careerfocus fall/winter 2010

A Community Resource for Employment, Education and Enrichment Fall / Winter 2010 Volume 11 / Issue 3

Heather Rought, of Gowen, completed three years of classes at MCC before transferring to Davenport University.

Yes, You Can!Recognize your value

page 6

Achieve the 4Cs

page 4

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO FAR, TO GO FAR

pages 8-10

Smart jobsearchpage 2

Focus onFacultypage 9

SUCCESS STORIES page 5

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GED Earn your GED (General Educational Development) certificate at MCC.

GED TEST PREPARATION is offered through an $83 six-week, noncredit, online course. Sessions begin Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16, April 20 and May 18.

GED PREP STUDY GUIDES, ranging from $18.95 to $29.95, are available at the MCC Bookstore. The GED TEST costs $100 and pre-registration is required.

Visit www.montcalm.edu/GED or call 989-328-1266 or 231-937-7995 for more information.

It can make a BIG difference

The test is available at MCC:

May 5May 6

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at MCC's M-TEC:January 10January 17February 7

February 14March 7

March 14April 11April 18

at the Panhandle Area Center:

January 11January 18February 8

February 15March 8

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Montcalm Community College

Embark on an in-depth adventure through Rome and Paris, two iconic European capitals, and visit Florence and Pompeii along the way, during an eight-day study abroad trip.

Contact MCC Visual Arts Coordinator Carolyn Johnson by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 989-328-1248, or visit www.montcalm.edu/studyabroad.aspx.

Paris, Rome, Florence & Pompeii

May 2011

Features

CAREER WATCH

2 Smart Job Search There's a right way — and a wrong way — to look for a job

3 I'm Outta Here When does it make sense to change careers?

4 Achieve the 4Cs Communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity

MCC STUDENTS 5 SUCCESS STORIES A spotlight on Alicia Hoople and Christina Halverson

6 Yes, You Can How to recognize your value

Cover Article

8 You don't have to go far, to go far

MCC offers plenty of transfer options

In Every Issue

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER DIRECTION?

11 A to ZBack to basics

fACTS & fINDS

16 News about Careers and Education

Questions about the Montcalm Community College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to the Enrollment Services Office at 989-328-1277 or 1-877-328-2111 (toll free). Comments or questions about the publication itself can be directed to Shelly Strautz-Springborn at 989-328-1243 or [email protected]. MCC’s TTY number is 989-328-1253.

Managing Editor: .................................................. Terry Smith Editor: ............................................Shelly Strautz-Springborn

Graphic Design/ Advertising: ......................................Jody Butler Hedrick

Visit MCC on the Web at: www.montcalm.edu

MOnTCAlM COMMuniTY COllEGE

Board of TrusteesMartha Jean Brundage

Karen Carbonelli

Carol Deuling-Ravell

Richard Ellafrits

Patricia Hinrichs

Robert Marston

Roger Thelen

Robert C. Ferrentino is MCC’s president.

CAREERFOCuS is published three times a year by:

MOnTCAlM COMMuniTY COllEGE

2800 College Drive Sidney, Mi 48885-9723

in partnership with Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Mi.

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MCC Students = Success! Check out MCC student success stories on page 5.

989-328-1277 I Montcalm Community College I www.montcalm.edu CareerFocus I Fall/Winter 2010 I 1

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hen you’re looking for a job, the quality of the time you spend searching is often more important than the quantity.

“There are folks who are spending a ton of time sitting in front of the computer, sending

their résumés off into cyberspace and not getting any responses,” says Sarah Boland, coordinator of career and employment services at Diablo Valley College in Pleas-ant Hill, Calif.

To make the best use of your job search time, first consider how companies fill jobs. More than one-quarter of outside hires were made via referral in 2009, according to a survey by CareerXroads. Company Web sites accounted for about 22 percent of outside hires, and job boards for about 13 percent. The survey found very few hires from social media.

Networking, then, should be your top priority, since it leads to refer-rals. Use job boards in moderation.

Social media may be better as a networking tool than as a direct link to a job.

Step away from the computerExperts’ main advice on what not to do: Don’t spend all your job search time in front of a computer screen.

“Your time online looking for a job can almost be like a black hole if you don’t spend it wisely,” says career coach Chandlee Bryan of Best Fit Forward.

Many of the activities that are recommended, such as getting out of the house and meeting people, can also keep you from becom-ing depressed and giving up on your search — a definite recipe for failure.

Proceed with cautionA number of traditional and newer job search tools can be very helpful — but only if you use them correctly and don’t go overboard.

• Job boards. Do look online for jobs, but don’t make this the centerpiece of your hunt.

“If you can find an online job post-ing, so can thousands of other people,” says Dr. Janet Civitelli, associate director of university career services at the University of Houston. “I recommend limit-ing online surfing for job postings to one hour per day.”

• Social media. Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites can be great for keeping up connections with people who may be able to help you. But again, you can spend too much time online and not enough on other parts of your search. Civitelli recommends limiting social media time to an hour per day as well.

• Online research. It’s a great idea to identify some key companies you’d like to work for, then go to their sites for job postings and news.

“Go to those Web sites and really learn what’s going on,” says Wendy Gelberg, owner of Gentle Job Search and Advantage Résu-més. Just make sure it doesn’t become a substitute for connect-ing with people.

• Working with recruiters. Remem-ber that recruiters work for the company that is hiring, not for you. Do talk to recruiters who specialize in your field, but don’t spend a lot of time on it, says Barbara Safani, owner of Career Solvers. If you’re right for a posi-tion they are filling, they will be in touch.

• Job fairs. Use job fairs to get a sense of what companies are looking for and to practice intro-ducing yourself and interviewing. But don’t assume you’ll walk out with a job.

Go where the people areYou should spend most of your job search interacting with other people. The relationships that are likely to be most fruitful are those that involve more than you sim-ply asking, “Do you know of any openings?”

“It’s not just about selling your-self,” Boland says. “It’s about active listening and being genuinely inter-ested in what others are saying.”

Activities that help you get to know a wide variety of people are help-ful, even — or especially — if you don’t spend every minute asking people about jobs.

Some job seekers join success groups, groups of people who are looking for work and agree to meet regularly to help each other. Volun-teer work, classes and internships are all good ways to make profes-sional contacts as well.

A limited part of your networking time may be spent at the computer, sending follow-up notes to people you met or setting up lunches and informational interviews.

“The key is to be out in the world and engaged with others,” Civi-telli says. CF

Smart Job SearchThere’s a right way — and a wrong way — to look for a job

“The key is to be out in the world and engaged with others.”

2 I Fall/Winter 2010 I CareerFocus Montcalm Community College I www.montcalm.edu I 989-328-1277

s he entered his 50s, Mark Noonan had what most people would con-sider a wildly successful career. A high-flying tech executive, he earned six figures and travelled the world. But when his wife died unexpectedly in 2004, he found himself questioning his path.

“I knew I wanted to give back to the community, so I did a lot of soul searching and left my job,” he says. After earning a degree in ger-ontology at Portland Community College, he found work at a non-profit that serves seniors. “There’s definitely a difference in pay. But I go home every day knowing I’m making a difference, which was not how I felt in the tech industry.”

Though midlife epiphanies like Noonan’s aren’t uncommon, in today’s economy a career change is often a necessity rather than a choice. If you’re unhappy (or unem-ployed) in your current field, how can you decide if it’s time to shift to a new one? And if you opt to change careers, should you make a gradual

transition, or quit your current job and jump in with both feet?

A toe in the waterMartha Mangelsdorf, author of Strategies for Successful Career Change, recommends caution. “If you’re thinking of making a dra-matic career change, find some low-risk ways to explore a new career before you quit your job,” she says. “Talk to people in the field and find out what it’s like, or maybe see if you can shadow them at work. Take an evening class — community colleges are ideal for career changers because they’re affordable, vocationally focused, and well-suited to working with adult learners. Get some part-time or volunteer work that’s relevant to the career you’re exploring. Or do a small-scale consulting project for a friend or relative, to get a feel for the work and to make sure you really like it.”

According to Talane Miedaner, career coach and author of Coach Yourself to a New Career, “There are loads of people who are able to transition, while hanging onto their current job and working in the evenings or weekends to build something new. It’s not always easy to quit and start fresh. First you’ve got to get your résumé to read a

little differently, and sometimes it’s easier to do that within the place you already are. So look for things you can volunteer for, within your current job, that will take you one step closer to where you want to end up.”

Jumping inBut if you do decide to quit one job to seek another, Miedaner recom-mends you save enough to cover your everyday expenses while you’re searching. Plan on a six-month reserve if you’re looking for a new job and two years of reserves if you’re planning to start your own business.

And if you’re considering a lower-paying career, you need to crunch the numbers first. “Get really clear on what your monthly expenses are, and all the things that you’re going to cut,” she says. “Generally, if you can get the housing situation right, that makes the rest easier. People sometimes think, ‘Well, I’ll give up my daily cappuccino,’ but they keep the same house. Yet you can easily afford ten cappuccinos a day if you’re living in a smaller house with lower taxes.”

Mangelsdorf agrees, but she cau-tions that before you take any drastic steps, you should figure out if you’re fed up with your career —

or just frustrated with your job. “If you’re just slightly dissatisfied with your job, think about making small shifts that would make you hap-pier,” she says. “Are there any parts of your job that you like? Is it pos-sible to do more of those, and less of the parts you don’t like? If not, there may even be different types of jobs in your industry or organi-zation that you might enjoy more.”

But if you truly are miserable in your career, Miedaner says, don’t be afraid to pull the plug. “I knew a client who was a successful sales manager in a corporation, made loads of money, but he wasn’t happy. Ever since he was a little boy, his dream was to be a policeman — so he became a policeman. His fam-ily downsized their house, and their whole lifestyle was seriously downgraded. But when his wife was asked if it was worth it, she said, ‘A hundred times yes, because there’s nothing worse than living with somebody who’s unhappy. Now he loves what he does. He’s happy, and I’m happy.’

“So having a slightly higher quality of life doesn’t compensate for having a job that really stinks. Chang-ing careers is not an easy thing to do. But in the end, it is so worth doing.” CF

Before you take any drastic steps, you should figure out if you’re fed up with your career – or just frustrated with your job.

I’m Outta HereWhen does it make sense to change careers?

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f you want to get ahead at work or land a good job, you need four Cs.

No, we don’t mean your grades should be average — far from it. We mean your crucial traits must include a mastery of the 4Cs — communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

Count to fourThose four traits will become increasingly important to employ-ers in the years ahead, according to a recent American Management Association survey of 2,115 manag-ers. They are foundational skills that will help you win work and win promotions.

The 4Cs “pretty much apply to any-one’s job,” and will stay with you when you move up, says Manny Avramidis, the American Man-agement Association’s senior vice president of global human resources. They will work for security guards, securities analysts and CEOs.

The AMA defines the 4Cs this way:

• Communication refers to the ability to effectively express ideas in writing and in speech.

• Collaboration means the abil-ity to work with others who may be different from you or have dif-ferent points of view.

• Critical thinking is the ability to make decisions, solve problems and take appropriate action.

• Creativity refers to being innovative and using your imag-ination to see what’s NOT there and to make something happen.

Why they matterThe 4Cs are growing in signifi-cance because of the pace of change in business and the amount of work that must be accomplished in teams. “I can see them become increasingly more important because the world is getting smaller and smaller,” says Avramidis, who

oversees the hiring and develop-ment of some 1,000 AMA staffers around the world.

They are important enough that three-quarters of managers already have started measuring their cur-rent staff’s communication skills, critical thinking and collabora-tion during performance reviews. In about half the cases, workers were considered “only average” in communications and creativity and innovation, the AMA research found.

The 4Cs and similar lists have been called crucial by other orga-nizations including the Society for Human Resource Management. Yet two-thirds of human resources managers say some new workers lacked critical thinking, self-direc-tion, overall professionalism and written communications skills, all of which are on SHRM’s core com-petencies lists.

“Being a subject-matter expert is not enough, particularly in a down economy,” says Margo Rose, whose career in human resources has led her to jobs in social media, recruit-ing for a Cincinnati law firm and establishing Hire Friday on Twitter. “Critical thinking is so important. I define critical thinking as look-ing at an issue from lots of different viewpoints and making an informed decision. If (job hunters) can con-vey that in a job interview, they’re going to be heads above the rest.”

Learn howStart by grading yourself on your 4C skills. Then ask a former boss or coworker to be brutally honest in assessing you, too. Spend time thinking of occasions when you came up with novel solutions or built a bridge with your words. That will give you some target areas in which you can increase your strengths and reduce weaknesses.

If you’re trying to add more of these into your life and your résumé, jump into some activities, such as the debate team or the interna-tional business round table or a new fundraiser for your favorite charity.

Here are four other approaches, shared by Avramidis:

• Join activities that require com-munication and collaboration, and then document them on your résumé.

• Choose classes where the pro-fessor has built the 4Cs into the coursework, and stay away from basic lecture classes where you never use them.

• Grab an internship or part-time job to learn in an environment similar to one you may land in full time later on.

• Develop your skills using some new communication tools, whether IM or ShareSlide or a social network related to your field. But remember, you need to be able to talk face-to-face too.

Though all four skills are impor-tant, effective communication really is crucial at every age and stage of a career. And just because you can talk for hours with your friends does not mean you’re connecting with the hiring manager who’s 15 years older than you — or 15 years younger.

Employers also appreciate seeing the 4Cs woven into your résumé and your experiences. Critical thinking combined with commu-nications and creativity means an individual stands out as “a prob-lem solver....finding solutions no one else has even thought of,” says Rose. “That’s going to be a tremen-dous boon to your career.” CF

Achieve the 4CsEveryone needs these core traits to succeed

The 4Cs “pretty much apply to anyone’s job.” They will work for security guards, securities analysts and CEOs.

communicationcollaborationcritical thinkingcreativity

communicationcollaborationcritical thincreativity

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Education is a “gift” that keeps on giv-ing for Christina (Falzon) Halverson.

At age 26, Halverson has earned three academic degrees, built a successful career working for the FBI and recently joined the staff of ADG: Creative, an independent communications company based in Columbia, Md.

Halverson says she has come so far so fast in part because of her decision to take high school and college credits simulta-neously at Montcalm Community College when she was a teenager.

She earned her first of three college degrees in 2002. At the time, Halver-son was just 18 years old and graduated from high school at the same time she earned an associate degree in general studies from MCC. That fall, she trans-ferred to Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., where she earned a bach-elor’s degree in psychology with a minor in neurobiology in 2005. She went on to complete her master’s degree in forensic psychology at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., in 2007.

A Stanton native, Halverson worked in the Washington, D.C., area as an intel-ligence analyst with the FBI for two years. In September, she joined the staff of ADG: Creative, which provides brand development, strategic communications, marketing, e-learning, software develop-ment and consulting services to a variety of clients, including federal agencies, academic institutions and commercial enterprises.

“I typically do exclusive work with the federal team developing products for and assisting our federal clients,” Halverson says. “I add a strategic advantage because of my previous work with the FBI.”

Halverson says the time she spent at MCC “jump-started” her education “and, ultimately, my career by laying ground-work for me in several areas.

“My previous education and experiences, including those at MCC, equipped me to tackle difficult problems and resolve them with actionable and relevant solutions,” Halverson says. “Attending MCC was an amazing opportunity for me. I often consider myself fortunate because I am so young and have been able to experi-

ence so much. This would not have been possible without MCC.

“All of my classes transferred from MCC to the university, which minimized the amount of time I had to attend there before moving on to my master’s degree. Despite the ‘small town’ location of MCC, the instructors are very dedicated to their students and are passionate about the education that they instill in them,” she says.

In addition to her coursework, Halver-son was a member of MCC’s Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and was involved with the student choir. She also experienced rock climbing, learned sign language interpreting, was a tutor and worked in one of the college’s computer labs – all experiences she says helped shape her into the person she is today.

“The small class sizes and individual attention afforded me the tailored educa-tion that I needed at such a young age,” Halverson says. “The instructors took time to meet with me outside of class and guide me in my endeavors. I still visit some of them when I come back to the area for vacation. Without the con-tribution of the dedicated staff at MCC, I would not be where I am today.”

Halverson encourages others to “remem-ber that the education you are receiving is a gift that will help shape your future.”

Education runs in Alicia Hoople-Zank’s family.

Her parents both are retired teachers, and Hoople-Zank says she grew up want-ing to be a teacher, too.

In her first year as a fifth-grade instruc-tor at Walnut Hills Elementary School in Greenville, she says the position is her “dream job. I spend my days working with students and helping them advance their skills in math, social studies and science.”

A 2004 graduate of Central Montcalm High School, Hoople-Zank earned an Associate of Liberal Arts degree from Montcalm Community College in 2006. She then transferred to Grand Valley State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in social studies and an emphasis in history, and a minor in elementary education in Decem-ber 2009.

As a student teacher, Hoople-Zank taught kindergarten at Lincoln Heights Elemen-tary School in Greenville.

“It was a great teaching experience,” she says.

Hoople-Zank spent much of spring semester 2010 substitute teaching and continuing to build her skills before being hired as a full-time teacher.

“I feel like my goals are always chang-ing, depending on the students and their

situations,” she says. “I’m always work-ing to find new techniques to help me become a better teacher, meet the needs of my students and make learning fun.”

Hoople-Zank says her experience at MCC provided a “good academic foundation,” which helped her achieve success in her professional endeavors.

“I have always been proud of the educa-tion I received at MCC,” she says.

“By starting my education at MCC, I saved money and reduced the total amount of my student loans,” she adds.

In addition to an affordable and solid aca-demic experience, she says she gained valuable experience through career-related volunteer programs in her MCC classes.

“The teaching market is pretty satu-rated right now with qualified teachers,” Hoople-Zank says. “There are a lot of people with solid academic credentials applying for teaching jobs. But, to be successful, I think it’s all about what you can do to set yourself apart from every-one else. I feel like I was able to get a lot of really great real-life experience at MCC as part of my class work.

“In my Math for Elementary Teachers class, we were required to volunteer in a classroom and work with students on an individual basis,” she says. “It helps me now as I’m teaching math because I have a baseline of how kids learn.”

When it was time to transfer to GVSU, Hoople-Zank says the process “was easy and streamlined.” At MCC, she earned the MACRAO (Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) stamp – an agreement among Michigan colleges and universities that ensures that general education credits from community colleges are accepted at participating four-year institutions. She says this designation helped her make a smooth transition during the transfer process.

Hoople-Zank urges others to “plan ahead for college and take time to organize class schedules to earn credits in courses that will transfer.

“Take your education seriously,” she says. “Large or small, college is college, and your future success will depend on the effort you put into it.” CF

Alicia Hoople-Zank

Christina(Falzon) Halverson

SPOTLIGHTon MCC Alumni

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iven the choice between hiring two equally bright candidates — a shiny, happy person or a negative sad sack — who would you choose? It’s a no-brainer; individuals exuding self-confidence — faith and trust in their abilities — are those we want to be around

and hire.

Lynne Sarikas, director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration says, “When a candidate doesn’t show an ounce of confidence, I may feel terribly sorry, but I can’t hire them. We tell students, ‘You are selling your-self in interviews. You can’t do this effectively if you don’t believe in yourself.’ ”

Marilyn J. Sorensen, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of Breaking the Chain of Low Self-Esteem, says a lack of self-confidence can be a symptom of low self-esteem, a condition where a person mistakenly believes that they are inadequate, unlovable, unworthy or incompetent. This way of thinking only increases a job seeker’s fear of making a mistake or failing — and plunges their level of self-confidence.

Both note that while cascading job loss, financial strain and depres-sion may erode the confidence of the most optimistic person, it doesn’t change the fact that people still want to hire capable, confident people.

What can you do if you’re unem-ployed and suffering a confidence crisis? Help is closer than you think.

Eliminate the negative, accentuate the positive Sarikas and Sorensen believe self-confidence is an inside game, one where you must take action to change your thoughts. The first step for the confidence-challenged, says Sorensen, is to diligently edit negative thoughts and only allow authentic self-statements based on fact, truth or history in order to eliminate inaccurate, self-defeat-ing thoughts and behaviors.

In other words, when you think, “I’m an unemployable loser,” remember that you have been employed and the contribution you made: “I had a job and I was a reliable, hard-work-ing employee. I’ll have a job again.”

Both recommend taking stock and writing down your positive traits (Are you honest, funny, coopera-tive, sincere?), your successes and examples of situations in which you overcame adversity. If you feel your job loss was because of your own negligence, acknowledge it and move on. Rehashing and self-recrimination are cold, comfortless companions.

Can’t recall what’s so great about you? Ask a friend, former coworker or manager to jog your memory or supply appreciation or recommen-dation letters. Reference your list and collection of credentials and endorsements often to maintain your self-appreciation. It may sound silly, but no more so than living in your head thinking about how unemployable and unlikeable you are — and far more productive.

Take a break from youObsessive thinking about you and your situation won’t restore confidence. Sometimes you need to unplug the thinking-about-me machine and make a contribution to others to release yourself from fear and doubt. Being conscious of others’ needs and doing something to make a positive difference can help you rediscover your usefulness and well being.

That’s why experts recommend vol-unteering or seeking no-cost ways to be of use while between jobs. Serve breakfast at a soup kitchen once or twice a week or rake leaves

for an elderly neighbor. Doing small acts of kindness have a way of get-ting negative thoughts out of our heads and putting self-affirming ones in their place.

Prepare and practiceHow can you boost your confidence pre-interview? Sarikas says prep-aration and practice are key. She suggests thoroughly researching the company and your interview-ers. Consider questions you’re likely to be asked and your responses. Prepare your own questions and list examples of your work or expe-riences relevant to the position. Sarikas also suggests anticipating questions such as, “Tell me about a time you had conflict and how you resolved it?” or, as the iconic interviewer Barbara Walters once

queried, “What kind of tree would you be?”

Ask friends to practice interview-ing with you and give you feedback about your performance. Before interview time, ask a friend or men-tor for a personal pep rally and then pump yourself up with accu-rate, positive self-talk. Sorensen adds the importance of taking time to review your list of factual and truthful statements and histori-cal record of successes.

Be here nowFocus is the watchword for confi-dent interviewing. Sarikas says it’s important when interviewing to believe that this is the best place for you to be at this point in time. Don’t think about how long you’ve

While cascading job loss, financial strain and depression may erode the confidence of the most optimistic person, it doesn’t change the fact that people still want to hire capa-ble, confident people.

Yes, You CanHow to recognize your value


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sWhat’s Your Confidence Quotient?Genuine self-confidence takes courage

been unemployed, how you need a job or your competition.

Take the heat off by being attentive to and interested in those interviewing you. Be yourself and don’t apol-ogize for what you are not. After all, it’s gen-erally not who you are that holds you back, it’s worrying about who you think you’re not. Be the best you can be and the rest will take care of itself. CF

ake this quiz to see if you know how to hold on to your self-confidence after a job loss.

1The best strategy to get your confidence back after a job loss is to:

a. Acknowledge the loss and give equal time to assessing how you did or didn’t contribute to the situation.

b. Tell everyone about your bad break and rotten former employer. They are certain to agree with you and you’ll feel so much better.

2 To accurately assess your positive traits:

a. Find a list of positive affirmations, look in the mirror and say them out loud to yourself each day.

b. Write down the things you know that are undeniably good about you. Ask a friend or coworker to jog your memory if you need help.

3 The best thing to do just before going into a job interview is to:

a. Remember all your authentic positive traits and experiences.

b. Think about all the mistakes you’ve made so you won’t make them again.

4 You’ve scored an interview! What should you do to get ready?

a. Nothing. They’ve seen your resume and they want you. Job, here you come!

b. Get your Google on and learn all you can about the company and interviewer.

5 It’s been a while since you’ve lost your job, you’ve had several dead-end interviews

and are feeling desperate. The best thing to do is:

a. Take some time to help a friend or volunteer a few hours a week.

b. Continue to make your job hunt your first priority. The harder you work at it, the more likely it is you’ll find a job.

Answer KeyGive yourself one point for each cor-rect answer.

1–a. Job loss, currently impacting millions across the nation due the economic downturn, is consistently listed as a top stressor. Personal factors — excessive tardiness or absenteeism or being unfocused at work — can be other reasons behind losing a job.

Sorensen suggests not taking your job loss personally if you didn’t do anything wrong. However, if you did play a part, you must be willing to take an honest look at yourself. She suggests writing about why you think you lost your job and what you did rather than ruminating about it in your head. Having the facts written down will help you move on.

2–b. Generic affirmations, such as “I’m a good person,” feel and sound absurd for a reason: They are non-specific and lack authentic-ity. Sorensen says true confidence comes from acknowledgment of one’s specific, genuine positive attri-butes. Are you unsure of yours? She

recommends asking others for help when compiling a positive inven-tory. They are often able to remind us of our good qualities when stress inhibits our memory.

3–a. No one can take away your undeniable positive attributes and experiences. Dwelling on past mis-takes or situations that you feel didn’t work to your advantage are bona fide confidence killers.

4–b. People are undeniably more interested in learning about you when you take an interest in them. As Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People said, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming inter-ested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

You show your respect and inter-est when you take the time to learn about your hoped-for employer and interviewer. The bonus is you go to your interview prepared for an intelligent discussion, a key confi-dence booster, according to Sarikas.

5–a. While it’s important to con-tinue researching and applying for

jobs, obsessive job hunting and non-stop networking can exhaust you and wreak havoc on your confidence. Certainly spend time each day on your search, but take a break and help others if you find yourself feel-ing inadequate and frustrated.

It can be the best thing you can do to help yourself. Why? Because being of service gives your life meaning. It’s a reminder that while you may currently feel impotent career-wise, you still have pur-pose and power in your ability to be useful to others — a sure-fire nutrient that will make your con-fidence bloom and grow.

Scoring4–5 points: Well done! You’ve got what it takes to shine.

2–3 points: Not bad, but under-standing and employing some confidence raising tactics may help you enhance yours.

0–1 point: Time for a confidence makeover. Consider asking a friend or mentor to help you in your quest for improved self-confidence. CF


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MCC offers a high-quality, affordable education with plenty of transfer options

Feature

You don't have to go far, to go far

eather Rought, Ethan Cole and Jeremy Ball all have one thing in common – they attended Montcalm Community Col-lege before transferring to a university.

They are just a fraction of the 6.8 million students in the United States who attend a commu-nity college each year. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, nationally, about 43 percent of all students begin their education at a com-munity college before moving on to a four-year institution.

Putting transfer to workMore and more students are finding that a community college is the best place to begin their bachelor’s degree since the first two years of required courses are general education classes that can be taken at a college close to home and at a fraction of the cost of a university.

“Transfer students get the same degree as students who spend four years – and a lot more money – at a four-year institu-tion,” says MCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Rob Spohr. “Because of various factors, students often will start at a four-year institution, end up not doing well there, and transfer to MCC. Most often they end up doing very well here and trans- HeatHer rougHtTR

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fer back to a four-year school where they are ultimately successful.”

Spohr attributes MCC’s student suc-cess to a variety of factors – quality instructors, smaller class sizes and personalized instruction.

“We find many students are intimi-dated at a university and do better in smaller classrooms with personal contact with their instructor,” he says. “Starting at MCC helps them build the foundation they need to excel in a larger university setting.”

Rought began her studies at MCC during fall semester 2007 and completed three years of classes before transferring to Davenport University.

She took advantage of a 3+1 artic-ulation agreement between the institutions, which means she com-pleted three years of coursework at MCC before transferring to Daven-port where she has just one year of classes to complete her bachelor’s degree.

“All of my credits transferred,” the 22-year-old Gowen native says. “I planned every course I took at MCC with my future transfer to Daven-port in mind. I received help from an MCC counselor first, and then I met with a counselor at Daven-port. Between the two of them, I came out with a game plan that worked for me.”

Ball, 22, completed requirements to earn his MACRAO (Michigan Asso-ciation of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) designation. This agreement among Michigan colleges and universities ensures that general education credits from community colleges are accepted at participating four-year institutions.

“I really didn’t have a specific program of study at MCC, but I am really glad that I was able to complete my general education requirements there,” Ball says. “When I went to MCC, the tuition rate was about $70 per credit hour,

“Being in the classroom is a neat feeling. It’s fulfilling to see students who work hard and achieve success,” Campbell says.

Campbell earned an associate degree in business from MCC, a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in account-ing from Aquinas College and a master’s degree in vocational technical education from Ferris State University.

Kristen DiehlMCC Computer Information Systems (CIS) Lab Coordinator

CIS Lab Coordinator Kristen Diehl says teaching students about technology is always on her mind.

Diehl teaches a variety of business, man-agement and CIS courses at MCC and she serves as the advisor of the college’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) club. She says each week she shares tech-nology news with her students to keep them up-to-date on the latest technol-ogy trends.

“I enjoy getting students excited about technology and how they can use it,” she says.

Diehl says one of her primary goals as an instructor is to help students “connect business to their everyday lives. Every-thing can be thought of as a business – the doctor’s office, school and govern-ment – and learning how to manage it effectively and efficiently ultimately helps students be successful in the workplace.”

Diehl earned a bachelor’s degree in small business management from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in edu-cation from Aquinas College. Prior to joining MCC as an instructor in 2006, she worked for 10 years in the automo-tive management field, where she gained experience in production scheduling, pur-chasing and warehousing. CF

ontcalm Community College Instructors Bob Campbell and Kristen Diehl teach a variety of busi-ness and computer information systems courses that help

build the foundation many students need to transfer to another institution.

Bob CampbellMCC Business Instructor

Business Instructor Bob Campbell believes in the saying, “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day; teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

“I know from personal experience that education creates opportunities that you otherwise would not have had,” Camp-bell says.

Before attending college, Campbell worked as a custodian. He says when he enrolled in college, his professional career path started to take shape.

“Prior to finishing my degree, I landed a job as an accountant,” he says. “I left that accounting job to go into teaching.”

In January 1984, Campbell joined MCC as a part-time instructor, and in August 1986, he landed a full-time position at the college. He teaches accounting, manage-ment and business law courses.

M

and now I’m paying $339 an hour. MCC saved me thousands of dollars.”

An affordable option MCC’s estimated annual tuition rate for full-time in-district students is $2,370 per year for 30 credit hours. That same credit load would cost about $10,710 at a public university.* For students who complete their first two years of basic educational requirements at MCC, this equals a savings of more than $16,000 in tuition when compared to the cost of a university.

Rought says she is debt free because of MCC’s affordable tuition and fees.

“I think most people view college as a way to achieve their desired career, and they assume they have to spend a ton of money in the pro-cess – at least that’s what people told me,” Rought says. “But, just because people expect it, it doesn’t have to be that way. I feel like I beat the system by not accruing any college debt.”

Cole, a 21-year-old Greenville native, agrees.

“The instructors and classes at MCC prepared me well for the university and in some regards were actually more thorough than my instructors at the university,” Cole says. “I would recommend MCC to students look-ing to attend a university later on because it is a comparable education for much less expense.”

Meet with an advisor According to the Web site MyMa-jors.com, as many as 80 percent of incoming college freshmen haven’t settled on a program of study.

Spohr recommends all students take time to meet with an academic advi-sor early in their college experience.

“We have professionals available to help students define their interests and their strengths,” he says. “This process helps guide them as they

Focus on

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MCC instructorsoffer coursessuitable for a

degree or transfer

Jeremy Ball etHan Cole

Bob Campbell

Kristen Diehl

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select classes and as they consider an institution that they may transfer to in the future.”

In addition, he says it’s important for stu-dents to work with an academic advisor at both MCC and the receiving institu-tion to ensure a smooth transfer process.

“Always contact the receiving institution early. Transfer rules are made by the four-year institution and can be changed by them at any time,” he says. “Too many times students get a transfer agreement, but that agreement changes before they graduate from MCC. It’s frustrating for students to take classes they don’t need or that won’t transfer.”

Cole says he worked with a coordinator at Northwood University for nearly two years before he transferred there.

“We had an articulation figured out for me and all of my credits from MCC trans-ferred,” he says.

Articulations pave the way for seamless transfers Articulation agreements define a method for transferring credits and coursework between colleges and universities and are intended to make it easier for stu-dents transferring from one institution to another.

MCC partners with several universities to offer articulations covering a variety of subjects, including:

• Central Michigan University – Business/management

• Cleary University – Business and health care management

• Davenport University – Business/management, computers, cosme-tology, criminal justice/corrections, early childhood development, educa-tion, electronics, health care/medical information systems and nursing

• Ferris State University – Biotech-nology, business, computer-aided drafting, health care, early child

education, manufacturing technol-ogy and restaurant/food industry management

• Franklin University – Business

• Kaplan University – Accounting, business/management, marketing, criminal justice, information tech-nology, nursing and psychology

• Michigan State University – Land-scape management

• Northwood University – Business/management

• Walsh College – Accounting, busi-ness/management, information technology and marketing

Visit www.montcalm.edu/articulations for a complete list of MCC’s transfer agreements with other colleges and universities.

Putting it all together By starting at MCC, students receive a quality education that is close to home and at a fraction of the cost of a university. MCC’s instructors convey leading-edge concepts and advanced skills to students and MCC's graduates go on to achieve success at other institutions and in many professions.

Plus, the college regularly receives reports from other institutions showing that MCC students who transfer to uni-versities outperform the students who started at those universities.

“This clearly supports the fact that MCC’s curriculum is rigorous and prepares stu-dents well for life after MCC,” says MCC Associate Dean of Student Services Debra Alexander.

Simply put, it just makes sense to attend MCC. CF

* The average yearly cost at a university is based on the 2010-11 undergraduate tuition rates at Central Michigan Univer-sity, Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University, and does not include the price of books, fees or housing.

A Transfer GlossaryC

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“Always contact the receiving institution early. Transfer rules are made

by the four-year institution and can be changed by them at any time.”

— Rob Spohr, MCC Vice President for Academic Affairs

Articulation agreementAn articulation agreement is a detailed agreement between a community college and a four-year institution that spells out exactly what students need to transfer credits to a specific program. It is a formal contract signed by both insti-tutions that has an expiration date. A list of colleges and universities that MCC has articulation agreements with appears in the A to Z Directory under the Transfer heading on page 15 of this publication.

2+2

A 2+2 articulation agreement is a typical transfer plan in which stu-dents complete two years of credit courses at a community college and transfer to a four-year institution to complete the final two years of their bachelor’s degree.

3+1A 3+1 articulation agreement is an innovative transfer plan in which students earn an associate degree plus an additional 30 credits at a community college and transfer to a four-year institution to complete the final 30 credits of their bache-lor’s degree.

Associate degreeAn associate degree is a two-year degree generally earned at a commu-nity college. Some associate degrees are specifically designed to act as the foundation for transfer to four-year bachelor’s degree programs, while others are primarily intended to prepare students for an occupa-tion. To earn an associate degree at MCC, students must have earned a minimum of 60 credits and have completed all requirements of the program.

CertificateCertificate programs focus on train-ing students for a specific occupation and generally range from 30 to 60 credits of coursework depending on the program. MCC offers certificates in programs from entrepreneurship to welding.

Gen ed (general education) General education courses are aca-demic courses in writing, math and the liberal arts and sciences that form the foundation of most bachelor’s degree programs. These courses generally are available and required at both two-year and four-year institutions.

MACRAO (Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) This agreement among Michigan colleges and universities ensures that general education credits from community colleges are accepted at participating four-year institutions. Most Michigan colleges and univer-sities participate in MACRAO – but not all. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Michigan State Uni-versity are two notable exceptions – both require students to follow specific transfer guides.

Occupational program An occupational program is an associate degree program at a com-munity college in which students receive training for specific occupa-tions. Examples include registered nursing, business/accounting and computer-related fields.

Transfer Transfer is the process by which students enter a college or univer-sity after being enrolled at another institution. MCC has numerous options for students to complete the classes necessary to fulfill basic pro-gram requirements, which can be transferred to four-year institutions toward a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer guideTransfer guides are resources developed by two- and four-year institutions that detail the classes that will transfer from one college to another and apply toward gradu-ation in specific programs. CF

Visit http://my.montcalm.edu/ics/Student/Transfer_Information.jnz for more transfer information.

Continued from page 9


degree to get you on your way to a career, a promotion or a four-year college; or a bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate or professional degree that fulfills a lifelong ambition.

Montcalm Community College can provide the first step to each of these goals. MCC’s 65 certificate, degree and job-training programs can help you reach your educational goals regardless of what point you are at in your life.

College means different things to different people. For some it’s a given. Raised to value education, these students know that a degree is the best way to a good job and a lifetime of economic security. For others it’s a second opportunity to learn more, earn more or follow a dream that has been put on for hold too long.

College can mean a short-term certificate to get you into a new career; an associate

Montcalm Community College: A-ZWhat follows is an alphabetical listing of programs and areas of study offered by Montcalm Community College. Call 989-328-1277 or toll free 1-877-328-2111 or visit MCC on the Web at www.montcalm.edu for more information.

Academic SkillsMontcalm Community College offers courses that enhance your opportunities for academic and workplace success, including courses in reading, spelling, vocabulary and study skills.

AccountingMCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree that prepares students for jobs with duties assigned to a beginning accountant, such as verifying additions; checking audits, postings, and vouchers; analyzing accounts; and preparing financial statements. This degree also provides credits for transfer to four-year accounting-degree programs including the Franklin University online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Davenport University’s bachelors’ degrees in accounting and finance.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Average yearly earnings*: $29,500-$48,500

Allied HealthPlease see EMT, medical assistant or Health Care Revenue Cycle I & II.

AnthropologyMCC offers cultural anthropology and Indian Cultures of North America.

ApprenticeshipMCC offers an Apprentice Certificate that prepares students for certification by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

Apprentice Certificate

ArchaeologyMCC offers Fieldwork in Michigan Archaeology.

ArtMCC offers drawing, painting, design, ceramics and photography courses.

Coursework in art may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Automotive TechnologyMCC offers several job-training programs, one-year certificates in Automotive Technology and Small Business Development Management and an associate-degree program.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology

Automotive Technology Certificate

Small Business Development/Management Certificate in Automotive Technology


BiologyMCC offers biology, botany, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and zoology courses and a field-based nature study course. These courses can be the foundation for additional studies at a four-year institution in a variety of science-related areas.

Coursework in biology may be applied to an Associate of Science Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

BusinessMCC offers a Certificate of Entrepreneurship that prepares students for work related to running a small business including bookkeeping, service and product pricing, customer service and computer applications. The certificate can be the foundation for continued study at the associate-degree level.

Certificate in Entrepreneurship

Average yearly earnings*: Customer service representative: $30,500-$45,500 Bookkeeper: $29,500-$42,500 new accounts clerk: $29,500-$48,500

MCC offers job training certificates in entrepreneurship, retail, retail management and supervision.

Job Training Certificates

MCC offers a variety of associate degrees that prepare students for entry-level business positions in management, marketing, international business and general business administration. These degrees can be the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level including the Franklin University online BS in Business Administration and Davenport University’s bachelor’s in human resource management, management and marketing degrees.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration/Entrepreneurship

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration/Management

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration/Marketing

Associate of Arts in International Business

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If your goal is a four-year degree, our transfer classes will get you halfway there — and at a lower price than most public and private colleges and universities. Plus, MCC’s articulation agreements with other colleges and universities can help you make even more progress in some areas of study, allowing you to complete up to three years of coursework before transferring to another institution.

To find out more about how MCC can help you reach your goals, make an appointment to visit with an MCC counselor by calling 989-328-2111. CF

BACK TO BASICS


Business Information SystemsMCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Information Systems that prepares students for entry-level business/management careers with employers that use commercially available computer application software packages. This degree can be the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level including the Franklin University online BS in Management Information Systems and Davenport University’s bachelor’s in PC & LAN management degree.

Associate of Applied Science Degree


ChemistryMCC’s introductory chemistry class is a one-semester course intended for non-science majors and allied health professionals. MCC’s college chemistry class is a two-semester sequence designed for professionals majoring in science (biology, biotechnology, chemistry, physics, engineering, pre-med, pre-dentistry, BSN, pre-pharmacy, etc.). MCC also offers organic chemistry. All three courses count toward science credits in any of MCC’s degree programs.

Coursework in chemistry may be applied to an Associate of Applied Science Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Average yearly earnings*: Chemical technician: $40,500-$59,500

Child DevelopmentMCC offers a Child Development Associate training program that prepares students for the Child Development Associate credential conferred by the Council for Early Childhood Recognition.

Child Development Associate training program


MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development that prepares students for jobs in childcare centers where you are expected to organize and lead activities of pre-kindergarten children. This degree also provides courses for transfer and learning that can be applied to four-year programs in early childhood development and education.

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development


CommunicationsMCC offers speech, American Sign Language, business communications, communication in criminal justice, communications in nursing, interpersonal communications and journalism courses.

Coursework in communications may be applied to any associate degree at MCC.

Computer Information SystemsMCC offers a Certificate in Information Processing Assistant that prepares students for entry-level employment in administrative support occupations. The certificate also provides the foundation for continued study at the associate-degree level.

Certificate in Information Processing Assistant


MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems that prepares students for employment in information and administrative support areas.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems


MCC offers a CIS Job Readiness job-training certificate for students entering or re-tooling for today’s workplace who need up-to-date basic computer information skills.

CIS Job Readiness

MCC offers a Digital Publishing & Presentation job-training certificate for students interested in desktop publishing or digital and web-based presentations.

Digital Publishing & Presentation

Computer Information Systems (continued)MCC offers an Input Productivity job-training certificate that prepares students for jobs requiring computer-based data entry.

Input Productivity

MCC offers a one-semester Office Applications job-training certificate for Microsoft Office users who want to upgrade their Office Suite skills.

Office Applications

MCC offers a Professional Studies job-training certificate for office professionals who want to update or complement their existing skills.

Professional Studies

MCC offers a Web Design Specialist job-training certificate for students interested in web design, creation and authoring tools.

Web Design Specialist

Computer Support TechnologyMCC offers a Certificate in Computer Repair that provides the background and skills necessary for entry-level jobs as computer help-desk technicians or computer support technicians. This certificate also provides skills for employment installing and maintaining computer hardware and software and diagnosing and repairing complex computers and related devices. In addition, it provides the content and skills necessary for A+ certification by the Computer Technology Industry Association.

Certificate in Computer Repair


MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Repair that prepares students for jobs installing and maintaining computer hardware and software and diagnosing and repairing complex computers and related devices. The degree also provides the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level including the Franklin University online BS in Technical Administration.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Repair


CosmetologyMCC offers a Certificate in Cosmetology that prepares students for the State Licensing Board Examination.

Certificate in Cosmetology


MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cosmetology Management that prepares students to operate in today’s business setting as a shop manager and for cosmetology licensure testing.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cosmetology Management


Criminal Justice and CorrectionsMCC offers a Corrections Officer training program that prepares students for correction-officer positions with the Michigan Department of Corrections. In addition, the course work is applicable to MCC’s certificate program in Criminal Justice/Corrections.

Corrections Officer training program

Average yearly earnings*: State of Michigan Corrections Officer: $37,000

MCC offers a Certificate in Criminal Justice/Corrections that prepares students for careers with state, county or city correctional agencies. In addition, the course work meets Michigan Corrections Officer Training Council pre-employment guidelines.

Certificate in Criminal Justice/Corrections

Average yearly earnings*: $41,610-$48,890* Earnings arE from CarEEr Portal, DisCovEr, anD U.s. BUrEaU of laBor statistiCs, UnlEss othErwisE notED.


Criminal Justice and Corrections (continued)MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Corrections or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice/General that prepare students for entry-level jobs in the criminal justice career field. These degrees also provide the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Corrections or Criminal Justice/General

Average yearly earnings*: $34,000-$43,500Police officer: $43,700-$60,490 Detective: $56,250-$78,750 Parole officer: $48,440-$61,740 Bailiff: $29,940-$40,780

Drafting TechnologyMCC offers a Certificate in Technical Drafting that prepares students for jobs in which you create drawings to offer a variety of views of the object, which are often used in an engineering or manufacturing situation. The certificate also provides the foundation for continued study at the associate-degree level.

Certificate in Technical Drafting

Average yearly earnings*: $30,700

MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Drafting & Design that prepares students for jobs in industrial drafting in which you use computer-aided drafting skills to develop detailed drawings for electronic, mechanical and machinery applications. The degree also provides the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level including the Franklin University online BS in Technical Administration and Davenport University’s bachelor’s in management degree.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Drafting & Design


EconomicsMCC offers microeconomics and macroeconomics courses.

Coursework in economics may be applied to an Associate of Science Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

EducationMCC offers education course work that serves as the foundation for continued study at four-year institutions including introduction to teaching, art for the elementary teacher, mathematics for the elementary teacher and music in the elementary classroom.

Associate of Applied Science in Education Paraprofessional

ElectronicsMCC offers a Certificate in Electronics Technology that prepares students for jobs diagnosing and repairing complex electronic devices. This certificate also provides the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level.

Certificate in Electronics Technology

MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology that prepares students for jobs diagnosing and repairing complex electronic devices. Course work may be transferable to a four-year university.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology

Average yearly earnings*: $44,491-$60,195Electronics Engineer: $39,580-$59,850 Electrical Technician: $45,280-$63,260

Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)MCC offers EMT/Basic and EMT/Specialist training that prepares students for licensure as an EMT in the state of Michigan and for jobs with Michigan ambulance services transporting patients to hospitals.

EMT/Basic EMT/Specialist

Engineering TechnologyMCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Engineering Technology that prepares students for employment in this field. The program offers many hours of practical experience to compliment the theory. The program may be transferable to a four-year university for a degree in engineering technology.

English and LiteratureMCC offers composition, American literature, English literature, oral interpretation, short story, children’s literature, youth literature, the novel, drama as literature, film, poetry and creative writing courses.

Coursework in English and literature may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Executive SecretaryPlease see Computer Information Systems.

FitnessMCC offers a variety of credit and noncredit fitness and physical education courses and activities. The College provides a fully equipped fitness center, an NCAA-size swimming pool, a gymnasium, a climbing wall and tennis courts to support these offerings.

Coursework in fitness may be applied to any associate degree at MCC.

Fluid Power/HydraulicsPlease see Industrial Maintenance.

FrenchMCC offers first-year French courses.

Coursework in French may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Average yearly earnings*:language interpreter: $30,540-$60,700

GermanMCC offers first-year German courses.

Coursework in German may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Health Care Revenue Cycle I & IIMCC’s Health Care Revenue Cycle I course prepares students for a career in health care admission and billing processes. MCC’s Health Care Revenue Cycle II course prepares students for a career as a patient account technician.

HistoryMCC offers U.S., Michigan, Civil War, Native American and 20th-Century world history courses.

Coursework in history may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

HumanitiesMCC offers a variety of humanities courses including Humanities I and II, western culture, arts, music, philosophy and theater.

Coursework in humanities may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.



Law EnforcementPlease see Criminal Justice.

Machine Tool TechnologyMCC offers a Certificate in Machine Tool Operation that prepares students for jobs that require advanced skills in the use of tool-room lathes, mills, precision grinders and sophisticated measuring instruments. Students learn processes and machine tool set-ups as well as a working knowledge of CNC programming and operation.

Certificate in Machine Tool Operation

Average yearly earnings*:Drill Press Operator: $32,000-$47,500 Milling Machine: $28,000-$50,000

ManagementPlease see Business.

ManufacturingMCC offers a Certificate or Associate Degree in Integrated Manufacturing Technology that prepares students for high-tech manufacturing jobs such as those at United Solar Ovonic.

Integrated Manufacturing Technology certificate and associate degree

MarketingPlease see Business.

MathematicsMCC offers mathematics courses to support students in business fields including business mathematics and statistics; education including mathematics for elementary teachers; technical fields including applied algebra, applied geometry, applied oblique angle trigonometry and electronics mathematics; preparatory learning including mathematical bridges, arithmetic review, transition to algebra, pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra and trigonometry; and general transfer including college algebra, calculus and analytic geometry, mathematical investigation, and probability and statistics.

Coursework in mathematics may be applied to an Associate of Science Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Medical AssistantMCC offers a Certificate in Medical Assistant that prepares students for employment in doctors’ offices and clinics and for other health providers for medical office and medical clinical duties. It also prepares students for certification as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Certificate in Medical Assistant


MusicMCC offers music fundamentals, music appreciation, music in the elementary classroom, voice improvement courses and credit for participating in the MCC Alumni and Friends choir.

Coursework in music may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

NursingMCC offers a Nurse Assistant training program that prepares students for testing for Competency Evaluated Nurse Aide (CENA) certification in the state of Michigan. The program also prepares students for an entry-level job as a nurse assistant helping to care for patients in long-term care facilities, hospitals and other health-care facilities. This training articulates into MCC’s nursing program.

Training program in Nurse Assistant


MCC offers a Level I – LPN-Eligible Certificate in Practical Nursing that prepares students for national licensure as a practical nurse. This certificate also prepares students for employment opportunities in all settings of health care from hospital to home care, and it provides first-year course requirements for the associate-degree nursing program.

Level I - LPN Eligible Certificate in Practical Nursing

Average yearly earnings*: $35,464-$41,891Note: 2009 MCC certificate graduates responding to a survey reported annual earnings of $35,746.

MCC offers a Level II – RN-Eligible Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing that prepares students for national licensure as a registered nurse. This certificate also prepares students for employment opportunities in all settings of health care from the hospital to the community. In addition, it provides the foundation for continued study at the bachelor’s-degree level including BSN programs at Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Saginaw Valley State University and the University of Phoenix.

Level II - RN Eligible Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing

Advanced standing program for LPNs seeking an associate degree in nursing

Average yearly earnings*: $52,300-$64,400Note: 2009 MCC associate-degree graduates responding to a survey reported annual earnings of $48,821.

Office SystemsMCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Information Systems that prepares students for expanded job opportunities in office settings where technical skills in computer usage, spreadsheet and database software packages, desktop publishing, and telecommunications are important and where increased responsibilities require time management, human relations and accounting skills. Students may customize the program by selecting from courses related to general office, medical office or legal office administration. The degree also allows students to apply course work to a four-year degree including the Franklin University online BS in Health Services Administration.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Information Systems

Average yearly earnings*: $31,836-$42,805Medical Technicians: $24,000-$43,521

PhilosophyMCC offers introductory philosophy, philosophy of world religions and bioethics courses.

Coursework in philosophy may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

PhotographyPlease see Art.

Physical EducationPlease see Fitness.

Physical ScienceMCC offers physical science and physics courses.

Coursework in physical science may be applied to an Associate of Science Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

Political SciencePlease see Social Science.

PsychologyMCC offers general psychology, child psychology, abnormal psychology and psychology of sex and gender courses.

Coursework in psychology may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.



Quality ControlMCC offers a variety of quality control courses including SPC and ISO/QS internal auditor training.

Renewable EnergyMCC offers a job-training program that provides a comprehensive introduction to renewable energy and energy efficiency, and a transferable academic foundation for students interested in pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in a variety of sustainability-related programs. It also provides a general understanding of sustainable and renewable energies that can be applied personally or professionally.

Coursework in environmental science – “Introduction to Renewable Energy” and “The Science of Energy” – meets MCC’s general education science requirement as well as the MACRAO science requirement.

Secretarial StudiesPlease see Office Systems.

Social ScienceMCC offers courses in social science including sociology and social problems. Political science courses include the American political system and international relations.

Coursework in social science may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

SpanishMCC offers first-year Spanish courses.

Coursework in Spanish may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree in International Business or to any associate degree at MCC.

Supervision and ManagementPlease see Business.

TheaterMCC offers drama as a performing art classes.

Coursework in theater may be applied to an Associate of Arts Degree or to any associate degree at MCC.

TransferTransfer is the process by which a student enters a college or university after being enrolled at another institution. Students should work with an MCC counselor or instructor to help ensure successful transfer.

Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Liberal Studies Degrees

Average yearly earnings*:Bank Manager: $67,500 - $98,500 Education: $42,000 - $67,500 Social worker: $35,500 - $62,500

Articulation agreements define a method for transferring credits and coursework between colleges and universities and are intended to make it easier for students transferring from one institution to another. As an example, the Walsh College – 3+1 Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Marketing means that students can take three years of coursework at MCC, and then only need to complete one year at Walsh College to earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Marketing. Transfer students earn the same degree as students who start at the four-year college or university, but realize a substantial savings in tuition costs.

Montcalm Community College has partnered with several universities to offer articulations covering a variety of subjects:

Central Michigan University – Business/management

Cleary University – Business and health care management

Davenport University – Business/management, computers, cosmetology, criminal justice/corrections, early childhood development, education, electronics, health care/medical information systems and nursing

Ferris State University – Biotechnology, business, computer-aided drafting, health care, early child education, manufacturing technology and restaurant/food industry management

Franklin University – Business

Kaplan University – Accounting, business/management, marketing, criminal justice, information technology, nursing and psychology

Michigan State University – Landscape management

Northwood University – Business/management

Walsh College – Accounting, business/management, information technology and marketing

Visit www.montcalm.edu/articulations for a complete list of transfer agreements with other colleges and universities.

WeldingMCC offers a Welding Technology Certificate that prepares students to work in a career welding metal parts together according to layouts, blueprints or work orders using gas welding or brazing and any combination of arc welding processes.

Welding Technology Certificate

Average yearly earnings*: $27,980 - $45,620

MCC offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology that prepares students to take the AWS steel plate welding certification exam.

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology

WritingMCC offers a variety of writing courses including introduction to college writing, improving reading and writing, business communications, technical writing, English composition and creative writing.

Coursework in writing may be applied to any associate degree at MCC.

ZoologyPlease see Biology.



A N D

This recession has been coined the “man-cession”because of the massive job losses in the construction and manufacturing industries, which traditionally employ disproportionately high percentages of men… Last month the unemployment rate for women fell to 7.9 percent, compared with a steady 10 percent unemployment rate among men.

What a 9.7-percent Unemployment Rate Means, U.S. News and World Report www.usnews.com, Feb. 5, 2010

The 2010 Univer-s u m A m e r i c a n Student Sur vey asked college stu-

dents to name the employers they’d most like to work for. Their answer var-ies depending on their college major, but for the fourth year in a row Web giant Google came out on top overall.

Where college students want to work:

• Business and IT students–Google• Engineering students–NASA• Natural science students–National

Institutes of Health• Humanities and liberal arts

students–Teach for America

Source: www.universumglobal.com

Work life and home life aren’t as sepa-rate as you might think.

If you’re happy in your job, you’re

probably happy in your marriage too. That’s one finding of The Early Mar-riage Project which has been studying what makes marriages work — or not work–since the mid 1980s under the direction of Teri Orbuch, Ph.D.

For the sake of a healthy marriage, Orbuch (also known as Psychology Today’s Love Doctor) recommends that couples regularly talk about their work day and find effective ways to relieve the stress of the workplace.

Most importantly, the study finds that spending your workday at challeng-ing, rewarding activities contributes enormously to overall happiness and makes you a happier spouse.

“Workers who are fulfilled and stim-ulated during the workday tend to be happier individuals,” Orbuch concludes.

Source: “Happy Employees Make Happy Spouses: 4 Ways to Be a Hap-pily Married Employee”, April 28, 2010 Psychology Today (www.Psychology-Today.com)

In his new book, Drive The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, best-selling author Daniel Pink explains that money really doesn’t motivate people to do their best work.

While we expect to be paid fairly for our work, it’s not cash that drives us to excel. What most of us really want from our jobs is interesting work, and the freedom to explore, innovate and mas-ter our profession. We’d also like to get a little recognition for a job well done.

Drawing on research into human moti-vation, Pink concludes, “The secret to high performance and satisfaction — at work, at school, and at home — is the deeply human need to direct our own lives, to learn and create new things, and to do better by ourselves and our world.” CF

The Jobs We Want

Live (and Work) Happily Ever After

Money Still Isn’t Everything

Looking for a career with a promising future? Have you ever considered becoming a brownfields redevelopment specialist

and site manager, a genetics counselor, a skin care specialist or a wind energy oper-ations manager?

You say you’ve never heard of any of these jobs and have no idea how to get one? You’ll find them on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Sta-tistics list of Fastest Growing Careers or so-called “bright outlook careers.”

Many of the jobs on the list are old stand-bys such as registered nurses, computer software engineers and school teachers, but you’ll be surprised at the new, unusual and offbeat careers that are expected to grow in the near future.

Here’s the scoop on the jobs:Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist and Site Manager• Plan and direct cleanup and redevel-

opment of contaminated properties for reuse.

• Projected growth of 7 to 13 percent• Median salary: $90,230

Genetic Counselors • Assess individual or family risk for a

variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects.


Skin Care Specialist • Cleanse and beautify the skin by giving

facials, full-body treatments, head and neck massages, and by applying makeup.

• Projected growth of 20 percent• Median salary: $28,730

Wind Energy Operations Manager • Manage wind field operations,

including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities and planning.


Source: online.onetcenter.org/help/bright

What Kind of Job Is That?


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Montcalm Community College

December 1-January 7A religious artifacts exhibit, “An Interfaith Dis-play of Object, Documents and Art,” is in the small art gallery in MCC’s Instruction North Building. Viewing is by appointment only by call-ing 989-328-1234. Admission is free.

January 11-February 19“Early Native American Art and Natural Artifacts,” an art and science exhibit on loan from the Cranbrook Institute, is on display in the art gallery in MCC’s Instruction North Building. Admission is free.

January 26MCC Language Arts Instructor Jim Fatka pres-ents “Blues – Pain and Humor,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in rooms D303-305 in MCC’s Beatrice E. Doser Building. Lunch is provided for students with a current MCC ID and is $2 for all others. The event is sponsored by MCC’s Music Club.

January 31In honor of Martin Luther King Day, guest lecturer Lisa Key presents “Dealing with Diversity” from noon to 1 p.m. in rooms D303-305 in MCC’s Beatrice E. Doser Building. Admission is free. Lunch is provided for students with a current MCC ID and is $2 for all others. The event is sponsored by MCC’s Culture and Travel Club.

February 18MCC hosts a belated Valentine’s Day dance and concert at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium in MCC’s Activities Building. Admission is free.

March 1-31Artwork by area artists and members of the Mont-calm Area Art Association and the Mid-Michigan Arts Council is on display in the art gallery in MCC’s Instruction North Building. Admission is free.

March 13MCC’s drama class presents public performances of a children’s play at 2 and 4 p.m. in MCC’s Barn Theater on the college’s Sidney campus. The title will be announced at a later date. Admission is free.

March 17MCC Social Science Instructor Ken DeLong presents “Perspectives on the Impact of Historical and Contemporary Terrorism on the World’s Indigenous Peoples” from 5 to 6 p.m. in rooms D303-305 in MCC’s Bea-trice E. Doser Building. Dinner is provided for students with a current MCC ID and is $2 for all others. The event is sponsored by MCC’s Culture and Travel Club.

March 18MCC celebrates the Oscar Awards with the Monty Awards at 7 p.m. in MCC’s Barn Theater. Admis-sion is free.

March 26MCC offers a bus trip to Chicago to visit a variety of cultural attractions including the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, the Adler Planetarium, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science & Industry.

Visit www.montcalm.edu/Arts-and-Culture.aspx or call 989-328-2111

for more information.

MCC Upcoming Events

spectrum-health.org/jobs

Health Care Careers. Apply Here.Spectrum Health Kelsey and United HospitalsEnjoy access to the resources of the largest health care system in West Michigan and smaller, more intimate care settings at Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital in Lakeview and United Hospital in Greenville. Careers at the bedside or behind the scenes connect patients and families to the entire Spectrum Health system. Call Human Resources at 616.225.6383 or 877.631.2150.