FireLink

It seems to me that trying to be a firefighter in a major city is becoming incresingly hard. Every firefighter that i talk to tells me that there are thousands of applicants for each job. I'm trying not to get discouraged...but my question is; Where should i start. i was looking tino being a wildland firefighter, hoping that it will look good on my resume later on. is that a good idea?

That certainly wouldn't hurt you. A college education will certainly help you, be it a 2 or 4 year degree, or even just a few semesters. Anything you can do to get your self ahead. If you live in an area or close to an area that has volunteers it certainly isn't a bad idea to join and make sure that you like FFing because it's not for every one.

Check out the Firelink Training Articles >> Career Advancement by Paul Lepore it contains some excellent advice and information.

 

BlueBlazer says ...

I would definitely try to volunteer somewhere before you apply to a big-city career department.  They love experience and previous training.  Less for them to have to do.  That, and you can figure out if you really like it.  We have some people on our department who cannot stand medical calls.  No way they would get into a full-time department that in which 75% of calls medical calls.  In southeastern Michigan, at least, an associate's degree in Fire Science, FF I & II training, and Paramedic (nationally registered) is what will get people interested.  Other specialized training like technical rescue, advanced FF training like survival and RIT, and hazmat will also help.

Best of  luck.

The truth.