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Education or Work Experience

18 posts
  1. Giermak Matthew J
    Giermak Matthew J avatar
    1/7/2012 11:01 AM
    When you guys are hiring an Assistant or 2nd Assistant superintendent do you care more about their education (if they have a 4-year degree, 2-year degree or certificate) or were they have previously worked at?

    thanks



  2. David Brandenburg
    David Brandenburg avatar
    3 posts
    1/7/2012 2:01 PM
    From the resume I would say work experience then education. From the interview experience, personality, education.



  3. Sean Hoolehan
    Sean Hoolehan avatar
    0 posts
    1/8/2012 8:01 AM
    Each job will need a individual approach. Your Resume as well as your letter of introduction should be tailored for each job. Using the internet to search as much information as you can about the course and the superintendent is a start, but use your network also. Education can sometimes be a big plus or in some cases be neutral. In your research about the course find things in your experience and education that directly relate to the job you are interested in. You need to sell your intangibles that give insight into the kind of person you are. Often we are looking for the right fit. If you can afford it find a career coach or employment professional http://career-lift.com/ Lyne Tumlinson is a former director of Career Development for GCSAA who now does coaching. This type of expertise is what is often missing in a college education. Once you get a interview practice before you go. bring handouts, dress appropriately, arrive early, and pay attention to everything from your presentation leaving your car (clean vehicle), to how you leave. A smart employer is watching it all. Good Luck



  4. Clay Putnam
    Clay Putnam avatar
    33 posts
    1/8/2012 8:01 AM
    To answer your question Matt, experience...



  5. Wahlin Scott B
    Wahlin Scott B avatar
    1/8/2012 9:01 AM
    Bob Finnie wrote a book, "All the World's an Interview". I would love to find a copy if anyone knows how to go about this. He was hired by the State of Florida to work with the unemployed and I was lucky enough to be counseled by him. He says there are four hiring criteria (1) do they like you, (2) do they trust you, (3) are they confident you will produce, and (3) will you be a pleasure in business? Address these four considerations in your application, interview and follow-up note. Bob felt the follow-up was the most important step in the process, even more so than the interview.



  6. Keith Fellenstein
    Keith Fellenstein avatar
    0 posts
    1/9/2012 11:01 AM
    work ethic and personality - experience - education



  7. Trevor Monreal
    Trevor Monreal avatar
    5 posts
    1/9/2012 6:01 PM
    Can you speak spnaish? & Do you watch NASCAR?



  8. Andy Jorgensen
    Andy Jorgensen avatar
    1 posts
    1/9/2012 6:01 PM
    Trevor Monreal said: Can you speak spnaish? & Do you watch NASCAR?


    How many R&R jackets do you own?




    Not really, but, really.....I think the personality says a lot in the interview. The experience AND education will both get you in the door, it's up to you to do the rest.



  9. Keith Pegg
    Keith Pegg avatar
    0 posts
    1/9/2012 6:01 PM
    An assistant or an Assistant? A fresh out of College person that worked summers on a golf course could be a good candidate for an assistant (DEF) a personal assistant to the superintendent that is only going to be on the job for 1-2 years. That wants to be a Superintendent after 1-3 golf course apprentices like program.
    Or an Assistant (more like a Forman) one that is a #2 in charge of the staff. Many times oversees most project works and also does all the jobs on the course when needed. Works under the direction of the Superintendent but not with him or her all day every day. May stay 5 to forever years on the same course, or could move to a Superintendents job in time. This person may or may not have finished College.
    A #2 assistant never been sure myself what that is but have seen a few of them, often the will be in charge of irrigation and or parts of the mowing teams.

    Keith
    Zama Japan



  10. Ronald Kirkman
    Ronald Kirkman avatar
    40 posts
    1/9/2012 9:01 PM
    Mathew;

    I realize time has changed - but I can't help but remember, 56 years ago a farmer informed me he would hire intelligence over education any day.

    Capt. Kirk
    Retired Alien
    Needham Golf Club
    Needham, MA



  11. Homme David R
    Homme David R avatar
    1/10/2012 3:01 AM
    You need BOTH nowadays..........

    Dave Homme
    Falls Resort



  12. Trevor Monreal
    Trevor Monreal avatar
    5 posts
    1/10/2012 5:01 AM
    OK...seriously, willingness to work/learn sprinkled with some common sense.
    Brag more about how hard you are willing to work and how you figured out (all by yourself) that sod goes down green side up over your ed-ju-macation and/or how you were one of 30 interns at Augusta.
    This will get you in (and don't forget to ask if you can get off work early enough every day to get in 9 holes...always a winner).



  13. Steve Nelson
    Steve Nelson avatar
    0 posts
    1/10/2012 7:01 AM
    Personality, attitude, intelligence, and education. Forget experience-I don't want to have to retrain somebody after they've been with one of you guys for a while. :D

    Of course, I don't have an assistant and probably won't ever get one so what do I know. I do have a Foreman that has worked here for 38 years who is a great guy and indespensible employee- So in all seriousness I ditto what Keith P. said.



  14. Spotts David A
    Spotts David A avatar
    1/10/2012 5:01 PM
    I will take someone who learned on the job over read it in a book any day. Had a lot of both over the last 30 years and the guys who learned it on the job are better. Doesn't hurt to read the instructions but hands on is when the real learning starts. Of course the BOD like to see that degree, they just don't want to pay for it.



  15. Gary Carls
    Gary Carls avatar
    19 posts
    1/11/2012 8:01 AM
    In my case I would say experience and personality are the two biggest factors. I have been fortunate to have long-term stable crews and you want to make sure that the new person will mesh well with them so they maintain a positive attitude. You also have to be able to get along with them and feel a sense of trust. In a lot of ways you hope that they think the same way you do but you also want them comfortable enough around you that they may challenge you with different ways to do things. Similar work experience at similar courses to what they are coming into is also a big plus.

    Gary K. Carls, CGCS, President - Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative

  16. Melvin Waldron
    Melvin Waldron avatar
    43 posts
    1/11/2012 11:01 AM
    For an assistant's position, well at places I had one, I would prefer them having an work experience first, at least so they know their way around a golf course. (had one one time, didn't have work experience, not good), and then would prefer they have some education as well, shows their willingness to improve themselves. Just mine opinion.

    Mel

    Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO

  17. James Schmid
    James Schmid avatar
    1 posts
    1/11/2012 11:01 AM
    For me a candidate who is serious about a career in the industry should have both. Some education is fine - I don't care if they have 2 years or 4 years or PhD. Work experience also necessary for someone who expects to fill a position as a manager.



  18. Baumgart Robert H
    Baumgart Robert H avatar
    1/11/2012 12:01 PM
    Like everyone said you need a combination of both. Education is probably not the first thing I look for, but it will be there if I'm hiring you. Push your work history and personal attributes 1st. Then education.

    More and more guys are like me. They have realized the traits needed to get ahead and set themselves apart, whether that's by education, certification, or both. If they took the time and spent the money to get a degree (BS). It should be important to you. It is to me.



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