Jeremy Potter
- Firefighter/EMT
- Idaho Falls Fire Department
School Information
School: Utah State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2009 to 2011
Career Information
Working For: Idaho Falls Fire Department
Title: Firefighter/EMT
Industry: Public Safety
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Respond to emergency calls on fire engine, ladder truck, ambulance, etc. and assist in fire suppression activities, medical emergencies, extrication/rescue of victims. Maintain stations, apparatus, and equipment. Participate in constant training and improvement in job related knowledge and skills. Participate in community outreach, education, and public relations events.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?I have two, being a father, and getting hired as a full-time firefighter.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
The experience and skill-sets I gained with College Works Painting benefit me not only in my career, but in all aspects of my life.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
Immediately after graduation I worked for College Works Painting for 2 years. Following my time with College Works Painting I began to work towards becoming a Firefighter. The planning, goal setting, interview skills, and work ethic I learned and developed with College Works Painting were a big part of reaching my goal.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Never quit.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
It’s only 6 months. If you are going to do it, give it all you have. If you half ass it things won’t go well for you.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Don’t give up!!! Get all the experience you can through volunteer work, reading books, going to school and getting your EMT or Paramedic certification. Get any kind of work experience you can involving working with tools, mechanical work, and leadership. Get in shape! Most importantly test and interview with any fire department any chance you get. It will most likely take a few frustrating years of trying to get hired somewhere before you make it. Couldn’t be more worth it when you do!
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
The relationships that I built with people working hard and playing hard together.