HCC`s Criminal Justice Club
Transcription
HCC`s Criminal Justice Club
Holyoke Community College Summer 2011 Volume 2 • Issue 2 Your Community Resource for Education, Training, and Enrichment HCC’s Criminal Justice Club Interested in working with people? Teachers for the Future www.hcc.edu Holyoke Community College 303 Homestead Avenue Holyoke, MA 01040 ECRWSS BUSINESS CUSTOMER NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO. 48 Which Degree is Right for You? Welcome from the President Welcome to Holyoke Community College’s summer issue of CareerFocus! Whether you want to begin your education at a community college with a plan to transfer, or need short-term training for immediate entry into the workforce, CareerFocus is your guide to the many opportunities available at HCC. This issue highlights HCC’s Social Sciences division, home to majors in criminal justice, psychology, education, early childhood development, and more. All offer entry into professions with numerous and diverse career pathways. Whatever your interests, HCC will help you chart your course and stay on track. Our Center for Academic Program Support offers comprehensive day, evening, and online tutoring and study skills assistance to help you get the most out of your classes, while our Career Center will help you choose a career, find an internship, and prepare for and conduct a job search. Ready to start? Read on—and when you’re finished, call or visit HCC. Find out if our small classes, exceptional professors, and friendly, supportive community are right for you! Sincerely, William F. Messner President, Holyoke Community College Guide to HCC’s Course Schedule Publications The Registration Booklet is the source for credit course information. It is available online @www.hcc.edu (PDF) and on campus. Call the Welcome Center (413) 552-2000 to request a copy. Courses fill quickly and sections are added continuously, so for the most up-to-date information about course availability, instructor names, and course descriptions visit www.hcc.edu and click on “MyHCC”. CareerFocus magazine provides articles and information about career and educational paths, along with information about HCC’s academic programs and education and training for business, organizations and individuals. It is mailed to many households in HCC’s service delivery area each semester and is available online @ www.hcc.edu (PDF). ege munity Coll Holyoke Comfor Education, Training, and Enrichment Summer 2011 Issue 2 Volume 2 • ty Resource Your Communi nal HCC’s CrimiClub Justice HCC’s Business and Community Services Bulletin provides information about professional development and personal enrichment courses and programs for adults and children. Expand your knowledge. Learn new skills. Improve your life. Meet new friends! The bulletin is available online (PDF). Print copies are available by calling (413) 552-2500 or (413) 552-2320. in Interested g workin ? with people Teachers for the Future edu www.hcc. College Holyoke Community Avenue 303 Homestead 01040 Holyoke, MA ORG. NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MI ANN ARBOR, 48 PERMIT NO. ree is Which Deg You? Right for ECRWSS CUSTOMER BUSINESS Did You Know? • More than 12,800 credit and noncredit students attended Holyoke Community College last year. • Mandatory tuition and fees at HCC are lowest among all 29 Massachusetts public colleges and universities. • Financial assistance is available to students who need help meeting educational costs. About 50 percent of HCC students receive financial aid. • HCC’s average class size is 22. • HCC provides comprehensive support services to help students succeed. • HCC has more than 30 transfer agreements with public and private four-year colleges and universities in Western Massachusetts and beyond. Graduates have transferred to Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Cornell University, University of Massachusetts, Westfield State College, Johnson and Wales University, Elms College, American International College, Springfield College, Western New England College and many more. • Members of HCC’s 2010 graduating class: Range in age from 16 to 75. Include 1,101 graduates who were awarded 1,129 associate degrees and certificates. Include residents of 82 Massachusetts towns, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and states and territories as far away as Florida and Puerto Rico. Countries of citizenship for International graduates include Algeria, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Lithuania, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Contact Us! General Information: (413) 538-7000 Co-operative Education: (413) 552-2322 Welcome Center: (413) 552-2000 Here's where to get started! Center for Academic Program Support: (413) 552-2584 Problems with math or writing? Can't figure out English Lit? This is the place to call. Academic Affairs: (413) 552-2770 For help changing your major or switching your advisor. Admissions: (413) 552-2321 Advising Center: (413) 552-2722 email: [email protected] For academic advising, educational planning and placement testing and assessment. David M. Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation: (413) 552-2161 Bookstore: (413) 552-2521 Buy and sell back class books. Career Center:(413) 552-2597 or 2322 Help searching and applying for jobs. The Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development: (413) 552-2122 Training for business and industry, Professional Development and more. Community Services: (413) 552-2324 Fun and informative non-credit courses and Adult Basic Education. Financial Aid: (413) 552-2150 Student loans, grants and other resources to help finance your education. Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development: (413) 552-2500 [email protected] Library: (413) 552-2733 More books, microfilms, periodicals and online resources than you could read in a lifetime! New Directions: (413) 552-2346 Pre-admission counseling & services for adult women returning to school. Online Learning Advising: [email protected] (413) 552-2236 Online Technical Help: [email protected] (413) 552-2124 Online help for: WebCT, MyHCC (self-service), student email Student Account Services: (413) 552-2101 Questions about your bill? Call or stop by Frost 201. Student Affairs: (413) 552-2100 Great resource for campus activities, or any questions about student life. Student Records/Registrar: see Welcome Center Transfer Affairs: (413) 552-2498 Want to take everything you've learned at HCC and transfer to a four-year college? Transcript Request Information Line: (413) 552-2142 For recorded instructions to request an official HCC transcript. Weather Hotline: (413) 552-2900, ext. 1418 Call this number during winter storms to find out if the college is open. Publisher:.......................Holyoke Community College’s Marketing and Communications department Editors:....................................William Murphy and JoAnne Rome Contributors/Editorial Support: ......................... Beatrice Dewberry William Murphy and JoAnne Rome Photography:.............................. JoAnne Rome, Jack Scanlon and Don Treeger Holyoke Community College President: William F. Messner Holyoke Community College Board of Trustees John J. Driscoll, Chair Helen Caulton-Harris, Vice Chair Joseph Wright, Secretary, Alumni Representative Douglas Bowen James F. Carey Heriberto Flores James Lavelle Natalia Muñoz Julie Pokela Liam Hogan, Student Representative Holyoke Community College maintains and promotes a policy of non discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave, and national origin in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies, as required by Federal and State anti-discrimination laws. In addition, the college maintains and promotes a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity/expression. CareerFocus is published three times a year by Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040 in partnership with Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. © 2011 Holyoke Community College (413) 552-2000 I Holyoke Community College I CareerFocus Questions about HCC’s programs and services described in this publication should be directed to the Welcome Center (413) 552-2000 or by emailing [email protected]. Comments and questions about the publication itself can be directed to HCC’s Marketing and Communications department (413) 552-2259; email: [email protected]. Contents Features 3 Interested in working with people? 4 Facts and Finds One field offers multiple career options FACULTY PROFILE 5 Professor Jackie Griswold 6 Teachers for the Future 8 HCC’s Criminal Justice Club raises awareness about careers in law enforcement 10 11 Choose a career that changes lives Degree or Certificate? Which is right for you? ALUMNI PROFILE Ruben Sepulveda STUDENT PROFILE 11 Beverly Watkins-Jenkins 12 Business Strategies for Managing a Changing Work Force 13 The Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development 14 15 Discover HCC’s Career Center 16 Resource Guide Which Degree is Right for You? These questions will help you decide www.hcc.edu CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I1 Picknelly Adult & Family Education Center at the Holyoke Transportation Center Adult Basic Education (ABE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), credit classes, career planning, workshops and more! 206 Maple Street (Between Dwight & Hampden) Holyoke, MA 01040 Hours: 8 a.m. -10 p.m. (PVTA Lobby opens at 6 a.m.) (413) 552-2990 email: [email protected] PVTA Bus Service: bus service between the PAFEC and HCC: visit www.pvta.com • PVTA Blue 23 Mon-Fri • HCC to PAFEC on the hour 6 a.m.-6 p.m. • PAFEC to HCC on the half hour 5:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • HCC La Guagua shuttle Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m., fall and spring semesters A public-private partnership Parking: Dwight Street Parking Garage is two blocks away. Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: $0.25 hr. Attendant on duty There is metered on-street parking adjacent to PAFEC on Chestnut, Hampden, Dwight and Maple Streets for $0.25 hr.. There is a two-hour limit from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Parking is free before and after those hours. Food: Coffee and grab and go items will be available in the building; four restaurants are located within two blocks. General info: • HCC credit classes are located on the fourth floor • Wheelchair accessible • WiFi throughout the building Now Open CareerFocus magazine’s online companion Research your options at CareerFocusCafé.com Making career decisions can be confusing. What kind of job is right for you? How much education do you need? Where are the jobs these days and which careers are good bets? The new CareerFocus Café is an online resource for students, job hunters and workers everywhere. We’ve brought together news and information from all over the Web to help you make career decisions, find jobs and get advice about the workplace. It’s Answer Central for your career questions. Are you planning to further your education? CareerFocus Café can help you sort out your options. With links to career aptitude tests, college and university programs and financial aid information, you can explore all the possibilities. Are you looking for the perfect career path? The Café is full of advice from experts and links to career resources for exploring your interests and talents, identifying the best careers and getting started on a new career. I 2 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus Are you looking for a new job? At CareerFocus Café you’ll find links to the best job sites both general and career-specific. Explore these resources: Career Clearinghouse - Dig into a growing list of links to career resources such as job opportunities, salary information and career descriptions. Take quizzes to test your interests and aptitude, view career videos and more. Work with Me - Get answers to your career questions and dilemmas from our experts. Career News - Get the latest scoop on job trends and workplace strategies. Bookshelf - Review the latest career and job hunting books. Videos - See what authors and experts have to say about the world of work. And more! Interested in working with people? One field offers a multitude of career options D id you know a degree in any of the social science majors provides paths to multiple career choices? Social science fields are among today’s most popular undergraduate majors, and many associate degree programs for fields like education, criminal justice, psychology and human service can be completed locally through Holyoke Community College. Most students who earn an associate’s degree in these fields go directly to the workforce as counselors, early education teachers, police officers, or in legal services. Many students opt to transfer to Did you know a degree in any of the social science majors provides pathways to multiple career choices? four-year institutions for a BA or BS after earning their AA at HCC. An undergraduate degree in social science fields can open the door to a wide range of career choices. Many private businesses, state and federal agencies and legal services hire these graduates because they have an understanding of research and logical reasoning, knowledge of technical writing, critical thinking skills and the ability to work with people. Example Social Sciences Careers Adoption & Child Advocate Legal Support Professional Aged & Senior Services Market Research Analyst Child Care Mental Health Services Community Relations Museum Workers Consumer Research Personnel Director Corrections Officer Police Officer Counselor Probation or Parole Officer Crime Investigator Psychotherapist Crisis Intervention Worker Public Health Officer Customs Inspector School Counselor Detective Sheriff Director, Social Services Social Worker Gerontologist Substance Abuse Counselor Government Employee Teacher Human Services Worker Urban/Regional Planner Journalist Youth Care Worker For example, with a psychology degree, you can widen your options without “pigeonholing” yourself into a given profession before you have had time to explore. Students can begin their exploration process through internships and applied research while studying and completing coursework at HCC. Under a new collaboration with Elms College in Chicopee, HCC students can take classes on the HCC campus to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, business, and early childhood education. Convenient for HCC alumni and others in the community, the program gives students a fast, affordable way to earn a bachelor’s degree in just 20 months. Now more than ever is a great time to consider earning an associate degree at Holyoke Community College. If you want to work in a field that provides variety, personal satisfaction and a chance to better the community, consider the variety of social science majors offered at HCC. Professional Career Counseling—and it’s free! Not sure what career is right for you? Talk it over with Richard Powers, Career Center coordinator for Holyoke Community College. The center offers help with exploring possible career fields, choosing a college major, finding full-time or part-time jobs, obtaining a co-op or internship placement, locating colleges for transfer, resumé writing or application letter writing, job interview preparation and career workshops. Stop in the Career Center at Kittredge 322, or contact Richard Powers at rpowers@ hcc.edu or call (413) 552-2597. Law Enforcement Personnel (413) 552-2000 I Holyoke Community College I www.hcc.edu CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I3 “We know that in the coming years, jobs requiring at least an associate degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience. We will not fill those jobs – or even keep those jobs here in America–without the training offered by community colleges.” President Barack Obama speaking at Macomb Community College July 14, 2009 Cutting the Cost of College A N D Blame it on the recession–family budgets are tight; federal and state dollars are in short supply; and private donations are down. Yet a college education is still the best path to a good job. So more colleges are coming up with innovative ways to get students the education they need at a lower cost. Some new and old cost cutting strategies are: • Three-year bachelor’s degrees –Some colleges have discovered how to graduate students in three years–and cut their tuition bill–by instituting intensive courses and year-round studies. • Work colleges–It’s an old idea that’s attracting new attention; some colleges keep expenses down by requiring students to work in exchange for room and board or tuition. • No frills–If you could get a first-class education without the fancy dorm, landscaped campus or posh amenities, would you take it? Some colleges have opened no-frills campuses where student pay lower tuition rates than they would at an upscale campus. • Community college–Community colleges’ two-year transfer programs are attracting more students not just because of their low cost but because of their high quality, innovative programs. Maybe that’s why enrollments have risen 30 percent since 2000. • Online classes–For students who are motivated and prepared, online classes can be a time and money saver. While for-profit schools are more high profile, many public and non-profit colleges offer online learning as well. Read “Different Paths to a College Degree” in the September 2009 “Solving the College Crisis” issue of U.S. News and World Report. College Today With over 18 million people in U.S. colleges today, you might be surprised to learn who these students are and what they’re doing. • 38.8 percent of all 18- to 24-year-olds are enrolled in college. • 36.8 percent of all college students are age 25 or older. • College enrollment has increased 28 percent since 1997. • Over 6 million undergraduate students are enrolled at public two-year colleges, 7 million at public colleges and universities and 4 million at private four-year institutions. • The percentage of college students who received “Mostly A’s” in their classes: 24 percent at for-profit colleges 18 percent at private four-year colleges 17 percent at public two-year colleges 12 percent at public four-year colleges. • Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $2,063 at two-year public colleges $5,950 at four-year public colleges $21,588 at four-year private colleges. • 71 percent of private four-year college students, 61 percent of public four-year college students and 37 percent of two-year public college students graduate with student-loan debt. • The average amount of student loan debt is $20,891 for private college graduates, $19,839 for four-year public college graduates and $10,444 for two-year public college graduates. From The Chronicle of Higher Education “Almanac 2009-10”, Aug. 28, 2009 College Raises Women’s Wages One important reason why women make more money today than they did 30 years ago is that they have more education. In 1979 when women made just 62 percent as much as men only 45 percent were high school graduates and 35 percent had any college education. But by 2008, women were making 80 percent as much as men and 93 percent had a high school degree and 66 percent had some college. That pay gap between men and women varies widely among age groups too. Among people age 35 and older women earn just 75 percent as much as men. Among people 25 to 34 years old, women earn 89 percent as much as men, and for 16- to 24-yearolds, it’s 91 percent. From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Editor’s Desk July 31 2009, “Women’s-to-men’s earnings ratio, 1979-2008” I 4 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus Faculty Profile: Professor Jackie Griswold By Beatrice Dewberry H When I was growing up, women were nurses, teachers, secretaries or they got married. I went into teaching. After 39 years in the profession, teaching is still an ideal fit. olyoke Community College Professor Jackie Griswold sums up the human service field quite simply as “people helping people.” While many careers—from auditor to urologist—help someone in some way, human service professionals take on a different task, often aiding the most marginalized in our community. Human service professionals help others secure their most basic needs in life—employment, housing, security and well being, Griswold said. Now chair of HCC’s Human Services Department, Griswold didn’t start with the goal of leading a department that teaches such topics as helping relationships, substance abuse counseling, or issues in developmental disabilities. “As I child, I remember wanting to be a nurse, but the sciences were a challenge for me,” said Griswold, who holds a BS and MS from the University of Maine at Orono, and Ed.D from Northeastern University. While working on her doctoral degree, Griswold also worked as an academic counselor at the University of Maine at Augusta, where she was asked to coordinate an associate degree program in human services. When hiring faculty, she realized she could teach some of the courses herself. That was 1983. After completing her doctorate, Griswold was hired by New Hampshire Technical Community College in Berlin to develop an entire curriculum that led students to an associate’s degree in human services. She continued her work in curriculum development, establishing a certificate program in developmental disabilities that was delivered throughout the state of New Hampshire. To secure clinical training, she worked part-time at a residential facility, working with people with mental health and substance abuse issues. Ready for a new challenge, in 2000 Griswold came to HCC to create an Associate in Science in Human Services option. The first graduating class in 2001 was small, but by the fall of 2009, 265 students were enrolled, and the program continues to grow. Griswold has also developed several certificate programs at HCC, including Addiction Studies, Developmental Disabilities, Supervision and Leadership in the Helping Professions, and General Human Services. Her department has grown from one full time faculty member to two, with several adjunct faculty members. “I see human service as the umbrella for so many fields. Our students graduate from this program and go on to earn their bachelor’s in social work or human services and then work directly in the field,” she said. “We have advocates in the court system, domestic violence advocates, individuals working with people with developmental disabilities, such as special education aides, and so much more. This is a field where we will always have jobs.” Affordable 20 Month Bachelor’s Programs Now Offered on the HCC Campus Earn a bachelor’s degree from Elms College in 20 months without leaving the HCC campus “I’ve been doing the art for about three years and I really enjoy it,” she said. “One of the things I love about abstract art is that people see whatever they see.” Learn new skills. Improve your life and your career. Meet new friends! Business & Community Services Non-credit Courses For professional growth and personal enrichment Short-term, affordable classes offered each semester: Enroll in accelerated programs in: • Computers & Technology Accounting and Information Systems Business Management Psychology • Professional Development K-12 educators real estate professionals human resources staff managers healthcare workers and new in Fall 2011 Early Childhood Education Financial Aid is available! Achievable • Accessible • Accelerated • Affordable For more information, contact: Jane McCarry at 413-265-2490 or [email protected] I Holyoke Community College I She has taken art classes at HCC to explore the craft even further. Many of her pieces have been on display on campus and in local art exhibits. Expand Your Knowledge! & (413) 552-2000 Despite her dedication to teaching, Griswold’s passions run farther afield, and include a love of painting. She is known around the HCC campus and in Western Massachusetts for her abstract pieces on canvas. “Painting is one way I take care of myself. It’s one of the things we talk about in class, that when you work in human service, you have to take care of yourself; you have to find ways to de-stress.” www.hcc.edu • Personal Enrichment Arts & Crafts Languages Outdoors & Leisure Legal Food & Drink Money & Investment Programs for youth and those age 60 and over, too! For info, see the Summer 2011 Business & Community Services Education Bulletin. Available online @ www.hcc.edu or by calling (413) 552-2500 or 2320. It’s easy to view courses and register with convenient walk-in, fax-in, phone-in, mail-in options. NEW! Online registration now available @ www.hcc.edu/ces CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I5 HCC Professor April Graziano shares some of the materials used by the Education Collaboration Student Club for future teachers while attending a club fair recently. all types of students can find success: new students fresh out of high school, individuals looking to make a career switch to teaching, and adults returning to college or entering college for the first time. For those with an interest in education careers, HCC offers a variety of paths: • Associate in Arts degree in Arts and Science for an Elementary Education Transfer Option, for students intending to transfer, then pursue a Massachusetts Department of Education teaching license for grades 1 through 6. Teachers for the Future Choose a career that changes lives By Beatrice Dewberry T here are few professions where the work of a single individual has the potential to change lives; teaching is one such career. Many of us can think of at least one teacher who has positively enhanced our development, whether an english teacher who bolstered our confidence in writing, a science teacher who made learning about pig intestines—and critical thinking—fun, or a kindergarten teacher who taught us how to read. It’s clear teachers play an important role in fostering the intellectual and social development of children during our formative years. Good teaching has long been paired with good parenting as key in developing successful, responsible, sociallyconscious adults. HCC Education Department Chair Tricia Kiefer says strong academic training in education is what makes people into good teachers and prepares them for one of the most I 6 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus fulfilling yet challenging careers around. “Teaching is such an exciting career,” said Kiefer, who has more than 20 years as an education specialist. “Starting your education training here at HCC can give you the most bang for your buck and for your time. We provide a very strong Student teacher Jamie Herrick uses a fishing game to teach preschool students the letters of the alphabet. Herrick will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in early childhood education. foundation and encourage best practices in our education program. It is inexpensive and academically challenging in order to prepare you for a bachelor’s degree program or the workforce.” Holyoke Community College provides an affordable, convenient and student-friendly setting where • Associate in Liberal Arts for General Integrated Studies Elementary Education Option for students interested in teaching elementary education after transferring to Westfield State University in Westfield. • Associate in Science Degree for Early Childhood Career Option, for those interested in teaching in a community-based group early childcare setting. This satisfies coursework and experience requirements for teacher status in Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) licensed programs. • Early Childhood Transfer Option, for students interested in transferring to a four-year institutions’ early childhood education programs for pre-K through grade 2. •Day Care Administration Certification, for childcare professionals Lead Teacher certified by the state DEEC or with Early Childhood Education degrees. • Beginning in fall 2011, HCC’s Education Department will offer a Secondary Education Transfer Option for students who want to teach middle school or high school-students. Also starting in August, HCC graduates can enroll at Elms College and earn a non-licensure Early Childhood Education bachelor’s “Starting your education training here at HCC can give you the most bang for your buck and for your time. We provide a very strong foundation and encourage best practices in our education program. It is inexpensive and academically challenging in order to prepare you for a bachelor’s degree program or the workforce.” HCC is also in discussions with Springfield College to develop a program similar to the one with Westfield State University, she said. Kiefer said students who earn their associate’s degree in education who don’t want to immediately transfer to a bachelor’s degree program still have options that include working as a paraprofessional in public schools, working as a teacher’s assistant, or in private school settings. A paraprofessional or teacher’s assistant job could entail working with special needs children oneon-one, or helping teachers in the classroom, for example. “The bottom line is we need more teachers in most of our cities, especially urban areas like Holyoke and Springfield,” she said. “HCC, Elms, Westfield State and others in this area are working together to prepare highly-qualified, trained teachers and increase education attainments (for teachers) overall.” Clearly, teaching is not a dying field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool teachers, except special education, held 457,200 jobs in 2008, and kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and secondary school teachers, held about 3.5 million jobs in 2008. degree focused in early childhood education in less than two years. Under the HCC-Elms program, HCC graduates can take Elms College early childhood education courses on the HCC campus and earn their bachelor‘s degree during an additional 20-month period, rather than the customary 24 months. For students interested in transferring to other four-year schools, Kiefer said HCC has an above-average success rate with four-year institutions accepting the majority of HCC credits. “We have a phenomenal transfer program with Westfield State University, which takes the entire HCC program’s credits. Students enter with junior year status and go forward,” Kiefer said. (413) 552-2000 The fastest employment growth has been for preschool teachers, with projections of growth by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. “Students who graduate with an Early Childhood Education Degree option are getting jobs,” Kiefer said. “There are so many programs that are looking for educators such as Head Start, and there are plenty of local private childcare facilities that are seeking college educated staff.” Median annual wages of preschool teachers were $23,870 in May 2008; the middle 50 percent earned $18,840 to $31,430; the bottom 10 percent earned less than $16,030 and the top 10 percent earned more than $41,660, labor statistics report. I Holyoke Community College I www.hcc.edu Individuals who want to work in pre-kindergarten programs in public schools must secure their Massachusetts Teacher Education License, and have earned a bachelor’s degree, Kiefer said. $80,970. According to the American Federation of Teachers, beginning teachers with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $33,227 in the 2005-2006 school year. Elementary and secondary teachers earn more than pre-school teachers, with median annual wages ranging from $47,100 to $51,180, according to labor statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned $30,970 to $34,280; the top 10 percent earned $75,190 to Accessible, affordable education options, expanding job opportunities and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people paint a clear picture: Teaching can be a rewarding, fulfilling career and now is the time to get started. CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I7 HCC’s Criminal Justice Club raises awareness about careers in law enforcement By Beatrice Dewberry S clubs ranging in theme and based on interest, identity or academic major. Among the clubs on campus offered for Social Science majors are CJA, the Psychology Club, Education Collaboration (new this year for Education majors), and Human Services. The CJA is one of many student clubs on campus with events geared to those interested in social science careers. HCC offers more than 40 “We work hard to promote awareness and interest in the many criminal justice related fields that are available to our students once they graduate,” said Professor Alejandro Sanchez, who co-advises CJA with Professor Monica Perez, chairman of the Criminal Justice Department. cuba diving lessons, hiking up Skinner Mountain, outdoor fitness challenges; while this list reads like the schedule offered at a summer retreat, these are but a few of the activities sponsored by Holyoke Community College’s Criminal Justice Association (CJA) club members participate in each semester. Sanchez said every semester the club sponsors field events that center around careers in criminal justice. Last year, a professional scuba diving instructor who trains law enforcement taught club members how to scuba dive in a high school pool, demonstrating team-building and the importance of collecting evidence gathering in every setting—even underwater. A field trip to Ground Zero in New York City took students to the New York Police Academy and the police museum where September 11 memorabilia is on display. Students have visited area jails and federal prisons (for those interested in corrections), participated in local marathons and in fitness challenges (to show that criminal justice requires more than book- and street-smarts), and learned to fire a gun at Smith and Wesson’s shooting range in Springfield, Sanchez said. HCC senior Ryan Dolan, of Granby, said the scuba diving session was exciting. It was the first time he had ever experienced swimming with an air tank and fins. “It really was a team-building exercise. We built a box under water, and we practiced different regulations and procedures that would be required (for a diving team) underwater. It was awesome,” said Dolan, who will transfer to Westfield State University in the fall. Many professionals who work in Criminal Justice, forensics and HCC Criminal Justice Association club members Ruthie May Therrien, Kurt Burdas and Ryan Dolan. I 8 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus Above, HCC students Ryan Dolan and Ruthie May Therrien practice techniques in HCC’s forensics lab. Left, Dolan dusts a cup for fingerprints. probation officers discussed working with youth; and the Granby Police Department’s K-9 unit brought in its trained dog to show the importance of the relationship between a canineunit police officer and the dog. other aspects of the legal system have been featured guests at CJA meetings on campus to answer students’ questions. Last year, Holyoke Chief of Police Anthony Scott gave a frank discussion about law enforcement in an urban city; “We’ve had border patrol agents come in to talk about the hiring process, federal protection service come in, and female police officers who have shown our female students that yes, they can do this,” said Sanchez, a former patrolman. Sanchez said another important component to the club is community service, “We believe strongly in giving back to the community.” HCC student Ruthie May Therrien, of Holyoke, wants to be a probation officer. The 30-year-old plans to transfer to Westfield State University after graduation from HCC. Ultimately, she wants to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice. Therrien, a volunteer at the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club and a mentor for incarcerated teens, said she learned of the mentoring program after a field trip to the Hampshire County House of Corrections with CJA. “I spend a lot of time with youth who are at risk and growing up I was a youth at risk, so I really understand what they’re going through. I believe I can help adolescents before they end up in jail,” Therrien said. Student Kurt Bordas, a member of the Air National Guard’s security forces and a HCC Criminal Justice major, said though he’s had handson experience in enforcement on tours abroad, he became most familiar with the range of opportunities in law enforcement after taking HCC classes. “I think HCC has a unique way of not teaching only from the book, but also teaching from a practical perspective. HCC has professors who have a respectable background working in the field,” Bordas, of Holyoke, said. “Sanchez was a police officer and Prof. Monica Perez was director of the Department of Youth Services in Springfield and another professor I have has a PhD from Western New England College’s (School of Law and Business). They teach in the Socratic method so that we don’t just memorize the material, but we really understand it.” Bordas said the CJA club reinforces all of what students learn. “We not only get an understanding of criminal justice and law, we’ve had a chance to see it, and at times experience it, in action,” Bordas said. “I think HCC has a unique way of not teaching only from the book, but also teaching from a practical perspective. HCC has professors who have a respectable background working in the field. They teach in the Socratic method so that we don’t just memorize the material, but we really understand it.” (413) 552-2000 I Holyoke Community College I www.hcc.edu CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I9 Degree or Certificate? Which is right for you? HCC has more than 100 associate degree and certificate options, from accounting to visual art. Enroll part-time or full-time, during the day, evening, or online. For more information, see the College Catalog or visit www.hcc.edu. Associate Degrees Can be completed in as little time as two years full time, or part time at a pace that is best for you. It is challenging to complete most degree programs in two years, and some students opt to take slightly longer, especially if they have work or family responsibilities. Degrees prepare you for a career or transfer to a four-year college or university. They require completion of at least 60 credits, usually combining a specific list of major-related courses with a flexible choice of electives. Associate Degrees ARTS AND SCIENCE (AA) American Studies Option H017 Biotechnology Option X012 Chemistry Option N012 Communication, Media, & Theater Arts Option H040 Creative Writing Option H015 Electronic Media Option H035 Elementary Education Transfer Option M029 Honors Option H075 Liberal Arts and Science Option H010 Natural Resources Studies Transfer Option X021 Nutrition Transfer Option M071 Pre-Food Science Technology Option X015 Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Option X052 Psychology Option H060 Sociology Option H070 Sustainability Studies Natural Science Option H085 Sustainability Studies Social Equity Option H086 Sustainability Studies Communication Option H087 ARTS AND SCIENCE (AS) Biology Option X060 Deaf Studies Option H080 Forensic Science Technician Option X072 Forensic Science Transfer Option X071 Mathematics Option N013 Physics Option N014 Pre-Chiropractic Option X051 Pre-Forestry and Environmental Science (SUNY) Option X040 Pre-Medical Technology Option X081 Pre-Health Option M067 Key I ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL STUDIES B041 (AS) ACCOUNTING B016 (AS) BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (AS) Banking Option* B029 Business Administration Career Option B026 Business Administration Mass Transfer B023 Business Administration General Transfer B034 Entrepreneurship Option B033 Human Resource Management Option B011 International Business Option B095 Paralegal Transfer Option B045 COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AS) Computer Information Security and Assurance Option N063 Management Information Systems Option N053 Microcomputer User Support Option N057 Programming Option N056 Webmaster Option N054 Can be completed in as few as two semesters full time, or part time at a pace that is best for you. They often require the completion of nine or more related courses and are designed to provide expertise in a particular field so you can launch a new career, strengthen current skills, or pursue an interest. For non-credit certificates and training programs, see page 13. HEALTH, FITNESS AND NUTRITION M115 (AS) HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY ARTS (AS) Foodservice Management Option B052 Hospitality Management Career Option B056 Hospitality Management Transfer Option B051 HUMAN SERVICES (H049) (AS) LIBERAL STUDIES (AS) Applied Technology Option C002 General Integrated Studies Option C001 General Integrated Studies -Elementary Education Option (Westfield State College) C004 University Without Walls Option C008 MARKETING MANAGEMENT (AS) Retail Management Career Option B081 Marketing Management General Transfer B037 MUSIC H025 (AA) NURSING M066 (AS) CRIMINAL JUSTICE (S080) (AS) RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY M096 (AS) EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (AS) SPORT ADMINISTRATION B090 (AS) Early Childhood Career Option M026 Early Childhood Transfer Option M027 ENGINEERING STUDIES (AS) Engineering Option N079 Engineering Science Option N082 Engineering Technology Option N083 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (AS) Environmental Science Field Technician Option M036 Environmental Science Transfer Option M031 May be completed entirely online Selective Program: Special Admissions Process 80% of courses may be completed online Special Admissions Process Not currently eligible for financial aid Evening Only Financial aid prorated 10 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus Certificates VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCE (AS) Pre-Veterinary and Animal Science Option X031 Veterinary Technician Option X036 VISUAL ART (AS) Graphics Option H042 Photography Option H041 Visual Art Option H031 ESL For non-native English speakers, HCC offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. For details, call (413) 552-2553. Para información en Español, llame al (413) 552-2553. Dlq poluheniq informacii na russkom qzyke zvonite po telefonu (413) 552-2234. Certificates Accounting Systems B017 Addiction Studies H024 Administrative Information Systems N040 Administrative Professional Studies B042 Coaching M105 Computer Information Security & Assurance Management N064 Computer Information Security & Assurance Technical Specialist N065 Computer Networking N062 Culinary Arts B111 Day Care Administration M025 Deaf Studies H081 Developmental Disabilities Direct Support S013 E-Commerce B012 Electronic Media H036 Entrepreneurship B094 Firefighter Fitness Trainer M106 Forensic Science X073 Graphic Design H034 Group Exercise Leader M102 Health and Fitness Management M101 Health and Fitness Specialist M100 Hospitality Management B053 Human Resource Management B010 Human Services H019 Infant, Toddler/Pre-School Lead Teacher M028 Law Enforcement S082 Medical Assistant M010 Medical Coding M049 Music Performance H027 Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor M103 Practical Nursing M064 Professional Customer Service B085 Retail Management B084 Strength and Conditioning Specialist M107 Supervision & Leadership in the Helping Professions H020 Webmaster N055 *This major has required off-campus courses offered by CFT. Students must be working in the banking field. Alumni Profile: Ruben Sepulveda From high school dropout to Amherst College, following a “dream of more” By Beatrice Dewberry H olyoke Community College graduate Ruben Sepulveda will be the first to tell you that dreams never die—they just wait to be achieved. He dropped out of high school at 17, lived homeless at times, and for a while hustled in pool halls to make a living, sleeping in a boiler room to make ends meet. When he became a father at age 30, he realized he needed to make a change. He had already earned his General Equivalency Degree (GED), yet harbored a bigger dream—a desire to go to college in order to make a better life for himself and his daughter. “Contrary to what most people think about under-privileged people— those with substandard education, those who are part of the cycle of mediocrity, those people we see on the bus, or dragging baby carriages with babies in tow, or just released from prison—they are not empty inside. They are not content with the lives they have, they want more, they dream of more,” Sepulveda, now 36, once wrote in an essay. It wasn’t a lack of desire or ability that hindered Sepulveda, rather a lack of opportunity. As a young child, he lived between two countries–in the United States attending schools in New York City, and in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he finally dropped out of high school. He moved around frequently before landing in Holyoke, where he met HCC Adult Learning Center (ALC) Director Aliza Ansell, who he credits with giving him the opportunity he needed. He met her by chance at a gas station across from CareerPoint, an employment center where ALC is housed. In the ALC program, Sepulveda said he met students who had experienced the same kind of life he did—many much worse. Inspired by them, Sepulveda took Ansell’s advice to take a college placement test. He scored well and enrolled at HCC. Though he worked an overnight shift at a motel, he took more and more classes during the day; history, psychology, and honors, until “all a sudden I was transformed into a full-time student. Now you couldn’t pay me to stop going to school. It’s so much fun learning,” he said. HCC was the right environment at the right time, he said, with a friendly campus atmosphere, engaging and supportive professors, and a diverse student population. “I never felt like I didn’t fit there,” he said. Facing each class, each paper and each test as it came—one day at a time— Sepulveda said he still took time to look ahead. After a tutoring session with a student from Amherst College, he knew he wanted to transfer to a four-year school and began carrying an Amherst College business card in his wallet. “I felt like I had to see the dream to achieve it,” he explained. In December, Sepulveda finished his HCC requirements for an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts. In January, he enrolled at Amherst College, where he is majoring in psychology. He wants to better understand what leads people down destructive paths like those he traveled early on, and he wants to help people make better choices. “I had an opportunity to change my life with ALC and HCC, to write a new story for myself. Now I want to help others do the same.” Student Profile: Beverly Watkins-Jenkins By Beatrice Dewberry J ust a few years ago, Beverly Watkins-Jenkins career path seemed clear. Early Childhood Education. But after being laid off from her job as a human resource worker, and then the tragic loss of her husband in 2006, she knew it was time to re-evaluate her future. Teacher: Professional Standards in Education,” which she credits as having “cemented the deal” that majoring in early childhood education was the perfect fit for her career objectives. Despite her career working with adults, Watkins-Jenkins had been shaping the lives of young people already. The mother of three grown children, grandmother of six, a former foster parent, a human resource supervisor at a childcare facility, and a mentor to single parents at her church, she has been enmeshed in settings where children and their lives played a prominent role. Among her most rewarding activities has been working with parents of preschool age children at her church. Watkins-Jenkins said HCC provided the foundation she needed, both personally and educationally, to take classes at her own pace, and excel. She likes that HCC professors are well-studied in the field of education with lengthy practical experience as teachers. She said many give firsthand accounts of teaching children, and advising on how to provide parents with the support needed so their children remain eager to learn. “I was an administrator, a human resource manager, and I always thought I was good at managing adults,” the now 57-yearold full-time student said. She had a special knack for working with young children and thought teaching would be a good fit. “Many people asked what I was doing. There were many naysayers,” she said. Even still, she enrolled at Holyoke Community College in 2009. She had no idea her career path would lead to enrollment at Holyoke Community College majoring in Her first class was HCC Education Department Professor April Graziano’s course, “Becoming a (413) 552-2000 I Holyoke Community College I www.hcc.edu Watkins-Jenkins said her ideal goal isn’t to work in a classroom setting, but rather as a consultant or parentchild advocate working directly with single parents and at-risk families of children age 2- to 5-years-old. “At the daycare facility where I worked, I would see young children with so many needs and I realized some of their issues stemmed from poor parenting choices. I also saw that good teachers can change a child’s behavior and mindset. I realized we have to start early with kids when they are eager learners,” she said. “In order for me to do this, to help make that change, I needed more formal academic training in the early education field.’ Watkins-Jenkins said HCC classes have also shown her that early education teachers require more than just academic training, but also a certain temperament. “You have to have a heart for this.” Having raised a dyslexic son who is now chief of radiology at the Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., Watkins-Jenkins said she has had the temperament all along, but gained her confidence after attending HCC. In August, she completed her practicum working with autistic children at a center in Ludlow. She will begin student teaching in the fall. Watkins-Jenkins will graduate from HCC next year, and plans to continue her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I 11 Business Strategies for Managing a Changing Work Force By Iraida Delgado T he current economy is driving significant changes in workplace culture. A few of these changes are familiar to many of us: • Work has become more demanding on employees. Who have become America’s Most Admired Companies since 2007? 2007 2008 2009 2010 #1 General Electric Apple Apple Apple #2 Starbucks Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Google #3 Toyota General Electric Toyota Berkshire Hathaway • Employer-employee relationships have become less hierarchical and more transactional. • Employers are moving away from long-term employee-employer relationships. • Employees have less confidence in long-term rewards and have greater short term expectations. • Immediate supervisors are now the most important people in the workplace. • Supervising employees requires more time and skill on the part of managers. • These changes plus the impact of globalization and cultural diversity required employers to adopt a new model that puts work life, performance, recognition and career development on the same plane as compensation and benefits. Employers’ ability to compete in this economy will be fueled by their ability to make critical observations and learn from the key players in corporate America. Their experiences can become part of our professional development and their stories can become our case studies. For example, Fortune magazine surveys businesses and not consumers to name America’s Most Admired Companies every year. General Electric had been voted number 1 from 2000 to 2007. What helped make General Electric the number one most admired company? General Electric had earned a reputation for handling and surviving the challenges consequential of having a changing workforce. They have openly put value in what they have considered to be GE’s most important product—its people. Today, General Electric is ranked number 16 (Fortune Magazine 2010). One interesting observation is that all of the companies that have been I 12 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development Business Account Representatives Kate Sullivan and Iraida Delgado. Employers’ ability to compete in this economy will be fueled by their ability to make critical observations and learn from the key players in corporate America. ranked number 1 by businesses have openly affirmed that they spend a great deal of time thinking about people. They share a clear understanding that attracting talent is one thing, but developing this talent is just as important to be competitive in this economy. People have talent and talent affects the organization’s potential for innovation and growth. Some of the common systems that are used to motivate employees are: • Training and development to set expectations and provide encouragement • Flexible work arrangements • Employee participation in decision-making is encouraged through several forums • Employee opinion surveys to learn about hiring practices, fairness, training and development, diversity and conflict resolution • Interactive employee/manager performance assessments to facilitate the employee development process • Promoting traditional ideas of diversity and exploring more contemporary concepts. The most admired companies in America demonstrate commitment to a culture of lifelong learning where business and personal interests work in symmetry. These industry leaders are the companies that will help define the future. Looking to make a change in your workplace? HCC offers free business consultation. For information on training and development for your employees, please contact: Iraida Delgado,(413) 552-2742, [email protected] Kate Sullivan, (413) 552-2339, [email protected] Contact Us: Main number: (413) 552-2500 Email: [email protected] Hours: Mon-Th 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Online Course Registration www.hcc.edu/ces The Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development Education & training you can use! Expert training and services that are practical, affordable, and get results for individuals and small, medium, and large companies and organizations. For individuals No matter where you are in your education or career, the Kittredge Center has the resources to help you move ahead. The Career Center is the place to go to identify new career opportunities, re-tool your resume and organize your job search. Professional development is the key to advancement. The center offers courses for those in food service and hospitality, law enforcement, real estate, healthcare, K-12 education, management, sales, human resources, customer service, as well as continuing education courses for certified public accountants and real estate agents and brokers. establish benchmarks and implement best practices for your business. Employee Training Our workforce training experts provide small classes and hands-on professional employee training. Massachusetts Export Center For businesses interested in marketing goods and services internationally, the Mass Export Center offers training and assistance in the areas of marketing, legal issues, compliance and export logistics. For Public & Nonprofit Organizations For government, education, healthcare, and nonprofit agencies and organizations, the center’s Public & Not-for-Profit Professional Development Institute offers grant application assistance and professional development training and services for managers, supervisors and front-line staff. Testing and Test Preparation For Businesses Whether you are an established business looking for cost-effective employee training options or grant application assistance, or an entrepreneur ready to create a marketing plan for your first start-up, the center offers programs, courses and consulting to meet your business needs. We can help you streamline business processes, define short- and long-term goals, develop strategic plans, For individuals, business and industry, organizations and government agencies Testing is essential for licensure and certification in many fields, and can help you evaluate or determine the skills you need to succeed. Need to prepare for the GED, SAT or LSAT? Prep courses include comprehensive review, practice tests, and test-taking tips and techniques. Non-credit certificate programs Non-credit training programs: • American Management Association University Program Certificate in Management • Project Management Certificate Program • Nursing Assistant Certification Training Program • Career Readiness Certificate • Pharmacy Technician • Medical Office Worker • Direct Support Associate • Office Skills/Customer Service (413) 552-2000 I Holyoke Community College I www.hcc.edu Kittredge Center for Business & Workforce Development Main number: (413) 552-2122 Email: [email protected] • Training for state, municipal, education and healthcare • Grant application assistance and partnerships • Management, supervisory and leadership training • Healthcare Training Institute • High stakes testing (licensure, professional, and ACT WorkKeys) (413) 552-2112 • Jump Start certificate program (413) 552-2042 or 2496 • Contract training and consulting services (413) 552-2742; [email protected] Community Services Main numbers: (413) 552-2320 or 2324 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 24-hour/day course registration: (413) 594-1255 • ABE (Adult Basic Education) • Computer and technology training • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) • Personal and professional enrichment courses • Professional development for K-12 educators • Testing and test preparation GED (413) 552-2292; email:[email protected] CLEP Test prep courses (GED, SAT, LSAT, etc.) Career Center (413) 552-2597; [email protected] Cooperative Education (413) 552-2322 or 2342; [email protected] Gateway to College (413) 552-2370; [email protected] Kittredge Center Conference Services and Space Rental (413) 552-2088; [email protected] Mass Export Center (413) 552-2316; www.mass.gov/export Can’t find what you’re looking for? For assistance, call the main number (413) 552-2500. CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I 13 HCC’s Career Center By Beatrice Dewberry H olyoke Community College student Mason Rivera stops often in Kittredge 322. Lined with computers and brightly lit by the afternoon sun, the comfortable room is located at the quiet end of a third-floor hallway in the modern glass-framed Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development. This is where HCC’s Career Center is housed, and it’s a sanctum for students like Rivera. “I’m working on a project where I have to compare and contrast the differences between the careers of a police officer and a security guard,” said 19-year-old Rivera, of Chicopee. “This is where I come, usually between my classes, to check out the job websites that fall under my major of criminal justice.” HCC’s Career Center provides students with help exploring possible career fields, choosing a college major, even finding a full- or parttime job while attending school. “The freshman and sophomore years of college are really the best times for students to explore career opportunities,” said center coordinator Richard Powers, who has been with HCC for more than 17 years. Many students use the facility to determine their academic major by HCC’s Career Center provides students with help exploring possible career fields, choosing a college major, even finding a full- or part-time job while attending school. taking the FOCUS career assessment test, an online, interactive test which compares personality traits, interests, likes, dislikes, and work habits with the requirements and skill sets of hundreds of fields and career choices. Powers said even though many students come into the Career Center with a job in mind, many have selected jobs based on familiarity, and often via a TV show, the internet, or through family members or friends. “Very often their familiarity is narrow in scope,” Powers said. “They don’t know careers like an actuary (a financial risk specialist), or a perfusionist (a health specialist that assists during cardiac surgery) for example, and the hundreds of other great careers out there that might not be as popular. They aren’t aware that there are so many occupations that would be a perfect fit for them based on their interests.” After taking an assessment and sitting in a career counseling session, students often change their opinions, Powers said. “A career counselor is like a personal shopper. We’re here to guide you though the process and help you turn your likes and skills into a job.” Rivera said he has wanted to be a police officer since he was a little boy, eager to follow in his father’s footsteps. Still, he took the assessment test at the Career Center to see if the field would be a good fit. He learned he was indeed a prime candidate for a career in criminal justice, a field that requires lots of discipline, self-control, mental and physical strength, and courage. “It was good to have some affirmation,” Rivera said, noting that Powers assisted him in picking out criminal justice classes. Powers said students who use the facility return often, seeking information on obtaining a cooperative or internship placement, or in locating a college for transfer. Powers and his staff also work closely with students to help them write a resumé or complete an application, and he primes them for job interviews. Career Center Coordinator Richard Powers helps HCC student Mason Rivera retrieve information on criminal justice careers. I 14 Summer 2011 I CareerFocus Anthony Matthews, of Springfield, recently graduated from HCC’s Gateway to College program. The program helps high school dropouts finish their diploma requirements while giving them the chance to also earn college credits. Matthews, who will be enrolled at HCC full time in the fall, said Powers played a key role in giving him the confidence to apply for a job at Home Depot. “He was very helpful from the beginning and he’s shown me what I need to do to get a job,” said Matthews, who plans to major in Business Management. “I didn’t have anyone other than him to give me this kind of advice.” The Career Center is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 5 to 7 p.m. For more information call the HCC Career Center at (413) 552-2597 or visit www.hcc.edu/campus/ career.html. Which Degree is Right for You? These questions will help you decide are. Then when you find something you like, spend the next two years building up your skill set by focusing on the classes you need for your major.” By James Militzer 4 1 Are you willing to practice a specific trade for your entire career? YES NO If you are, an associate’s or trade school degree should be sufficient. “If there’s something very specific you want to do, the vocational route works,” says Jason Rich. “But your career path is going to be very focused. If you go to school to become an electrician or a plumber, that’s what you’re going to do for the rest of your professional life. Whereas if you go to a four-year school and pursue business, for example, you could learn as you go and mold that into a lot of different things.” 2 Do your life circumstances require you to launch your career quickly? YES (413) 552-2000 I Holyoke Community College I YES NO time,” says Laurence Shatkin. “And they usually have a good rapport with the local industrial base, who encourage them to offer programs that will provide the workforce that employers are going to need. So they’re not likely to offer programs that lead to unemployability.” According to Shatkin, a bachelor’s can provide the general knowledge and thinking skills that will help you continually evolve in your career. “Lifelong learning is becoming more and more important, because technology and market conditions are going to change. For example, if your company starts dealing with a foreign market they haven’t dealt with before, language skills will suddenly become really important. And if a new technology or computer application comes along, you need the critical thinking and self-discipline to learn it. You might not get those things with a two-year degree.” 3 5 Do you want a professional YES career, but are unsure about which profession? NO If so (and if you can handle the tuition bills) the flexible structure of a four-year degree could help you find your calling. “Spend the first two years learning as much as you can about what’s out there,” Rich says. “Take electives that go out in totally different directions, pursue internships in different industries, just to figure out what your interests NO If you’re in a hurry to start working, a community college or trade school might be preferable to a longer program. “Because they’re so occupationally targeted, community colleges are a good way to learn a highly saleable skill in a fairly short amount of Do you want to acquire diverse skills that will prepare you for a variety of job opportunities? Does your dream career require highly specialized knowledge and strong research or teaching skills? college teaching, those research skills are useful, and the demand for college teaching will be huge. But there are a limited number of occupations for which those are useful skills.” 6 Are you willing to spend significant time and money in the short term YES to improve your career prospects NO in the long term? Graduate-level classes are considerably more expensive than undergraduate classes– and they require a lot more work. But in Rich’s view, “That relatively short commitment will pay off big later on, when you get the degree and it translates into a much higherpaying job. You’ve really got to think long-term, and focus on what your career goals are, both immediately and in the next five or ten years. Ultimately I really recommend you get as much education as you can, as long as it’s relevant to the work you want to pursue.” YES NO If so, says Shatkin, a graduate degree could be for you. “Basically, unless it’s a professionally oriented school where you learn the tools and techniques of a particular occupation, most graduate degrees teach you how to do research. If you’re going into Scoring: Questions 1-2: If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, an associate’s or trade school degree might be your best bet. Questions 3-4: If you answered yes to both of these questions, you probably should start with a bachelor’s degree. Questions 5-6: If you answered yes to both of these questions, a graduate degree could help you achieve your goals. www.hcc.edu CareerFocus I Summer 2011 I 15 Your Community Resource Resources Career Center The HCC Career Center can help you find the right answers to your career questions. We’re your central source for information on careers, education and training programs, job search planning and employment opportunities and we’d like to help you! For information, visit the HCC Career Center, room 322, Kittredge Center, call (413) 552-2597 or email: [email protected] Gateway to College Are you or is someone you know a high school dropout or struggling in school? Holyoke Community College’s Gateway to College program can help. If you’re age 16-20 you can earn a high school diploma and college credits toward an associate’s degree or certificate. For more information and upcoming info sessions call (413) 552-2370 or email: [email protected] Interns and Internships InternHere.com is a free, easy-to-use website that connects students with local employers in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. For information, visit the HCC Career Center in the Kittredge Center, room 322; contact Richard Powers (413) 552-2361; [email protected] Massachusetts Export Center Training & assistance on international marketing, legal issues, compliance, export logistics and more. Call (413) 552-2316; www.mass.gov/export Meeting & Conference Services HCC offers competitively-priced space rental and conference services for your corporate meeting, conference, retreat, training seminar or workshop. • Partial-day, evening, full-day, and multi-day options. • Designed for workforce education/training, professional development, and corporate activities • Conference rooms, tiered amphitheatre, computer labs, and training rooms with flexible set-up options • Staffing, space, technology, food service • Local, state, and nationally-recognized trainers and facilitators • Conveniently located near Interstate 91 and the Mass Turnpike. Free parking. Special room rates available at nearby hotels Call (413) 552-2088 or email: capatterson@ hcc.edu for a free quote and availability. HCC High Stakes Testing & Computer-Based Learning Center The center works with testing and computer-based training providers to give business & industry, government organizations, and individuals access to unmatched testing and training experiences. Services include competency-based training in more than 3,000 topics; anytime, anywhere, “high stakes” licensure & certification testing for trade/professional exams, and occupational analyses. High Stakes Testing ACT Certification and licensure testing for many organizations including: • National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) • Boston University online courses • COMPASS–Skills testing for schools • Foreign Service Officer Test ACT WorkKeys Internet-based & paper/pencil assessments of job-related skills ACT PCTA WorkKeys Proficiency Certificate for teacher assistants CASTLE Worldwide Internet-based and paper/pencil certification and licensure testing CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®) 34 examinations that allow you to receive college credit for what you already know DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) 37 exams that provide your college with evidence of prior learning ISO Quality Testing Career-related licensure and certification examinations in medical, nursing, IT, and other professional fields. Kryterion Customized test delivery solutions for distance education organizations, IT certifications, healthcare certifications, professional & trade associations Microsoft IC3 & Microsoft Office Specialist International Exams (MOS) Pearson VUE Computer-based testing solutions for information technology, academics, government and other professions TOEFL iBT Test of English as a foreign language Computer-Based Education and Training ACT Center 3,000 computer-based and distance learning self study courses Flexstudy.com Online courses by the American Management Association ONLC Online, Microsoft authorized, instructor-led, hands-on IT training Plato Basic skills instruction and CPT, SAT and MCAS test prep. For NEWFDA Members ed2go Online, instructor-led courses Gatlin Education Services Online programs in healthcare, business, construction technology, web design, technical & IT certifications, and video game development For information visit www.thecenter-hcc.org, email [email protected] or call (413) 552-2112. for Education, Training & Enrichment Training The American Management Association University Program AMA University Program classes at HCC offer a structured approach to mastering the key skills that every manager—whether a seasoned pro or a newly promoted one—needs to succeed. Complete any five of 12 courses at HCC and receive the internationally-recognized AMA Management Certificate $325 per course, $1,625 for the certificate. Discounts available to employees of organizations that belong to the HCC Corporate College Program. For information or to enroll, call (413) 552-2086. Business & Professional Development Training As an authorized training provider, we offer high-quality, cost-effective contract training to meet your specific needs. Contact us for a free, no obligation training consultation. Professional development training, programs, and courses for: • K-12 Educators • Career Development Facilitators • Certified Public Accountants • Law Enforcement Officers • Project Managers • Food Service and Hospitality Industry Workers • Massachusetts Real Estate Professionals Continuing Education • Public and Not-for-Profit Organizations and Employees • and more! For details, visit www.hcc.edu and www.thecenter-hcc.org or call (413) 552-2500; or email [email protected] Career Development Facilitator (CDF) Training Hands-on, interactive training follows National Career Development Association curriculum. Suitable for experienced practitioners and those new to the field. For information, visit www.ncda.org For upcoming dates, cost and registration information, contact Barbara Foster (413) 552-2559; [email protected] Civil Rights & Diversity Training (by contract) Meets state requirements for human service agencies and other interested organizations. For information call (413) 552-2122 Computer & Technology Training for Individuals & Organizations Hands-on learning. Small classes. Rewarding results. Affordably priced. Course and registration information available online at www.hcc.edu/ces or Community Services, (413) 552-2320 or 2324 Consulting & Customized Training Services Business strategy and performance, alignment, leadership and teambuilding, sales and customer service, information security and assurance and more. For a free consultation contact: Iraida Delgado, (413) 552-2742; [email protected] Cooperative Education Current students gain jobs, experience, credits. Workplaces gain enthusiastic student workers. For information, contact Janet Rivera, Cooperative Education, Kittredge Center, room 319, (413) 552-2322; [email protected] or Experiential Education Coordinator Andrea Picard (413) 552-2342; [email protected] Jump Start Certificate Program FREE education and training for TAFDC (Transitional Aid for Families with Dependent Children) recipients. Maximum 16-week, noncredit, full-time program provides free, short-term education and job skills training. To qualify, you must be receiving TAFDC; have a high school diploma or GED; score appropriately on math, reading, and writing assessments; be committed to completing the program, getting a job, and entering full-time employment after graduation. Department of Transitional Assistance will pay for childcare and transportation during training. For information and to apply call (413) 552-2042 or (413) 552-2496. Language Services For businesses and individuals seeking to improve workplace language skills. Command Spanish - Real Spanish for Real People (by contract only for six or more employees). The quickest, easiest way for non-Spanish speakers to learn enough Spanish to get their jobs done. Designed for 27 different professions so you learn just what is relevant to your workplace. Accent Modification (on-campus course for individuals or group training by contract). Ideal training for white-collar, foreign-born workers with a good command of English who seek assistance in reducing their accents. Training can signifiantly reduce foreign accents in just 30 hours. For details, visit: www.thecenter-hcc.org, click ”language training” or contact Robert Griffin (413) 552-2086; [email protected]. Leadership through Culinary Teambuilding Foster a spirit of trust, creativity, enthusiasm, and team cooperation while building practical interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Engage in fun, lighthearted cooking activities that challenge you to come together as a successful, highly-functioning team. Workshops are customized to meet your goals. Contact Iraida Delgado (413) 552-2742; [email protected] Personal Enrichment Courses Learn new skills. Improve your life. Meet new friends. See ad on page 5. Course information and registration available online at www.hcc.edu/ces or contact Community Servicecs at (413) 552-2320 or 2324. Professional Development for K-12 Educators Earn PDPs in accredited self-paced VESI interactive courses packed with practical applications for the classroom. CD or online format and undergraduate and graduate level courses available. For courses and info, visit www.virtualeduc.com/holyoke or call Community Services (413) 552-2320 or 2324. Professional Development Programs from EANE Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) provides assistance and training, drives key HR initiatives, and helps companies grow and save time and money. Course and registration information available online @ www.hcc.edu or call (413) 552-2320. Project Management Evening Certificate Convenient. Self-paced. No commute. Classes available on many topics. View HCC courses and register: www.ed2go.com/holyoke For information, call Arvard Lingham (413) 552-2320; [email protected] This 13-week, hands-on certificate program aligns with the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Great refresher course for current project managers and for new project managers who want to learn project management concepts and practices quickly. Learn to plan and execute successful projects using project management concepts and processes; prepare for Project Management Professional certification test; and earn 39 PDUs—four more than the required 35 hours required for the PMP designation. Course materials include templates for a project charter, scope statement, and quality management plan, and exams, quizzes, and 100-question practice PMP certification exam. For start dates, cost and registration information, call (413) 552-2086 or visit www.thecenter-hcc.org Gatlin Education Services Public & Not-for-Profit Professional Development Institute ed2go Online Courses Online career training programs in many fields. To view all HCC courses and register: www.gatlineducation.com/holyoke For information, contact Arvard Lingham (413) 552-2320; [email protected] HCC’s Corporate College Program The same comprehensive education and training services through live training or online learning that Fortune 500 companies provide to their employees. Fees start at $40 a year and are based on size of business or organization. Provides discounts on other HCC courses and workforce development grant application assistance. For costs and more information, call (413) 552-2111 Training and services for those working in government, education, healthcare, and not-for-profit organizations. For personnel and managers, supervisors and front-line staff in state and municipal government, schools and other agencies. • Customized professional development days • Computer software training • 39-hour Project Management Certificate program • Professional development training • AMA Management Certificate Program For details, visit www.thecenter-hcc.org, click the “professional development” or contact Keith Hensley (413) 552-2506; email: [email protected] Register now for summer classes! Summer credit classes start June 6 & July 11. Noncredit classes begin throughout the semester. Enrolling is easy! Continuing students: Visit www.hcc.edu New students: Visit www.hcc.edu to apply or contact the Office of Admissions and Transfer Affairs (413) 552-2321; email: [email protected] Course schedules: Credit Courses visit www.hcc.edu for Fall 2011 Registration Booklet (includes Intersession) PDF. Or click “MyHCC” for the most up-to-date info about class availability (courses fill and new sections open continuously), instructor names and course descriptions. Pick up a print copy on campus. Questions? Call the Welcome Center (413) 552-2000. Non-credit Professional Development, Personal Enrichment and Training for Business and Industry HCC’s Business and Community Services Bulletin, which includes non-credit personal enrichment and professional development course information, is available in early May, online (PDF) and in print. Classes start throughout the semester. (413) 552-2500 or (413) 552-2320 or login to our online course shopping cart at www.hcc.edu/ces Questions? Call the Welcome Center at (413) 552-2000 Home for the summer? Take a course. Many students who attend colleges and universities throughout the country and are home for summer, find taking a summer class or two at HCC is the perfect place to pick up some college credits and save money, too. A variety of HCC courses—from psychology to mathematics to biology—transfer easily to most universities and colleges across the country. You can complete a summer course in two to seven weeks! You’ll find plenty of options for day, evening, and online courses in this Bulletin. Why not go back to college this fall with a few more academic credits on your transcript? First, talk to your college’s registrar, to make sure the HCC course meets its requirements. Once you’ve completed an approved HCC course, request a transcript from HCC to transfer credit back to your home institution. The HCC classes listed here meet the requirements of most colleges and universities. But your college may accept plenty of others if you check with them first. www.facebook.com/HolyokeCommunityCollege Questions? Call (413) 552-2000 or email [email protected]. HCC has designated the following summer courses as transferable to most institutions: BIO 103 ECN 101 ECN 102 HIS 112 POL 110 PSY 110 SOC 110 MTH 142 ENG 101 ENG 102 HIS 111 Biology Today Economics I Economics II History of the US II U.S. National Government Introduction to Psychology Introduction to Sociology Statistics Introduction to Language and Literature Language and Literature II History of the U.S. I Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Avenue Holyoke MA 01040 www.hcc.edu
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