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Ti’era, 33, was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She completed the seven-month Electrical Applications program at Tulsa Welding School in Jacksonville in March 2026.
Thanks for your time, Ti’era. What did you do in the years before Tulsa Welding School?
Before Tulsa Welding School, I’d mostly been doing warehouse work. In 2017 I completed a Pharmacy Technician program, but right after that I had my daughter, so I went straight into full-time mom mode. A year or two later I went back into warehouse work because it was convenient, but after a while I started feeling stagnant. Eventually I transitioned into auto finance, working from home on the phone; I did that for three years. Toward the end, I realized I didn’t want to spend my life talking on the phone anymore.
Did you complete the Pharmacy Tech program? If so, why not pursue that?
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I did finish. I got some experience because we had to complete a certain number of hours in a pharmacy during school, but I never fully went into the field. I got my license, but I didn’t get certified. I actually took the certification test the day before my baby shower, so my mind really wasn’t focused on it. Honestly, after seeing the work environment, I realized it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I lost interest in it.
So, where did the idea of going into the trades, or specifically the electrical trade, come from?
I knew I wanted to learn a trade, but I wasn’t sure which direction to go. I kept hearing the Tulsa Welding School commercials on the radio every morning while taking my daughter to school. At the same time, I knew I wanted to do something hands-on instead of sitting on the phone all day. I looked at the options. HVAC didn’t really appeal to me because I didn’t want to crawl around in people’s attics, and Welding honestly never crossed my mind. So Electrical just felt like the right fit.
Did you have any experience with electrical work before starting? Family members in the trade?
None at all. I was completely green. I knew absolutely nothing. I knew not to stick my finger in a socket, but that was about it!
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After hearing the radio commercials, what was the process like? Did you come tour the campus?
Actually, everything was done virtually. I was still working in auto finance at the time, and my schedule didn’t really line up with touring the campus. So, I handled everything over the phone and through Zoom.
When you started the program, what schedule did you do?
I did the weekend program. We had virtual classes a couple of days during the week with assignments and quizzes, and then we went into the lab on Saturday mornings. From what I understand, we were actually the first weekend program to graduate.
Going into the program completely green, what did you enjoy most about your experience at Tulsa?
Honestly, the environment. My previous job was remote, so I really enjoyed getting out of the house on Saturdays and actually learning something new. The instructors and the classmates were all really cool and helpful. Nobody made me feel bad for not knowing anything, and honestly a lot of people were learning from scratch too. Overall, it was just a really supportive and friendly environment.
How difficult was the program? Did you have moments where you thought maybe it wasn’t for you?
In the beginning I caught on pretty quickly, especially during the first couple of phases. I really enjoyed learning how to hook up receptacles and switches. That was originally the route I thought I wanted to go career-wise – maybe have my own business wiring up residential new builds. Towards the end it got harder for me, once we got into motors and some of the more advanced material, but overall, I still enjoyed it.
Talk me through the hiring process after graduation.
Ms. Maureen in Career Services helped me with my résumé, and I was applying to jobs through Indeed, but I kept getting responses saying they needed more experience or had chosen other candidates. Then Ms. Maureen told me that an Aerotek recruiter was coming to campus. I went in and met with him, and honestly the process was pretty smooth from there. Aerotek are the recruiting company for IEM – Industrial Electrical Manufacturing. I’m now three weeks into training through Aerotek, and after 90 days, if all continues to go well, then I’ll get hired on directly with IEM.
So, a recruiter came to the TWS campus?
Yes. He gave us general information, collected our information, and then basically invited us in for a tour. It wasn’t really a formal interview process. It was more like, “Here’s the opportunity, come see it, and if you like it, we’ll move forward.”
Are you enjoying it so far?
I actually am. I’m wiring up electrical panels for Amazon at the moment; I’m working with another TWS graduate, Jared. I review the schematics and wire up the panels that he frames.
How do you feel about the pay and the opportunity?
I’m definitely excited about the potential. I knew coming in that I’d be starting at the bottom because I still have a lot to learn. My only frustration sometimes is knowing I went to school specifically for wiring while other people came in without that background and we’re making the same pay right now. But I also understand that I’m still gaining experience and building my résumé. Once I’ve proven what I can do, I hope to see a pay differential from others.
Where do you see your career going long-term?
Aerotek and IEM are definitely steppingstones for me. Originally, I thought I wanted to eventually start my own residential electrical business, but since working here, I’ve actually been enjoying the industrial side more than I expected. So, I’m giving myself time to figure out which direction I really want to go.
What is it about electrical work that appeals to you compared to warehouse work or office jobs?
Definitely working with my hands. I’ve always liked building things or putting things together, even stuff like assembling my daughter’s dollhouse. I also enjoy the independence that comes with this kind of work. I don’t really like constantly being watched over or micromanaged.
And even now, being new, you’re already getting some independence?
Surprisingly, yes. If I need help, I’ll ask somebody, but a lot of the time I’m working independently and I really enjoy that.
Did you make friends or connections during school that you still keep in touch with?
Yeah, there are a couple of people I still check in with from time to time to see how things are going.
I heard you finished with a pretty great GPA too, considering you had no experience.
Yeah, I think it was around a 3.57.
That’s excellent. You should absolutely be proud of yourself.
I really am. My family is too, especially my granddad. Ever since I signed up for school, he’s been saying he already has electrical work lined up for me around the house.
Sounds like a granddad is trying to save himself some money.
Exactly!
And what about your nine-year-old daughter? Is she proud of you too?
She is, but I think she’s used to getting all the attention, so now when people are congratulating me and telling me they’re proud of me, she has to adjust a little bit. But I’m sure she is proud of me!
What advice would you give to new students starting at Tulsa Welding School?
I’d tell them it can definitely feel overwhelming at times. I went into it pretty simple-mindedly, honestly, but if you’re open to learning and willing to stick with it, it’s absolutely possible to succeed. Not to sound clichéd, but if I can do it, anyone can.
If you’re a TWS graduate and would like to share your success and be an inspiration to others, please email [email protected] to be considered for a Graduate Connection interview. Please include details such as your graduation date (month/year), program, and campus name (Tulsa/Jacksonville/Houston/Dallas/Atlanta).
