Advice Needed - NS M.OW Management Trainee offer

[Krystian]

Hey guys,

I am a recent college graduate seeking some advice from experienced railroaders that can give me an honest opinion about working in the rail industry. I have successfully passed the Norfolk Southern hiring process for the Maintenance of Way Management Trainee position. The job is offered to me. After doing a little bit of research I am surprised with the amount of negative feedback from the online community about the position! Seeing comments such as "you will never see you friends and family" , "you will work 12-14 hours a day" , "you will be getting calls at night" , "you will be hated by the labor force" have really started to question my view on the position and whether I should accept the offer...

Since graduating from college 2 months ago with a civil engineering degree I got an internship with a mid size general contractor in my area. The internship will turn into a permanent job, as I was recently told by the boss. I am happy with the current job, but I also have the urge to travel and work for a big company while I am young.

Can someone speaking from experience give me some honest feedback about the position offered to me, the company, and some advice ?


Thank you

 

[Ed Sand]

The working conditions in the Transportation Dept. for management trainees and entry level management can be horrible, I can certainly admit. However, the MOW/Engineering side is usually very different. I have no firsthand knowledge, but my second hand is that it is generally a good place to work.

 

[Crow]

All the bad things you are hearing are about transportation. MOW will work a normal schedule. Granted there are call outs for broken rails and derailments, but you'll have a core group of employees who work for you and you'll know them. There will be personalities, but all of the horror stories are typically being a transportation manager.