Cpl. David J. Leal is a Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support System (RTCASS) technician with more than four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Bakersfield resident expressed an interest in being a warden for the California Department of Fish and Game or an auto mechanic or automotive engineer. During his 10-day experience with the military mentoring initiative, he went to Dave's Auto Service and Repair in Carlsbad and Lexus Carlsbad.
Briefly, describe your experience with the program.
I was essentially an automotive technician for two weeks. I dressed the part, got my hands dirty with the rest of them, and even worked late with the rest of the technicians. I was to narrow down my options within the field of work, and I did.
What type of activities did you do?
At Lexus Carlsbad, I was able to see how the dealership service department compares to an independent repair shop. I followed along with one of the service advisors and saw how he performed his duties handling the internal cars repair and maintenance. I spent time with one of their senior technicians while he and his apprentice rebuilt an engine throughout the week. I also spent a day a the Lexus Escondido location to get a broader scope of the environment and saw how different locations handled their business and customers. I also spent a day at the Toyota-Lexus Collision Center to see how the body and paint repair process works.
What were your mentorship objectives or goals?
My primary objective was to really get a good idea on what life would be were I to become an automotive technician. I wanted to find more than just what the daily routine was, like what my schedule would be, how tired I would be when I got home, and the overall work atmosphere of a repair shop.
How has this program helped you with your preparation for your transition and with your career or educational decisions?
This program has completely given me a path to follow. I now know exactly what my next steps are, and I can confidently say that the doubts surrounding my potential future career have vanished. I know what I want to do, and I know how to execute it.
Boots in Business is the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's military mentoring initiative, which enlists local businesses to provide mentoring opportunities for service members who are about to leave the military. For more information about the program, contact Madonna May at [email protected].
Briefly, describe your experience with the program.
I was essentially an automotive technician for two weeks. I dressed the part, got my hands dirty with the rest of them, and even worked late with the rest of the technicians. I was to narrow down my options within the field of work, and I did.
What type of activities did you do?
At Lexus Carlsbad, I was able to see how the dealership service department compares to an independent repair shop. I followed along with one of the service advisors and saw how he performed his duties handling the internal cars repair and maintenance. I spent time with one of their senior technicians while he and his apprentice rebuilt an engine throughout the week. I also spent a day a the Lexus Escondido location to get a broader scope of the environment and saw how different locations handled their business and customers. I also spent a day at the Toyota-Lexus Collision Center to see how the body and paint repair process works.
What were your mentorship objectives or goals?
My primary objective was to really get a good idea on what life would be were I to become an automotive technician. I wanted to find more than just what the daily routine was, like what my schedule would be, how tired I would be when I got home, and the overall work atmosphere of a repair shop.
How has this program helped you with your preparation for your transition and with your career or educational decisions?
This program has completely given me a path to follow. I now know exactly what my next steps are, and I can confidently say that the doubts surrounding my potential future career have vanished. I know what I want to do, and I know how to execute it.
Boots in Business is the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's military mentoring initiative, which enlists local businesses to provide mentoring opportunities for service members who are about to leave the military. For more information about the program, contact Madonna May at [email protected].