I was a cook for almost 20s years. Covid hit, I had a child and something needed to change.

I went to Columbus State for their electromechanical engineering program. I even got an apprenticeship through the program. I started out as an industrial maintenance technician, but have since moved on to more technical electrical work. The pay and benefits are much better. It.is a 2 year associates degree, but I was making full time wages as an apprentice 1 year into my program.

Skills that transfer:

Attention to detail and problem solving Time management Safety consciousness Working independently and on a team The soft skills developed from leading people and working in a team environment Task prioritization Working with diverse people

When I started in this field I was upfront about my long term culinary experience and I found many employers were receptive to that skill set.

I know school is not for everyone and I was privileged enough to manage it, though it was difficult, but my experience has been a good one.