MEET THE PRO: Marqueese Mitchell, Welder
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 13, 2023
Hometown: Morrilton
Age: 24
Where I Trained: University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
What I Earned: Associate degree in applied science
Job Title: Class B Welder
Employer: Koontz Electric
Marqueese Mitchell has never been a fan of school. As he began to focus more on his future, he realized the best option for him was to learn and master a trade. Marqueese decided to earn his associate degree and enter the workforce as fast as possible.
“I wanted to make a lot of money,” Marqueese said. “I’m not a big fan of schooling…so I figured a trade was best for me.”
Marqueese’s day-to-day responsibilities include reading blueprints, fitting and welding buses, managing the quality of his welds and training beginner welders. The aspect he loves most about his job is how physical and mental his responsibilities can be.
Due to his chosen profession, Marqueese is able to travel and plan trips. He recommends this career path to those who want to ditch the traditional college route.
“Just [make] sure you know the basics of welding,” Marqueese said. “[Learn] how to be consistent.”
Marqueese's advice for students who want to follow in his footsteps is: “Go the path that you feel is best for you, and do the best you can.”
You'll be great at this too if...
► You like to play with fire and are ready to see sparks fly
► You have great mental and physical stamina
► You have a strong attention to detail
► You’re creative
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Sources: careeronestop.org
