Brian Griffin - Electronic & Communications System Technology
Posted: November 10, 2014
Brian Griffin ’14 started his education at Bates Technical College in the Electronic and Communications Systems Technology program. He earned his associate in applied science in May, 2014.
What’s your background?
I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. My oldest brother, Oren Griffin, a professor at Mercer College in Georgia, and I were raised by a single mother (Brenda) and grandmother until I was a junior in high school, and then she married her best friend Edward and they are still married until this day almost 30 years.
I joined the Army Reserves out of high school in 1985 went through basic training and advance training. After a year, I decided to go active. In January 1987, I went active duty as a Food Service Specialist and went from no rank Private E-1 to Sergeant First Class E-7. I was stationed in Korea for three tours, two tours in Germany, numerous short tours in Italy, Poland, Bosnia, and a final combat tour in Afghanistan from 2009-2010 with the 5th Stryker Brigade out of JBLM, which does not exist anymore. I came to Tacoma because I was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in October 2007, and retired from the U.S. Army after 25 years in December 2010. Then, I married the love of my life, LeSa, in 2010.
What brought you to Bates Technical College? What was your experience like?
I heard about Bates through the VA and WorkSource. The job I was working (Dining Services Manager) was going in a different direction, so I was let go in March 2012. I took some needed time off, and did a career change with the VA CH 31, to something I wanted to do. I did some research on all the colleges, and I decided that Bates was the college for me. I looked at all the programs and nothing attracted me until I saw the Electronic and Communications Systems Technology program. It was different and looked very interesting to me, plus, the way the world is going, the education I’d receive in this program is in demand.
My instructor, Laura Robertson, and all the Information Technolgoy instructors are very good, they took me from knowing nothing to understanding how information technology works.
What are your career goals?
Just to go as high as I can go with a great organization and retire again. Employment prospects? Did I mention I was hired by Boeing Aircraft Company How will Bates help you get there? Basic electronics and Networking Cabling training from the IT Instructors and learning how to conduct myself on interviews and creating a great resume from working with Laura my instructor.
If you are out of the military and don’t know what to do or where to go, education is the best thing for you, go to school and get a skill. I’m very glad I chose Bates Technical College as my education choice for the start of my new career.