testing for career departments

[SonicFF]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the middle of changing careers from law enforcement to fire protection. I tested with one career department so far (didn't pass the physical-more on that later) and am testing with several others in the fall. I am interested in hearing other women's experiences with this kind of testing. Most of the women who tested with me last time had some sort of negative experience with the men on the department during the testing, or felt unwelcome. I was a bit disappointed to hear that, and just wonder if it is a common occurence. My own experience wasn't so great; I was given a helmet for the physical that was way too big and wouldn't adjust down - I was told to just "live with it" and consequently had to do the test mostly blind. I only missed the time by a few seconds and am reasonably sure that had I not had to chase my helmet all over the place (it fell off a few times) I would have passed without a problem.

In any case, I am interested in hearing everyone's thoughts, experiences and advice.

Stay safe!

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Sonic

[KGM]

It's hard to say if their attitude was against women or just testing cadets in general. (Typical Firefighter against rookie attitude!)

They probably were using older helmets with out the ratcheting head band. Try borrowing a helmet that fits, (they may or may not let you use it) or find a way to make a larger helmet fit. (head band, Bandana, Paper towels, tighten chin strap real tight)

I was lucky with my career dept. They were very supportive of all the testers, male and female. They cheered during the test and kept on our tail telling you "you can do it!" I was one of three females who made it through the physical testing. Two of us made it through the academy. To this date we are the only two females out of 110 combat firefighters.

I changed careers from 15 years in Graphic Arts. I always told my friends I was going to get a less stressful job, and I did! I love this career!

Being from lawenforcement, I am sure you have experienced the attitude of the few men who think they are the only ones who can do the job. If you want a taste of it go to the "firefighters forum:Women in the firehouse" Don't let it discourage you though, these guys are the minority, they just seem to cry louder.

Let me know if you have any other questions!
Good luck and stick with it! It is worth it!

[This message has been edited by KGM (edited 06-24-2001).]

[SonicFF]

Sounds like you have a great bunch of guys to work with! That was another difficult thing about the test - the proctors were dead silent the whole time. It was pretty weird, especially since I have been training with my friends and they are very encouraging. I am certainly going to keep trying and take it all as a learning experience. I was on a great volunteer dept. and know there are some good departments out there. Hopefully I will find the right one for me!

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Sonic

[eelamb]

Testing to go career is very stressful. In my testing experience, I have not had any of the men give me a hard time. The departments I have chosen to test for and now work for are very progressive and have or have had a lot of female firefighters. If you let the male\female thing get too much in the way, the whole testing process is going be that much more negative. Easier said than done, I know. Good luck!