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If I enjoy working on a railroad, what college major should I choose?
I am looking for a good career path
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3 answers
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Jason’s Answer
Hi Christopher,
I happen to be a conductor for the railroad. I will say, it really all depends on what path you are interested in taking. For me, no college degree was required. Neither is it to be a locomotive engineer, car inspector, engine maintenance of way or beginner signal maintainer.
If you’re more interested in management, finance, HR or any corporate position then I would suggest business management or a degree along those lines. I am not 100% sure but if you let me know what areas you’re interested with the railroad in I will be happy to ask around and get you the right information.
Also my company has a summer internship for students, that program might be something you would like to do.
I happen to be a conductor for the railroad. I will say, it really all depends on what path you are interested in taking. For me, no college degree was required. Neither is it to be a locomotive engineer, car inspector, engine maintenance of way or beginner signal maintainer.
If you’re more interested in management, finance, HR or any corporate position then I would suggest business management or a degree along those lines. I am not 100% sure but if you let me know what areas you’re interested with the railroad in I will be happy to ask around and get you the right information.
Also my company has a summer internship for students, that program might be something you would like to do.
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
Hello Christopher,
I do not work on the railroad, but I have a family member who has worked on the railroad almost his entire life as it was his dream job. He has never attended college to my knowledge and works on the trains in Silicon Valley, California. A cvil engineering degree would be a good place to start though to aid your career and provide a variety of options. Also worth noting is there may be other training programs that you may need to complete to help your career.
Depending on how you want to be involved, the railroad offers a variety of opportunities. You can drive the trains, put down the track, work in the office, public relations, or in the "yard" where they store extra train cars to name just a few. An important thing to remember is you do not need to limit yourself to one area as the more you understand, the more you help others build a better world.
My final thought that benefitted my family member was volunteering/working at the smaller local railroads. Often you can find smaller more "recreational" railroads that mimic the full-sized options later in life. Not only will this give you valuable experience, but also let you add something to your resume for that entry-level job that wants 2 years experience.
Hopefully you found this helpful!
Best,
Sam
I do not work on the railroad, but I have a family member who has worked on the railroad almost his entire life as it was his dream job. He has never attended college to my knowledge and works on the trains in Silicon Valley, California. A cvil engineering degree would be a good place to start though to aid your career and provide a variety of options. Also worth noting is there may be other training programs that you may need to complete to help your career.
Depending on how you want to be involved, the railroad offers a variety of opportunities. You can drive the trains, put down the track, work in the office, public relations, or in the "yard" where they store extra train cars to name just a few. An important thing to remember is you do not need to limit yourself to one area as the more you understand, the more you help others build a better world.
My final thought that benefitted my family member was volunteering/working at the smaller local railroads. Often you can find smaller more "recreational" railroads that mimic the full-sized options later in life. Not only will this give you valuable experience, but also let you add something to your resume for that entry-level job that wants 2 years experience.
Hopefully you found this helpful!
Best,
Sam
Updated
Malini’s Answer
To become a train engineer who designs railroads and train systems, you can earn a bachelor's degree in railroad engineering; however, civil engineering degree programs are more common.
Bachelor's in railroad engineering or civil engineering
Bachelor's in railroad engineering or civil engineering
Thank you for the advice, Malini.
Christopher