NukeWorker Forum

Career Path => Getting in => Topic started by: bdwilson on Aug 07, 2014, 06:02

Title: Changing Careers to Nuke from Paralegal
Post by: bdwilson on Aug 07, 2014, 06:02
I type 125+ wpm and detail oriented as I have been a Legal Assistant for 22 years and would like to get started in the Nuke field to be able to travel with my husband, Robert T. Wilson.  Where should I start to get in the door and show I can be a great asset to the company?
Title: Re: Changing Careers to Nuke from Paralegal
Post by: RDTroja on Aug 07, 2014, 09:30
Years ago the site coordinator for the RP contract company would have a clerk or administrative assistant for the outage... not so much any more. However, you may have a shot with one of the bigger companies such as D&Z or whoever has the maintenance contract. Unfortunately, even with experience as a Legal Assistant (and I understand that is no small job) you probably could not translate that into more than admin assistant in the nuclear world (unless the utility is used to getting sued a lot.)

What does your husband do? What is his trade/craft? It is still fairly common for a Senior RP technician to get his wife/girlfriend an entry level deconner job but that is a big step down from being a legal assistant (no slam on deconners at all -- I have a deep respect for good deconners.) You could then work your way up, but it takes a while.

Good luck, what ever path you choose (or chooses you.)
Title: Re: Changing Careers to Nuke from Paralegal
Post by: bdwilson on Aug 12, 2014, 12:39
My husband is an Insulator.  Thank you so much for the input; very much appreciated.
Title: Re: Changing Careers to Nuke from Paralegal
Post by: Ksheed on Aug 12, 2014, 01:10
You should be able to get in as an admin assistant possible timekeeper? I would guess that pay would be in the $14-$20 range with OT. If you're traveling with your husband you guys would be double dipping per diem. That would help with your overall take-home pay.

Sharp admin assistants often move up to other non-manual labor roles such as schedulers, coordinators, or safety observers.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Changing Careers to Nuke from Paralegal
Post by: bdwilson on Aug 12, 2014, 01:19
Thanks for the assist; have a great day.