Lisa Legohn
Master Welder
“Don’t let opportunities pass you by. They’re not always going to come and knock on the door—you have to go look. It’s about wanting, knowing, and preparing yourself to get that prize or that dream.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationLisa Legohn
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Grew up in Hollywood, CA.
While in high school, she took a year-long ROP (Regional Occupational Program) in welding at the Watts Skills Center.
Due to this training, she was able to start welding professionally right after graduation.
Attended Los Angeles Trade Technical College to pursue her degree in welding—she continued working as a welder throughout college in order to build up her field experience.
After earning her associates degree in welding, she started attending classes through UCLA Extension to learn about teaching techniques.
She later went to California State University, Long Beach to earn her teaching credentials.
While going to school, she was working full time as a pipe welder in the morning and teaching welding classes at night at Compton Community College.
She is now a Master Welder and Associate Professor of Welding at Los Angeles Trade Technical College.
Education
High School
Certification/License
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
California State University-Long Beach
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
California State University-Long Beach
Career
Master Welder
I teach welding and TRI.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Entrepreneurship
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I usually get to work at around 6:15 in the morning and get ready for a day of teaching. My students get into class at 7am and at that time I pass out the equipment we are going to be using. I then go to teach my lecture course at 11am. I start winding down my day at around 2pm when my classes are down. I am also part of the academic senate, so occasionally I have to go to departmental meetings.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Get your high school diploma or a GED. Go to a community college and start taking classes to see if you actually like what you are interested in. Explore your options and give things a try.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"If you want to have kids and be married someday, welding is going to be too difficult to maintain as a career."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Physical Issues
Work Stress
Interviewed By
Skill Powered
Finding rewarding work without a four-year degree
