Ex-student With No Official Employment History

Hey everyone,

I've lurked here for a bit now and have a question that's really stressing me out.

I dropped out of university this month and I'm gonna start CDL school in April or May (whenever I save up enough cash). I've been at university since 2008, and switched majors in 2013 - got cold feet about going to law school so went to physics. So physics has beat the living heck out of me ever since and I'm just done with it (and school in general) and want to get my life moving and make some money.

My last W2 was in 2008. Ever since I've worked on my parents farm under the table. I've gotten lots of a valuable experience here with tractors and some other heavy equipment (a high lift). I have combination experience since I was using a pull behind bat wing mower a lot, and also a manure spreader.

I was mostly at school though so I never made enough money to file taxes. I'm worried this might make employment difficult. I was eyeballing PRIME (but going to a private school for the CDL) and I hear they can be sticklers, but on the other hand I've heard if you get people to vouch for you it shouldn't be a problem so I wanted to ask here and see what everyone thinks about the situation. I was really hoping to skip the bottom feeder companies, but if that's what I'm limited to then so be it, I guess.

Any response is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I'm sure I misunderstand, so please clarify. 8 years in college and no degree? Surely you have a Bachelors in something right?

If you do, maybe you should be looking into the office side of the business to get going.

I don't know what problems you may face from a lack of work history, but I'm guessing most employers would be skeptical of if you were in school that long and didn't earn any degree. I hope I'm wrong and I apologize if I read this wrong.

I'd recommend going to a community college or tech school if you choose to get your cdl beforehand. You can apply for financial aid and possibly get some assistance with the cost. Although some do go the private school route, it can be costly I believe. I went to a tech school and got a grant to pay for everything. If you can't afford schooling, it may be a better option to go through company like, Prime that you mentioned. You would need to sign a contract with most places, ranging from 9 months to a year or more. Hopefully our less lazy posters will post links for you on this thread.

Forgot to mention your work history. Most places want to know what you've been up too for the last few years. You may be able to provide them with transcripts or something from school showing you weren't getting into anything you shouldn't have.

I'm sure I misunderstand, so please clarify. 8 years in college and no degree? Surely you have a Bachelors in something right?

If you do, maybe you should be looking into the office side of the business to get going.

I don't know what problems you may face from a lack of work history, but I'm guessing most employers would be skeptical of if you were in school that long and didn't earn any degree. I hope I'm wrong and I apologize if I read this wrong.

No sir,

It was really stupid of me not to finish my bachelors in criminology as I was a semester away from it. And when I went to physics all my Gen Ed classes were finished, just was held up by pre-reqs like math classes and required physics classes to advance it so it was slow. If a company is okay with hiring ex-felons I'd figure they'd be okay with hiring a ****ty college student, but not much surprises me anymore. I have around 140 credits in total.

Honestly, they could care less about your college history unless you're applying for an office gig. No need to bash ex felons.

Forgot to mention your work history. Most places want to know what you've been up too for the last few years. You may be able to provide them with transcripts or something from school showing you weren't getting into anything you shouldn't have.

I'd be perfectly fine with sending them my transcript. Thanks.

Honestly, they could care less about your college history unless you're applying for an office gig. No need to bash ex felons.

I didn't intend for it to come off that way.

Welcome Clay. I wouldn't do anything that involves a financial commitment until you are fairly certain you will meet pre-qualifications for your potential employers.

I'd consider sending out pre-hire letters and talking to a few recruiters before making a decision to spend money.

• Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
• Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
• Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"

You should also consider this as an option too: Paid CDL Training Programs

Welcome Clay. I wouldn't do anything that involves a financial commitment until you are fairly certain you will meet pre-qualifications for your potential employers.

I'd consider sending out pre-hire letters and talking to a few recruiters before making a decision to spend money.

• Article: Understanding Pre-Hire Letters: The What, Why, And How Of This Important Step
• Trucker's Wiki: "Pre-Hire Letters"
• Forum Topics Tagged "CDL Pre-Hire Letters"

You should also consider this as an option too: Paid CDL Training Programs

Thank you