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thomasvista2012
Top Member
USA
747 Posts |
 Posted - 11/04/2001 : 1:07:16 PM
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As a high school senior who needs to really start preparing for college, what do you reccommend as a college major for someone who plans to work as an administrator (director, director of operations, supervisor, coordinator) in the school bus industry? Anything input would be helpful, especially from the school transportation administrators out there.
Thanks so much!
"Gotta love those buses!" |
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Thomas00
Top Member
USA
546 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2001 : 5:27:25 PM
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Maybe you can try looking into Georgia State University or University Of Georgia they both have school of transportation. Maybe you can try to major in aviation and transportation. Hope this information help!
"Some people are so afraid of dying that they never being to live."
-Unknown author
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 05:06:09 AM
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I would get a business background and focus on a job driving part-time and get your foot in the door! With you being still young, you can still work as a driver and get your (PERF) started! Most people that I know that are in these positions have started as a driver and worked their way up to be a administrator.
Edited by - BUSBOY on 11/05/2001 05:07:04 AM |
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 05:26:28 AM
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It would be tough to second guess a Business Administration degree in most any field you choose. Also, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive Transportation program with many specialty areas. Good luck whatever you decide.
Joe
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Sherm
Top Member
USA
621 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 05:41:00 AM
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Business background is probably the best way to go, but basic accounting can be learned by just about anyone. People skills, HR skills, safety skills, etc. are just as important. When it comes to people skills, some people got it; some don't. I have a degree in public relations which is helpful when dealing with parents, drivers, students, administrators and the various messes that arise when you mix any two of the above-mentioned groups. I, too, would recommend getting your foot in the door as a driver, etc. The experience is invaluable.
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MamaLoca
Advanced Member
USA
400 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 09:54:57 AM
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You might want to check this link out from the National Assoc. for Pupil Transport
http://www.napt.org/
go to the NAPT/TSI Training Program link
Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to. |
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Rich
Top Member
United States
5768 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 1:11:02 PM
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I would lean towards business. Make sure you want to do what your doing, don't get stuck doing a job that you hate!
"Blue Bird... Gotta Love Those Birdies!!!" www.blue-bird.com www.busexplorer.com |
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thomasvista2012
Top Member
USA
747 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 1:32:29 PM
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Thank you guys so much for your input 
I was leaning toward business to begin with. This is a field that I definitely want to go into, it is something that I will enjoy!
"Gotta love those buses!" |
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B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 3:33:55 PM
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I am also sort of in Jason's shoes. I am currently attending my 2nd year at a community college. I am majoring as an Administrative Assistant/Business Administration. I have taken many good courses so far that I think will be of help.
Since this is my second year at a 2-year school, I plan on obtaining my CDL to drive a school bus. Then, I will become a school bus driver and then transfer to a nearby 4-year school, part time, while I am a bus driver. I will still keep the same major as I have now.
I want to be as much involved in the school transportation industry as I can. I am mostly interested in the equipment, but any aspect will do. I want to turn my part-time bus driving job into something full-time eventually. I am looking forward to it!
Bob
(B. Busguy33)
"Blue Bird: Always flyin' high above the rest... 
Blue Bird: One of America's Best!!!  " |
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BusBoy
Top Member
USA
2042 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 6:46:18 PM
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Hey Bob!
You are certainly going in the right direction! Keep up the good work!! I see you will go fare in this field!
Kevin
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B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2001 : 7:14:28 PM
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quote:
Hey Bob!
You are certainly going in the right direction! Keep up the good work!! I see you will go fare in this field!
Kevin
Thanks Kevin! 
I am sure I will enjoy the type of work that is involved in the school transportation field.
Bob
(B. Busguy33)
"Blue Bird: Always flyin' high above the rest...
Blue Bird: One of America's Best!!! " |
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SchoolBusCharter
Senior Member
USA
61 Posts |
Posted - 11/20/2001 : 12:54:24 PM
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My suggestion, go to a larger University which operates transportation campus service. First get education in Business Management, Second drive and learn the ropes at campus service and Third sub as a school bus driver locally. Upon graduation, apply to a large contract company or in district management. But on the street experience will be your best education. GOOD LUCK
Ryan Mathews |
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BusMeETC
Active Member
12 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2001 : 11:42:09 PM
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Sounds like you know where to go with your college education....I'd highly recommend sub driving in between classes. You will get a lot more respect and credibility from your staff as an administrator when you have actually been in their shoes! Good luck!
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Captain Larz
Senior Member
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2001 : 2:35:22 PM
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I have a 4-year BBA degree from a really good school. Aside from some parts of the management courses, it isn't doing me much good. I think experience is the best education in this industry!
Larz |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2001 : 4:31:46 PM
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What are the class times of most colleges? Would it be possible for someone to drive a bus (not as a sub) and go to classes without the times overlapping? They would have to choose short routes, but is it possible?
Stop at: www.buses.cjb.net |
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2001 : 4:43:24 PM
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quote:
What are the class times of most colleges? Would it be possible for someone to drive a bus (not as a sub) and go to classes without the times overlapping? They would have to choose short routes, but is it possible?
Yes, it's very possible. You would be on the move a lot going between driving the bus and going to school, but it's not impossible. Of course, I just do field trips all day long instead of an actual bus route, but still...
The Buskid - CrownBus32@aol.com - http://www.crownbus.com |
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BlueBird44
Top Member
USA
1639 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2001 : 7:35:21 PM
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I know of a few family that have there daughters and son drive for them while they go to college I want to know how they do it so I can do it. If I can't I will drive trips on Fridays and Saturday's.
BlueBird44-"44 Best Bus EVER!" |
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B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2001 : 8:57:01 PM
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Hi Mike,
Most, if not all, colleges are very flexible in terms of scheduling classes for you. A lot of people who attend college either have a part time or even a full time job. Classes are offered usually from 8 until about 8 or 9 at night. You would most likely have to go to college part time, rather than full time. It may get a little overwhelming if you attend college full time, if you become a school bus driver.
After I graduate from the 2-year community college that I am attending now, I plan on transferring to a nearby 4-year state collge. I attend my current school full-time from about 8am -1pm with an hour break in between a couple classes. I will be turning 21 when I graduate from this school, which means I will be eligible to drive a school bus in my area. Most if not all companies here don't hire you unless you are 21 or older.
Anyway, once I am 21 and when I transfer to the state school (4-year school), I plan on becoming a school bus driver. I will obviously be starting out as a sub, part time, with 2-3 routes in the morning (6-9am) and 2-3 routes in the afternoon (1:30-4:30pm). I would take my classes either early in the evening or in between my morning and afternoon routes...or a combination of both. I would do my homework in between my routes or at night.
Going to college part time usually involves you to take 1 or 2 classes. Full time involves you to take 3 or more classes. You also usually have classes that meet only 2-3 times per week. So, you could do your homework on your off days from those classes, which is something I may consider doing. But depending on the classes, you may have to attend one class everyday, depending on when they are offered. If you're lucky, you can take the classes on the same day.
I hope this helps you out with what you are looking for.
Bob
(B. Busguy33)
"Blue Bird: Always flyin' high above the rest...
Blue Bird: One of America's Best!!! " |
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Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 12/29/2001 : 12:48:48 PM
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Thanks for the info. Really, I'm beginning to wonder why I asked that... My driver is driving full-time and goes to college. I'm just not sure if she's going full time or part-time.
Stop at: www.buses.cjb.net |
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Captain Larz
Senior Member
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2001 : 2:19:37 PM
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I started driving in College. I drove an AM route every day and PM routes and charters when I was available. It actually helped me do better in school because by the time I got to class I was wide awake and alert, as compared to most of the students that had just rolled out of bed.
Larz |
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What would you reccommend?
