| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Rockstar97
Senior Member
147 Posts |
 Posted - 04/16/2003 : 06:06:50 AM
|
I've been driving for only six months, but I really love what I do. I am a young, educated sensible person who puts forth great effort into every endeavour. I'd like very much to stick around for as long as I can in this industry. Do you have any advice/insight for advancing in this field? I want to grow into one of the drivers that does the longer charters and maybe eventually become an office manager or supervisor. I know you need tenure to do things like this, but what are other things I can be doing to show my higher-ups that I have the responsibility for such tasks? I love coming to work every day and every aspect of bus operations fascinates me. Some people have more affluent goals, but I really think I may have found my niche.
|
|
|
JK
Top Member
USA
7307 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2003 : 09:50:31 AM
|
Your time behind the wheel, even if untrained in child management and violence prevention, is adequate to pursue other adventures within school bus transportation. Most any school bus driver five years succesfully managing middle school age, or a mix including MS age, these could probably manage a rather large group of employees on near wit alone. You might enjoy extra duties as a behind the wheel instructor, defensive driving or student management instructor. The fastest route to supervisory or office positions is to apply for these jobs at school districts where they become available and to be willing to relocate. You might want to take a good resume class and learn how to present yourself as a commodity of interest to administrations and school board members -- there usually are at least one administrator and one board member on the hiring committee. If you're tenacious, you might try asking other supervisors how they got their job -- what they think or were told the reason they were hired, but beware -- the story you get may not be valid -- ask around. Whatever position you are after, fantasize about it, think about it, read about it, talk about it to career counselors and pursue it. Time will provide the details and skills toward securing an eventual position. (jk)
Edited by - jk on 04/16/2003 09:53:42 AM |
 |
|
|
John Farr
Top Member
USA
642 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2003 : 5:43:08 PM
|
If your office uses computerized routing, field trip or other specialized software, try to learn how it all works. Know the obscure stuff deep in the software too. You could eventually become the "expert," where others in the office come to you for assistance. If you work in the office, talk little and listen much. The staff shound feel confident and trust that you have the sense and maturity not to carry confidential tales outside the office.
Eventually, if your employer does not appreciate your contribution, you will little trouble finding a job where you will be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
JK
Top Member
USA
7307 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2003 : 10:56:14 PM
|
quote:
... talk little and listen much ...
Excellent statement John. Something I'm not likely to learn, or want to, (except for lawful personal/student confidence) but remains excellent advice for anyone wanting a better relationship and building internal trust with the administration. (jk)
|
|
|
|
wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 08:30:13 AM
|
We just promoted a man that started as a driver and worked his way up to Parts Manager, Dispatcher, Route Coordinator, Senior Route Coordinator (responsible for his own facility with 170 buses and 150 routes) to Transportation Specialist. This is an administrative position just under the Assistant Directors. Finished his degree at night school to qualify, and does a great job. He followed the advice John gave you earlier and listened much! He IS our resident expert on our GPS stuff and knows the routing software program as well as anyone in the department.
Make yourself valuble with your knowledge and attention to detail!
Good luck!
Joe
|
|
|
|
gonzosbus
Senior Member
USA
142 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 10:23:02 AM
|
John Gave some excellent advice!!! I started when I was 13 as a bus washer and moved my way up to Director 25+ years later. Learn as much as you can about the computerized programs as this is the future in Transportation. Most of all be a good listener. Thanks, Armando Cuellar, MAdison Elementary School District #38, Phoenix Arizona
Safety First Always |
|
|
|
PHW
Top Member
USA
1345 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 10:54:14 AM
|
All very good advice. I also started as a driver and moved up to manager positions by taking pride and ownership in any job assigned. Don't be afraid to stand out from the crowd despite the expected peer pressure.
PHW
Child Check For Life |
|
|
|
Rockstar97
Senior Member
147 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 2:09:39 PM
|
Wow...you guys are great. Thanks so much! I really appreciate the "talk little, listen much" bit. It's a good reminder, and something we should all do our best to adhere to. I guess our fleet is small compared to your American ones. While our main branch probably has 150+ buses, our branch only has about 35. The office staff are limited in their computer knowledge and don't even use special software. I know we could increase business a thousandfold with a few modifications here and there, but I'm just a driver and am in no position to make suggestions. I'd probably have to work at the main branch if I ever wanted to advance because our branch only has one office manager, the vice-president and a trainer.
Thanks again for your suggestions!
|
|
|
|
PHW
Top Member
USA
1345 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 2:19:09 PM
|
Rockstar97,
Which country are you from?
PHW
Child Check For Life |
|
|
|
Thomas Ford 85-16
Top Member
USA
4177 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 7:14:23 PM
|
quote:
Wow...you guys are great. Thanks so much! I really appreciate the "talk little, listen much" bit. It's a good reminder, and something we should all do our best to adhere to. I guess our fleet is small compared to your American ones. While our main branch probably has 150+ buses, our branch only has about 35. The office staff are limited in their computer knowledge and don't even use special software. I know we could increase business a thousandfold with a few modifications here and there, but I'm just a driver and am in no position to make suggestions. I'd probably have to work at the main branch if I ever wanted to advance because our branch only has one office manager, the vice-president and a trainer.
Thanks again for your suggestions!
Size isn't consistant. Some districts in populated areas can have around 1200 buses and others 3. In Michigan for example it varies quite a bit as well. Some have like 12, some can have a couple hundred. My district has 81.
Stop at: http://buses.thesummit.biz
This is an industry where people brag about their times for 60-0, not 0-60.
Edited by - The BusBoy on 04/17/2003 7:15:57 PM |
|
|
|
B. Busguy33
Top Member
USA
3444 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 7:54:11 PM
|
quote:
We just promoted a man that started as a driver and worked his way up to Parts Manager, Dispatcher, Route Coordinator, Senior Route Coordinator (responsible for his own facility with 170 buses and 150 routes) to Transportation Specialist. This is an administrative position just under the Assistant Directors. Finished his degree at night school to qualify, and does a great job. He followed the advice John gave you earlier and listened much! He IS our resident expert on our GPS stuff and knows the routing software program as well as anyone in the department.
Make yourself valuble with your knowledge and attention to detail!
Good luck!
Joe
Hi Joe,
Just curious: What type of college degree did your employee obtain in order to qualify for such a position in your district?
|
|
|
|
wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 8:53:08 PM
|
BA Business Admin. However, it really wouldn't matter the type in our case.
Joe
|
|
|
|
Rockstar97
Senior Member
147 Posts |
Posted - 04/17/2003 : 10:24:06 PM
|
PHW, I'm from Canada....Southwestern Ontario, to be exact.
|
|
|
|
PHW
Top Member
USA
1345 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2003 : 10:09:49 AM
|
Rockstar97,
These are the guys to listen too. Good luck in Canada.
PHW
Child Check For Life |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
advancing in the world of bus driving
