Gun store employment and colleges

C

Colvin

New member
Hey TFL,

If I were to work at a large local gun store and training center, would it be beneficial to mention that in college applications?

Obviously any sort of employment is a huge benefit, but my worry is that some schools would look unfavorably on firearm owners as students. As for specific schools, I'm applying to University of Chicago and Columbia University in New York- and for obvious reasons, it might not be great to mention. I'm applying to University of Michigan as well as likely all the Ivy League schools too.

Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.
 
If it asks about employment and you would list Best Buy if you worked there, list your gun store employment. Maybe use "sporting goods" or "outdoor" in the name/description. If they don't ask, don't tell. Don't make yourself sound obsessed like most of us are and you'll be ok. ;)
 
I worked as a part time firearm sales and a gunsmith's apprentice for 4years. My job description for resume shows general job description that sounds like I worked selling snowboards.

It isn't shame, but strategic knowledge that ignorant sheep work out there that will hold issues like this against you and advancement of self worth and being in higher positions can make the difference in the end.
 
I don't think it is a benefit or that much of a deficit. Schools are going to care more about scores, grades, do you have money, can you play HoppyBall or whatever sport they care about and public service kinds of volunteer work, ethnic, etc. identity.

Just mention you worked in retail in a single sentence. In your personal essay if you go on a RKBA soapbox - won't help. Go read sample winning essays - personal struggle, finding yourself, helping others - wanting to discover new things and be a scholar.

Or are you trying to make a point for the righteous indignation one can field after rejection. Your choice.
 
Whatever you do put down and however you phrase it, you do need to show that you were doing something. A time gap on a resume or application is an eye catcher and usually brings questions. Even if you were in prison, you can at least say you had an "entry level state job".:)
 
When it comes to applications or resumes, I would never put anything that even remotely suggests I own, handle, or participate in any way in the shooting sports. Nor do I hint about religion or political beliefs. First, it’s no one’s business. Second, it could discourage. The only help would be to an employer also involved in the shooting sports.

Any gaps in something like a resume can easily be explained by saying you where self employed. That's what I do.
 
I'm applying to University of Chicago and Columbia University in New York- and for obvious reasons, it might not be great to mention.
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First, that's a little pretentious statement for obvious reasons. Your a smart young man, that he should be able to figure out all by him self.


Now that I said that, ovoid discrimination toward the subject, or say it loud, and say it proud.
 
If you are applying to any university in the south, working in a gun shop is a plus. If you are applying to any university in Tennessee, Texas or Nevada, you MUST mention guns somewhere on your application.

If you are applying to Ivy League schools, you need to get as creative as possible about your work experience - the more dishonest and creative you are on your college application, the more the Ivy League schools will want you. In fact, you really need to tell them how you are a poor starving illegal alien who arrived in the US on a raft as a victim of a human trafficing ring. That will get you an automatic admission, and they will make sure you graduate with honors. If the letters "g" "u" "n" appear in the same sentence on your application, it will get tossed into the go-green recycle bin.
 
I'm not so sure about the must mention - unless that was tongue in cheek. Mentioned you can play a hot item sport and have money -that will work in Texas!!
 
Having filled out college applications many times over the past six years (transferred), I would say that they probably don't care what kind of store you worked at anyway. What the colleges care about are what you learned from your experiences about yourself and about being a productive member of society, etc.

Mention that you worked at a retail store (don't bother mentioning what kind), and write about how that has affected your personal behavior, thought, and outlook on life in some general way. If it were me I'd probably leave political values like RKBA out of any essays, whether I was applying to a school in a gun friendly state or one that isn't. Better to mention more general things that work experience teaches you like the value of hard work, getting along with others/teamwork, perseverance, and the like.
 
If you are applying to Ivy League schools, you need to get as creative as possible about your work experience - the more dishonest and creative you are on your college application, the more the Ivy League schools will want you. In fact, you really need to tell them how you are a poor starving illegal alien who arrived in the US on a raft as a victim of a human trafficing ring. That will get you an automatic admission, and they will make sure you graduate with honors. If the letters "g" "u" "n" appear in the same sentence on your application, it will get tossed into the go-green recycle bin.
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I'm sure this is just tongue-in-cheek, but it's not true at all.

Wyoming sends more than its share of kids to the Ivies. A good number of them, obviously more than suburban kids, participate in the shooting sports. It's usually evident from their resumes/interests, though I know of at least two who featured hunting in their personal statements.

So, while I know this was largely a joke, I thought I'd set the record straight, because: stereotype not, lest ye be stereotyped.
 
First, that's a little pretentious statement for obvious reasons. Your a smart young man, that he should be able to figure out all by him self.
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I thought that on a largely (mostly?) American forum about firearms, the fact that Chicago and NYC are excessively anti-gun would indeed be obvious. You clearly got my meaning. Didn't mean any "pretentiousness," doesn't seem like that to me. I see no need to act like that.

Also, I don't plan on getting in to Ivies, just planning on applying to them. :)

Thanks for substantive answers! I'm not really interested in the other Ivy Leagues as much as Columbia- Chicago and Michigan are top choices. If any alumni happen to see this, please let me know! Thanks.
 
I do not see how it would help and with current liberal mindset in the field of education it might hurt. You never know who will be reviewing applications and the appliction may go before several people or committees for review

I helped both my kids with all their college applications and employment was not listed on any of them. Both ended up being acceted to all schools they applied to and both received numerous scholarship offers through those schools. Colleges are looking more for academic achievement and participation in outside character building activities like sports, band, scouting, student government, academic team, church, etc.
 
FWIW-- Just say "I've worked at the same retail store for xxx number
of years." "I enjoy the retail aspect of small business and I've met
and learned from some really neat people." I suspect retailing womens'
underware, sex toys, and/or firearms does not enhance your image
to admissions committee members. However, I'd vote "yes" on your app.

Just my .02 and I'm a prof who from time to time over a 40 year career
has worked on admissions committees.
 
Also forgot to mention that I'll be applying to Georgetown University. I've heard that it's slightly more conservative, so any input on that particular would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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