all the different things I am doing in the Reserves right now.

Were you happy with the training that you received?

Yes.

How long was the program?

36 months.

What were your favorite classes and why were they your favorite?

I enjoyed Mechanics and engineering the most. I am not one that likes English or literature stuff.

What did you take from the program that you use in your everyday job tasks?

Right now, I am always learning new things; mainly it helped with the basics.

Did you receive any financial aid or scholarships?

Yes – grants and Sallie Mae.

Did you go to school on a full-time or part-time basis?

Full time.

Were any of your classes online?

No.

Did you consider other programs?

Yes.

Why did you choose the one you did?

It was either engineering or Criminal Justice. Both are things I can use in a military career.

Would you recommend this school to someone else? Why or why not?

Yeah, California is a little distracting when you’re from the Midwest though. But the school was great.

If you could do it all over again, would you?

Yeah. But I would have waited until after the Guards.

About how many other students were in your classes?

50 I think.

For your particular program, are there any special licenses or certifications that you need to receive before getting a job?  If so, what are they and what do they entail?

I don’t know yet.

What are your plans now? Do they include continuing your education?

Yeah, now that I am a part of the military, there are more opportunities for me to pay for school. I attend community college where I am from. I’m staying close to my family and my fiancé.