A.J. Pelletier - CNC Operator/Graphic Designer/Vocalist Artwork

My Life Be Like...

Too many young people are only familiar with the basic job titles that everyone knows, but there are thousands fulfilling, exciting professions that most of us have never even heard of. I initially thought I would be a doctor, based on what my parents wanted me to be. Then, I thought about going into politics and government. After college, things changed for me and I ended up in sales and business development. My road to success and where I am today was fraught with different twists and turns, eventually leading me to a great position with a wonderful organization. Now, I'm talking to people in my professional network about their current roles/jobs, what they do in their positions, and how they got there.

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My Life Be Like...

A.J. Pelletier - CNC Operator/Graphic Designer/Vocalist

November 07, 2020 • Shashwat Baxi • Season 2 • Episode 8

Alan "AJ" Pelletier didn't go the "normal" route of high school to college to job. He listened to advice that his dad gave him and decided to go to Trade School and bypass the college degree. Today... he regrets that decision.

A.J. started his path towards a trade school by electing to attend a technical high school instead of general one. He was focusing on manufacturing as the path he wanted with the expectation that he would progress in it. After completing high school, A.J. instead went on to complete his plumbing certification at the Industrial Management Training Institute .

Not loving plumbing and wanting to pursue something more in the realm of art, A.J. started his online program for graphic design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh but the school closed down about 3 months before he could complete his coursework.

Today, A.J. works as a full-time CNC operator and a part-time graphic designer. In his free time, he was the lead vocalist for a band and is pursuing his aspirations to record his own solo album!

Listen to his story today!