Need opinions/advice

[DCrowell]

First post here on the board...I'm a 20 year old student at the University of Florida. I came to school here because I thought it was the right thing to do after graduating from high school. Anyway, the closer I get to graduating the more I realize that I would like to have a career in firefigthing. I have a few friends that are firefighters in Sarasota FL, and say they wouldn't change anything for the world.
My questions are these...I have about a year and a half left before I graduate from UF. I want to get started with firefighting ASAP, as I have no prior experience. My first oppurtunity would be this coming summer. Should I begin taking firefighter classes over the summer, or should I volunteer at a local dept, or should I do nothing? I would just want to get a jump start on the process, so once I graduate from UF I don't have through another few years of firefighting classes. Thanks, I appreciate the help of everyone on this board.

[rookiemove]

I don't know how Florida works, but many places are more quick to hire you if you have EMS certifications or you have some special skill, like speaking Spanish. Can you take an EMT class through your school? Is there a volunteer ambulance or fire department nearby you can join? My area in New York has a terrible job market for firefighters, but people who are Paramedics usually seem to land a job.

[DCrowell]

I believe there are EMT classes offerred through UF. Also, I know that there are volunteer oppurtunities in the Sarasota area. Can you simply begin to volunteer with a department without any prior experience, or must you have taken some classes?

[doughesson]

Starting your training at a volunteer department does tie you to that area if they want to keep people a set time before they can go off and look for another department but it's a start.
All of your ideas would work if the schools in your area offer summer classes in fire sciences.Can you add to your class load and add the courses this academic year?

[DCrowell]

It might be possible to add courses to my spring semester. It's just difficult because my major, which is Sports Management/Business, is so far off from any fire science classes. I may just consider taking courses over the summer at an academy.
Also, are any of you aware of the advantages of coming into firefighting with a bachelors degree from a university...even though my degree will have nothing to do with firefighting. My friend who works in Sarasota said most people with a bachelors degree can expect to make a few thousand more a year starting...he also said its easier to recieve promotions with a degree from a university. Any thoughts on this? I appreciate the help.

[doughesson]

You should never stop learning anyway so keep taking classes even after you get on a department.
If it doesn't end up getting you higher scores on the promotion exam,you might just end up with knowledge to share with others and use it for good.
That's the important thing:to spread the knowledge that you get at schools around and not keep it all to yourself.

[dmleblanc]

I agree with rookiemove....if you can figure out a way to squeeze an EMT class into your schedule, that certification would certainly be an advantage in getting on with a paid department. Having some volunteer experience couldn't hurt either.

As far as a degree goes, that will probably also be an advantage in your job search, even if it's not related to firefighting. Take a few fire science classes if you can add them to your schedule....even if it's not your major, it can't hurt. A degree in some kind of business management might not be helpful to you as a rookie firefighter, but in the future if you have the opportunity to move up the career ladder it could be very beneficial.

Also, check with your friends in Sarasota and see if their department would allow you to do ride-alongs with the department.....it would show them that you're really interested in being a part of the fire service, and perhaps more importantly, it will help YOU to figure out if firefighting is really the thing for you....

[JBP854]

I just recently got hired in florida. I had been attending classes at USF when i Realized i had no idea what I wanted to do. I'm a second generation firefighter, and i thought i would follow my dad's footsteps. I went to EMT school first it's only 11 credit hours and it's not very difficult, Then i went to Fire Academy, they have a few different classes where i went. They have a part time class which is 2 days a week(wed/sunday for example) which is about 7 months long, and they have a full time class which goes monday-thurs. and is only a few months. I dont know how sarasota works but alot of places in Florida require that you are at least a emt/ff to get hired, and some require that you become a paramedic. Also If you are about to graduate definately finish because that is a big plus when you go to get a job. Well I hope this helps and good luck to you.

[JBP854]

Yes a bachelors degree is a huge advantage. where i work you get $110 more per paycheck. $55 more for an associates degree. I hope this helps. It also doesn't matter what your degree is in. It looks good that you have one.

[DCrowell]

Thanks for all the help guys, I appreciate it.

[scrook056]

man im in your same shoes...plus maybe a couple years. i am at auburn and had no intentions of going into the fire service. but some friends of mine volunteered here and i started hanging out at the station and ended up joining just for something to do while i was in school. now i have decided to do it for a career. id say definitely finish your bachelors, it looks great no matter what career you choose, it shows that you actually have the ability to learn, which oddly enough, everyone doesnt have. Every paid department i have talked to looks for people with experience, so go volunteer, its fun anyway and youll have something to do between UF parties. also they look for medical knowledge, so work on getting your EMT basic. youll probably have to take some kind of classes for the volunteer depts, but ill bet you can start doing SOME things for the dept right now. and on the bachelors that doesnt have to do with firefighting. im a poli sci major with a minor in criminology which has nothing to do with firefighting, and i have job offers from three depts in birmingham right now for when i graduate in may and i didnt know anyone and i actually dont even have my EMT basic, so id say it definitely helped

[chrism8922]

I was nearing completion of my BA when I decided to pursue the fire service. I stayed in school, and began an EMT class. By all means, finish your degree!! It will only help you, and you will find that if you use it correctly on your resume and in the interview process, it is a HUGE advantage.

I went on to attend Fire Tech classes after getting my degree, and then on to the Academy. I got my first Career Firefighter job 6 months after I graduated the Academy!! This is the exception, rather than the rule, as it usually takes a few years to get the job.

Just keep at it, make a plan, and stick to it!!

Good luck!


Chris

[csfdexplorernip]

take EMT over the summer at santa fe.... you'll thank me

[mcaldwell]

It's just difficult because my major, which is Sports Management/Business, is so far off from any fire science classes.

Don't knock your majors, they are much more relevant than you might think. is your Sports Management Major about being a financial/career manager, or physical training and general sports industry management?

Firefighters need training programs, workout facilities, and personal fitness/nutrition programs like any athlete.

If you want to test for an Officer position one day, those business skills will be perfectly applied. The Fire Service works just like any other business with budgets, revenue, expenses, and growth and development.

When it comes to successfully obtaining a FF career, don't just follow the cookie cutter model that 8 out of 10 applicants will meet. You need to have the basics, but you also want to stand out as having unique skills and education too. Fire Sciences are seldom "required", and if you are looking at long-term career development, you can take them through distance education once you get hired.