Hey guys, I last posted about getting started with a job in the roller coaster/theme park industry sometime over the summer. Well after a couple months...I've decided that I would like to apply for a job at SFGA over the summer. I figure it's better than working in an internship at a place that has nothing to do with what I want to do in life.

I have thoughts and questions though. The thing is...SFGA always has a lot of kids who just apply there b/c they need a job for the hell of it. As in, they don't really have a passion for working in a theme park. A list of job openings are listed on the site, but I don't know whether I should settle for that. I want to let them know that I'm not a typical kid who just needs something to do over the summer. I think that if they know that I really want to get involved in the industry that they might give me a job that is more involved than a ride host.

I'm currently studying mechanical engineering and would one day like to work as an engineer in the industry. Would a ride host/hostess be an appropriate job to start for? Or should I send them an e-mail requesting something else that is coaster/ride related? I'm not sure what to do. Any advice would be well appreciated. Thanks.

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brian
civil engineer '08
favorite steel: alpengeist (busch gardens: williamsburg)
favorite wooden: el toro (six flags great adventure)

I think that you should become a ride op/host so I can get a feel on how the rides operate. You'll probably know a lot more than you know now 'cause you'll be sitting there all day watching the rides operate.

Plus, you'll know what to do in case of an emergency. You will have to think about that when designing a ride.

I won't be going back into rides at Cedar Point for the 2005 season for reasons beyond my control. I applied for a ride host position at SFGAdv in late January and I called their HR and Park Operations offices to get info about their employee housing and approximate time until applications will be reviewed. As of Feb. 1, applications are being reviewed, and it is Feb. 6 I haven't heard a thing back from them.

I don't think being an engineering student will give you any seniority over any other typical Jersey kid, parks do not hire any first year employees expecting anything out of them, but let's hope I'm wrong - I'm an engineering student, too. I'd reccomend applying, waiting a week, if you don't get a reply, call their park op office (732-928-2000 and use the extension 2635), and explain your situation: you are an engin student, want to work in amusement rides industry one day, and you want to gain some experience working on rides. SF would be glad to hear that they can hire a new employee that WANTS to do a good job.

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Thank you for riding Reaper! Drop Ride to Doom, and remember to desecrate a sanctuary today.

Yes they would. Trust me, they love people who love their job. And, yes, their are people who just go their for money, but I have seen someone fired because he/she didn't care about their job anymore and just slacked off all the time. But, right now, they are really busy. They have so many people they have to interview for rehire. When I went to turn in my rehire papers last monday, I was their for 3 hours because their was so many people.

SF expects you at your best when working. If you give your best and do your job very well, they will give you a gold tag. IMO SFGadv is a nice park to work at from my experence. But I wasn't a ride op. So I have no clue what that is like.

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yeah i don't think you should be picky about the job. because if you only tell them you want to do one thing they might think, that you think your too good for other jobs in the park. you can alway work your way up to rides op if you don't get it your first year. you should just take what ever they give you. or at least when you or if you go on an interview, tell them your ideas and maybe they will put you at a ride.

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Kennywood Team Member 2004 Kiddieland
2005 Racer/Jack Rabbit Crew
2006 Racer/Skycoaster/Paddle Boats Crew
2007 Thunderbolt/Turtle/Gold Rusher Crew

that's true...i mean...i just didn't want to be treated as the typical im a kid who just needs a summer job for money kind of person u know?

i appreciate the help everyone.

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brian
civil engineer '08
favorite steel: alpengeist (busch gardens: williamsburg)
favorite wooden: el toro (six flags great adventure)

I was a team member in rides last season, and I think it's a great idea for anyone who wants to have a "big-wig" role at a park someday to start out at the bottom because you learn so much more that way. You learn every little noise about rides and noises tell you so much. You learn a lot about the flow of people-traffic through ques and how to make it more efficient, and you learn a lot about what pisses people off and how to improve on it. It's just a great experience for anyone, so senses_failing, start off as a team member and if you impress them, they'll promote you to a leadership position eventually. I'm a lead this season myself at SFFT.

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SFFTnet

thanks! i'm applying for that ride host position now...i appreciate it ...everyone has been really helpful.

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brian
civil engineer '08
favorite steel: alpengeist (busch gardens: williamsburg)
favorite wooden: el toro (six flags great adventure)