switching dive shops and job prospects

[Taskmaster]

Hello, dont want all my eggs in one basket with references when working in industry, and not happy with current LDS, so am looking to switch.

My question is...if i go to one shop for my DM, and another for AI and Insturctor, or do both AI and Instructor at same shop, will it bite me on the fanny when applying for jobs.

Figure three references is better than one, espically if things with LDS get worse, wont have a leg to stand on, so to speak.

Any advice??????????

 

[Diesel298]

well if your not happy with yur lds then id find a new one...
as far as getting training from various shops..
i done think anyones gonna really care...
keeping to a few shops will show stability

 

[PJP]

You need to be comfortable were you complete your training, if it is the professional levels you are looking at you do not need the added stress of not being happy with the LDC as well as completing these types of courses

 

[my1ocean]

When you find a shop you're happy with you'll want to stick with them. Your theory about three references as apposed to one has two sides. Three good references or one excellent one from a shop that really knows you and will stand behind you...

good luck.

 

[nessum]

If you're not happy with the shop maybe the first step is to address your concerns with the course director or shop manager or owner... someone with seniority that you trust. Perhaps something can be resolved. Perhaps you observe something problematic with the way they operate that they have not noticed.

If that doesn't work or if it's a multitude of problems or dangers than by all means, continue your training at a shop you find meets your needs and operates in a responsible fashion. You are paying for quality education, therefore you should be confident that is exactly what you are receiving.

Now, as others have mentioned there may be pros and cons to the multiple shop approach when it comes to references. First of all, will a shop you have left be willing to give you a good recommendation? Make sure the answer is yes before you put their contact information with your references. Second if you go through various shops some may wonder about your loyalties. But, if all the shops are happy with you, you're right a few good references may be better than just one.

 

[Gonz]

Just a newbie playing devil's advocate here but,

Is there any possibility that having certs from different shops could mean that perhaps with each new shop and cert course, even though they gave you a pass they asked you not to come back for any more instruction because you may be more of a liability than they want to deal with? I've read alot on here where shops will pass someone and give them the card just because you paid and they want you out of their hair. Now perhaps this isn't the case with you, and you're most likely a superstar diver who'll be on the cover of Sport Diver next month, but I'm just wondering if someone else looking at resumes might think the same thing.

 

[Taskmaster]

I think it will take a few months before theres a cover on sport diver, lol... think im a decent to good diver, but have loads to learn as well, most of my concerns are around the level of service at my shop re things like telling me what dives im doing for my AWO, rather than asking what i want to do for the ones i have choices on.

DM's not being aware of equipment other than the rental stuff they use, being in too much of a hurry to rush through the dive site. For me its my first time in Pacific tropical water, id like to be able to slow down and see the pretty fishies once in awhile.

For courses like Rescue, knowing whats expected for the next day, getting left behind by the boat, given tasks to do on my own time before my exam, and then others get the afternoon off to do those tasks, and in the end not collecting the data from them. ie Emergency plan, etc...

So its not like im upset they didnt give me a cinnamon latte after each dive, but you bring up a great point that i wouldnt have though of until it bit me on the behind, thank you.

 

[oly5050user]

Hello, dont want all my eggs in one basket with references when working in industry, and not happy with current LDS, so am looking to switch.

My question is...if i go to one shop for my DM, and another for AI and Insturctor, or do both AI and Instructor at same shop, will it bite me on the fanny when applying for jobs.

Figure three references is better than one, espically if things with LDS get worse, wont have a leg to stand on, so to speak.

Any advice??????????

cannot speak for allshops,but look at it this way..if you do resc/dm/ai then go for your idc at 1 lds that supports you , you have a better chance getting to teach there..they know you and will work with you and hopefully trust you..I know that when I hired an instructor he/she either had to be brought up the ranks at my facility or be known/experienced in the industry and had something to bring to the table..New instructors from elsewhere just took too much effort to train to do things the way we liked to..Perhaps if you do not or cannot do it this way you can work out a team teach thing at the lds that you want to be at..Perhaps perform as a dm until the lds feels comfortable with you..