Life is a continuous chain of experiences. These experiences are both good and bad but both help us live a more educated and productive life. Experience is a key ingredient to success on the job. Experience is the key element to being successful at a job or earning a more desired job. Perhaps the toughest job in broadcast meteorology or operational meteorology is the first job. Once your foot is in the door, it is much easier after that point. Broadcast meteorology like many other "trades" requires having physical practice (not just learning from a book). The broadcast meteorology student who is already employed is at a great advantage. Although balancing school and work among other things can create a large workload, the reward in the end can be huge. Taking classes and gaining practical experience at the same time is truly a blessing. It is like doing two things at the same time (it saves time and money!) After paying your dues with the large work load of classes and your job combined, the reward in the end will be: (1) More experience at the current job (2) A more complete meteorological education (3) Potential to earn a higher paying job (4) More free time (if you want it) and (5) A feeling of personal growth and respect from others. One of the greatest feelings in life is that of respect. With it, your life can feel more important and meaningful. Education and experience allow the individual to build respect from other people for the "trade" that they do. Respect in broadcast meteorology can be earned through accurate forecasts, a warm personality, community involvement, being trusted and available during times of severe weather, and having the ability to relate your forecasts in an understandable and personable manner. One of the ultimate meanings of life is to learn. No one can live life without learning something. What you learn and experience can often determine your success or failure in life. Effortful learning combined with real life on the job experience is a winning formula for success. Your choices and your experiences help create the person that you are. |