Northbeach,
I'll try to answer your questions, based on my experience.
What personality traits are important to succeeding in the ATC specialist’s job?
All types. I participated in a class where we took the Myers-Briggs personality test and we were all over the chart. Usually they are type A personalities though.
How sedentary is the work environment?
If you are in front of a radar, you're not moving. Tower would be different.
How long is a scheduled work day?
8 hours, unless there is holdover overtime. Not to exceed 10 hrs/ day, 6 days a week. total 60 hours max. 8 or 9 hours between shifts.
How much interaction is there with co-workers? Is going to work a social experience or are you left alone to interface with transponder readouts?
It's a team sport.
How routine is the job; is there much variety between days, or is one day just like the next?
It's like flying. You can go from routine & boring to chaos in a moments notice.
For people who get into the job and hate it and end up leaving, being terminated, or do poorly at it are there any common denominators?
In my opinion, those that failed to certify usually failed to learn from their mistakes. Or they had a poor attitude toward instruction. If someone had a great attitude, most will go to great lengths to help that person succeed.
How about "burn out", what are the leading reasons given for career burn out (if any).
Working too many shifts short-handed. Too much overtime. The money is nice, but it wears you out.
If you were back in your late teens early 20s what do you wish you had known about working for the FAA? And, if you had it to do over would you become a controller?
The fact that after 25 years you can retire. I would do it again.
What do you like best about the job?
Talking to airplanes. What goes on behind me when I am plugged in is what irritates me.
Your answers will help me provide guidance to help our recent High School graduate decide whether or not to pursue this career.
It seems that the CTI schools are from where the FAA is drawing applicants. Starting out in the military is another option.
It is a great job with great pay. BUT, you will not see a weekend day (Sat or Sun) off for maybe 20 years. You will work most if not all holidays for most of your career. You will not have a "normal" social life. Your spouse and family will eat many dinners without you. You will miss football, soccer, and other activities of your children. It is a huge sacrifice.