Why Typing Was My Best Choice in High School: A Lifelong Advantage
Back in my senior year of high school, making the decision to take a typing class might not have seemed like the most intriguing choice. Little did I know that this simple choice would have profound impacts on my career trajectory, both in my military service and in my civilian life. This article explores how my decision to take typing as an elective transformed the way I approached my career, began my journey in administration, and ultimately helped me achieve significant success.
The Impact of Typing in the Early 1970s
Before the pervasiveness of computers, typing remained a valuable skill. It was more than just an elective; it was an asset that would stay relevant well into the future. Today, I can reflect on how my typing skills not only improved my efficiency in a typing-intensive environment but also laid a foundation for future roles that required high-level typing proficiency.
Typing was the key. Back then, many men did not know how to type, and it was typically reserved for secretaries and administrative staff. With this skill, I opened up numerous doors. It wasn't until years later, in the late 1970s, that I was deployed to Vietnam. My commanding officer recognized my typing skills and allowed me unique privileges, offering me a position of power that my fellow soldiers did not have. This choice also provided me with invaluable training in running operations and managing logistics—a skill that would prove crucial in both my military service and civilian career.
From Typing to Civilian Professions
The transition from high school typing to civilian life involved multiple steps. My typing skills were particularly useful in the construction field, where documentation and record-keeping were vital. As an enlisted personnel, I ended up in a role that required significant administrative responsibilities. My ability to type at an impressive speed (80 words per minute) was a major advantage. This was a time before desktop computers, so I had to manually enter data, creating documents, and handling paperwork which I could complete faster than my colleagues who still used two-finger typing techniques.
Opportunity in the Military
Being a typing expert in the military world was quite unique. Typing was challenging, and for many, it was seen as a clerical duty. However, as an E-6 and E-7, I was able to use my skills to advance. My typing abilities helped me stand out and eventually led to my promotion to the Officer in Charge (OIC) of a construction detachment. This position gave me a taste of administrative leadership that I would carry forward into my civilian career. The ability to type quickly and accurately made it easier for me to handle administrative tasks, ensuring that all documentation was completed in a timely manner, which was crucial in both the military and civilian settings.
Transition to Civilian Life
After my military service, I transitioned to a civilian career where typing skills were in great demand, especially in the age of desktop computers and programming. My fast typing speed and proficiency were advantageous, as I could code and generate documents more efficiently than my colleagues. This gave me a significant career advantage. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, my typing skills became a stepping stone for success in various administrative and logistical roles within the engineering and construction sectors.
Conclusion
The decision to take a typing class in high school was indeed one of the best choices I ever made. From typing documents under the pressure of military operations to managing administrative tasks in civilian life, my typing skills have been a constant source of advantage. Reflecting on this experience, it is clear that investing in foundational skills can pay off in unexpected ways, transforming them into lasting assets that support one's career growth and success.