Not really basic, but need advice!

[chiara]

I just completed my Dive Master certification, have been diving for almost two years and have 109 logged dives (should be 110 by tomorrow night, not sure yet); some time into the future I might decide to go on to do my IDC, maybe in a year or two.

I have a very good job, well paid, and have no intention to quit and go somewhere exotic living there the rest of my life, just use diving as extra fun and perhaps the opportunity to introduce others to the wonder.

What buggers me is the attitude I've seen in some of the recent posts "we don't want an unexperienced instructor!"

Right, but someone fresh out of his/her IE has to start somewhere!

Whatever the agency, when you get to professional level they don't give you a c-card unless you deserve it.

 

[Walter]

I see several statements, but no question. What do you need advice about? Are you possibly wondering the age old question how do you get hired without experience and how do you get experience if you can't get hired?

Don't worry about it. Some people actually do some research into what would be best in a course and some might include experience in that criteria. The vast majority of students have no idea what to expect and blindly take the first or cheapest class they encounter. They'll never know you are teaching your first class unless you tell them.

"Whatever the agency, when you get to professional level they don't give you a c-card unless you deserve it."

Perhaps, but there are lots of divemasters and instructors who are incompetent. They've either never deserved their cards, but received them anyway or they've ceased to deserve them by either forgetting what they once knew or they don't care to expend the effort to do the job correctly.

DSSW,

WWW™

 

[DivingGal]

The attitude of "we don't want you without experience" occurs in all walks of life not only diving. How often have you seen in a job advert, "want a **** with 5 years experience" (fill in the *** with what ever position)...

I'll be interested in the responses you receive, as I've considered taking the next step from DM to instructor.

 

[MNScuba]

It is unfortunate, but as it's already been said... It goes with all job categories, especially one's where people are basically putting their lives in your hands, which is why most people want an 'experienced' instructor even though they might not really know what that means. Are they looking for an instructor that has 1000's of logged dives, or are they looking for an instructor that has been teaching for many years? I guess it all depends on the 'horror' stories they hear before deciding to even take the class. I did zero research on my instructor and put the responsibility of learning in my own hands.... reading the book, watching the videos, joining ScubaBoard (probably my most valuable learning tool) and asking questions... lots of questions!

Take this for what it's worth...

Good luck, and best wishes on instructing!

 

[fredk]

i wouldn't concern myself with the experience question too much, there are dive operators out there who will hire inexperienced instructors simply because they can't intice experienced instuctors for the reason that alot not all experienced instructors expectations are too high. cruise lines are a good choice they hire new instructors, some instructors will not want to do some of the other jobs that are part of the territory when you work on a ship. they figure if it doesn't involve diving it's not their job. as a shop owner i would hire a new instructor in a heart beat simply for the enthusiasm that they have after finishing the ie. however when i managed the bay island college of diving we always were on the look out for our new instructors who suffered from n.i.s.{new instructor syndrome} they thought they were gods and they were the only ones with knowledge. don't be discouraged jobs can be had.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Originally posted by chiara
What buggers me is the attitude I've seen in some of the recent posts "we don't want an unexperienced instructor!"

You don't want to work for these folks. There are plenty who want "competent" instructors - "experience" is nice, but all too often that's just another word for "deeply ingrained bad habits." A savvy operator will gladly take a competent, flexible, responsive and enthusiastic new instructor - they're easier to teach to do it "right" for that shop.
Be positive and enthusiastic and anybody who's any good will love you.
How're things in Brussels? I lived in Ath for three years; enjoyed afternoons on the Grand Place sipping a Mort Subite gueze, then a stroll through the Rue d'une Personne to the Rue de Petite Bouchers for dinner often.
Rick

 

[chiara]

Someone who knows where to find good beer!

Rick, you surprise me!

It was snowing on Saturday, chilly cold on Sunday, but I managed to get a couple nice dives in Lacs de l'Eau d'Heure and Rochefontaine (half an hour away from Charleroi).

I'm not really concerned about future employers, more on future students; I reckon most of them won't know the difference, but some of the people we see round here do pay attention to your experience, even though they know nothing about basic scuba; anyway, I've decided I want to finish my IDC in time to blow off my 40th birthday candles (little less than four years into the future, where should I go to finish IE on January, 30th?)

And please do not say DSM in Brussels:cold:

 

[The Chairman]

I plan to essentially teach for free. I have taken on the role as a Venture Crew (BSA) Advisor, and as such will always have willing students to learn. Like you, I have no desire to do this as a job... heck I make good money as a Network Consultant. But I do agree with at least one thing Pres Bush has said... each American should give back 4000 hours (two years) in volunteer service. I think I am on my third set of service hours, but so what. Some say give till it hurts... I would rather give till it feels good!

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Students will always have certain expectations of an instructor. Competency is implicit in their expectations, so often it is not inquired about. Some are concerned about experience, some are concerned abouthaving a good personality match, and some students want to know about your teaching style. No instructor will ever be the first choice for every student.

As to employers, I've seen two schools of thought. Some employers want newly certified instructors because of the enthusiasm and because hopefully the instructor is open to ways to improve teaching style.

Other employers want only experienced instructors, and seem to mentally equate experience with competence. That is not always a good assumption.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Originally posted by chiara
Someone who knows where to find good beer!
(half an hour away from Charleroi).

Off subject here - We used to frequent the market in Charleroi, just walking around (Sunday, I believe, if my memory is correct - but could have been Saturdays). There was a particular boudin vendor there who had the best of the best; onions just so, fresh baguette to put it on... oh, my, was that ever good...
My youngest was born in Casteau, at the SHAPE hospital in '88. She's almost old enough for us to bring her back to see the countryside - I'm waiting until she's old enough to sample the beers and the cuisine and appreciate it.
My regular email is murchison@bellsouth.net
Rick