Next Start

June 23

GRADUATE TESTIMONIALS

Finding a Real Career: Branch Service Manager Cristian Raymundo

"From the point where I went to UTI and talked to admissions, to them helping me find a plan, I was set on what I needed to do."

Cristian Raymundo didn’t really remember how to be a civilian. Life as a Marine is very different than that of typical Americans, and having been stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he was still far away from the world he was about to step back into—in more ways than one. Still, he assumed his career transition would be easier than it was.

“As I was applying to different state jobs it was a bit difficult. I knew I had to find a solution to what I was going to do. I needed a real job, I needed a career. From the point where I went to UTI and talked to admissions, to them helping me find a plan,  I was set on what I needed to do.”1

Cristian graduated from UTI's  automotive and diesel technology program and is now the Branch Service Manager at Penske Truck Leasing in Braintree.  “One of the things I love about the diesel and automotive industry is that it’s always changing. You can go ahead and think that you know everything then a whole new batch of technology is introduced. It’s amazing how it constantly changes.”

The environment at UTI helped Cristian transition into a civilian career, he found it a supportive place to learn and the instructors easy to relate to. He liked the hands-on experience and seeing how the skills he was learning are applied in the real world. Especially valuable to Cristian were the soft-skills he learned at UTI, like how to communicate professionally and maintaining a positive attitude and appearance. “It’s not just about what I learned, but the other things that they instilled in us. It’s the simple things, like showing up on time and making sure that your uniform is proper, these mean a lot.”

For Cristian, training to become an auto mechanic made sense. Not everyone wants to work in an office and he believes a career in the trades can be a practical decision for those who have an idea of the type of career they’d like to pursue. “There’s no longer that stigma of being a mechanic. You can’t just go to college and think that the world is going to be handed to you. You need to know what you want to do and what you want to be.”

At Penske Truck Leasing, Cristian sees how the right education can benefit students in developing the skills and attitude employers are looking for. “One of the first things we look for is if they went to school – do they have any type of technical background? Those who went to UTI stand out,” he says. Cristian also suggests that grads seeking jobs research the companies to which they’re applying and look for places that offer advancement opportunities and a career path.

Change is difficult, no matter where you are in life, and for those fresh out of the military, finding your way as a civilian can be confusing. It can be tough to find a direction that seems like the right one, but for Cristian Raymundo, UTI helped guide him to the job and life he has today.


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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.14) Incentive programs and employee eligibility are at the discretion of the employer and available at select locations. Special conditions may apply. Talk to potential employers to learn more about the programs available in your area. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training.20) VA benefits may not be available at all campus locations.21) GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

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