Where are some good schools that specialize in Railroads? I know there is one in Kansas but I’m looking for one closer to or in Illinois. What can I do to get a scholarship? What classes can I take in High School? Im already planning on taking a few industry and technology classes. (I have to go through an I&T survey class which is the introduction class, I’m currently taking it). Should I take any bussiness classes? I’m also going to take spanish. Im in a club at school called Skillz USA. Its basicly what we learn in our Industry and Tech classes put into a compitition. I was told it could help get into the Railroad carrear so I’m going to really try hard in that club.
I think I’ve heard about programs at UIUC and Michigan State University. I don’t have any details, but both schools are just an Amtrak ride (from Chicago) away.
U of I at Champaign has one of the oldest continuously running curriculums out there. Chris Barkan (cbarkan@uiuc.edu) is the guy in charge of the program. He would be in the best position to answer your questions.
The school has a good track record of placing people with railroads upon graduation.
It would be useless to take chemical engineering if you expect that discipline to get you an advantage in getting a job as a brakeman. The only advantage is the fact that you show the necessary intelligence and study skills to complete the course.
I do not know of any schools other than those mentioned, however, if you wish to get into the Operating Department on a railroad, any college will suffice to demonstrate study skills and determination, as the actual requirement for a brakeman or such is a high School diploma or GED and the necessary physical skills, i.e., vision, hearing, lifting skills etc.
Amtrak tends to hire the most consistently, although I do not know what the hiring practices are for freight roads in your area. Any major road will place you in their training program to give you the necessary knowledge to serve you as you learn for the next 30 or 40 years, on the job.
Yes - get some business classes. These will be useful no matter where you end up with your career. Every decision in the RR (and other) industry involves $$$.