Career Path Of An Orbit Analyst II At ExoAnalytic Solutions
Initially pursuing a "stuntman" career after graduating from Cal Poly in 2019, the interviewee's career path took an unexpected turn, involving teaching computer building and working at a juvenile hall before finding their first "real job" as a network engineer at Charter Communications. This initial role, despite its challenges, proved pivotal in opening doors to their current position as an Orbit Analyst II at ExoAnalytic Solutions, a job they secured after only applying for one or two positions and receiving "instant feedback."
Career Exploration, Job Search, Networking, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Chase Crawford
Orbit Analyst II
ExoAnalytic Solutions
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
-
Biology & Related Sciences
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense
Data and Analytics
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Despite initial plans to be a stuntman, Chase pursued diverse experiences after college, including teaching kids to build computers and working at a juvenile hall. This highlights the value of exploring different paths to discover passions and transferable skills.
2. Chase emphasizes the importance of "getting a foot in the door." His first job, even though not ideal, provided crucial experience and networking opportunities, leading to his current role at ExoAnalytic Solutions.
3. His career trajectory demonstrates the possibility of transitioning between unrelated fields. Chase's varied experiences showcase how skills developed in seemingly different areas can prove valuable in a professional career.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Please include any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
When I was at Cal Poly, I was convinced I was actually going to be a stuntman after college. I thought that would be fun, but it was always a backup or a side project. I knew there would eventually be something more tangible and real.
I did pursue the stuntman idea a little bit. In college, I didn't do many internships. I worked at iFixit, which is near Cal Poly. Other than that, I was convinced the stuntman thing was the way to go, and then I wanted to start my own business. That is what I ended up doing.
I graduated in 2019. After quickly giving up on the stuntman idea because I didn't really like LA, I was teaching kids how to build computers. I was navigating that path where I had the teaching part down, but making money wasn't so easy.
I ended up at a juvenile hall and found it super fun and loved it. Then COVID hit and everything shut down. That quickly came to an end, and it was no longer an option.
I moved home. Having not found a job right after college and without internships, it was difficult to find my first actual career job. Luckily, a friend worked at Charter Communications, so that was my first real job out of college. I didn't like it much, having to wake up super early.
I was a network engineer at Charter, but I was a contractor. It didn't make much sense because they said they weren't allowed to train me, but they knew exactly how much I knew. It was a weird situation. Luckily, that first job, even though it wasn't my favorite, opened a lot of doors.
I didn't have to apply to many jobs after that. I was at my six-month mark at Charter when I applied for my job at Exo. It was one of two jobs I applied for, and I got feedback instantly. Getting that foot in the door was super important and very helpful. After that, it set me up where I am now, and it's great. I love where I work now.
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