www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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PUBLISHER Cynthia S. Allen
JACKSON COLLEGE
CAREER
Questions about Jackson College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services at 517.796.8425. Comments or questions about the publication should be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416.
SOURCE Fall 2017 • Volume 4 Issue 1
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Pathways help students find best career fit
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Business and Computer Technology
WRITER Marilynn Fryer
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Health Sciences
PHOTOGRAPHY Jackson College marketing staff
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Human Services
EDITOR Dotty Karkheck GRAPHIC DESIGNER Abbie Stein
10 Liberal Arts JACKSON COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
12 Science, Engineering and Mathematics 14 Skilled Trades and Agriculture
Sam R. Barnes Chairman
John M. Crist Vice Chairman
17 Dual enrollment and middle college options 18 New transfer agreements launched with Eastern Michigan University
Sheila A. Patterson Secretary
Donna L. Lake Treasurer
19 Textbook Zero initiative 20 Financial aid tips
Matthew R. Heins Trustee
Philip E. Hoffman Trustee
22 New job search resource helps connect with careers 24 Corporate and Continuing Education
Dr. Edward A. Mathein Trustee
Dr. Daniel J. Phelan President
2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201 www.jccmi.edu www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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find your Pathway at Jackson College Jackson College wants to help students find the best fit for their career and future. In the past, the route to a college degree often felt like a confusing maze of prerequisites, general education requirements, elective and required courses. To give all students a clear plan to complete a college degree, Jackson College has created guided pathways. All academic programs of study have been gathered into six pathways. Each pathway is a broad content area that students will choose as they begin college, a kind of “meta-major.” Occupations within a pathway share many common skills and interests. Students may enter college and not know exactly what program they are interested in, but they know they enjoy working with people, or working with technology, or being creative, and so on. Guided pathways can help students find their start and then narrow their path. From students’ earliest experience in a freshman seminar class at Jackson College, they will be guided through an exploration of different career fields. All students will explore their own interests in a self-study to help choose their future path. Students can choose a pathway and then a major or program of study. They will be able to plan their full- or part-time schedule for their entire program and understand program requirements. Progress will be monitored with milestones marked along the way.
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JACKSON COLLEGE’S PATHWAYS ARE: Business & Computer Technology – Do you enjoy being a leader, organizing people, planning activities and talking? Do you like to work with numbers or ideas? Do you enjoy carrying through with an idea and seeing the end product? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Explore careers related to all aspects of business and computer technology. Health Science – Do you like to care for people or animals who are sick or help them stay well? Are you interested in diseases and in how the body works? Do you enjoy reading about science and medicine? Today’s health professions involve helping others with physical needs and providing support. Explore careers related to health sciences. Human Services – Are you friendly, open, understanding, and cooperative? Is it important to you to makes things better for other people? Do you like to help friends with family problems? Human services careers are concerned with meeting human needs. Careers involve improving the overall quality of life for others, as well as prevention and solving of problems. Explore careers in human services. Liberal Arts – Are you a creative thinker? Do you like to communicate ideas? Are you imaginative, innovative, and original? Liberal arts careers are related to the humanities and performing, visual, literary and media arts. Liberal arts provide a sound educational background that may be the basis of many fields, with the opportunity to explore many subjects. Explore careers in the liberal arts. Science, Engineering & Mathematics – Are you mechanically inclined and practical? Are you interested in how things are built and how they work? Whether looking at people, animals, plants, machines, buildings, the earth or the universe, students in the STEM pathway have an interest in understanding how the world works. Explore careers related to science, engineering and mathematics. Skilled Trades & Agriculture – Do you enjoy figuring out how things work and fixing problems? Do you like to work with your hands? There is high demand for all technical trades that involve specialized skills and creative thinking. Explore careers related to skilled trades and agriculture.
Explore the great careers that you can start at Jackson College in this issue! We have highlighted a couple programs from each pathway, and include listings of other available programs. Visit any location to learn more, or check online at www.jccmi.edu. www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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BUSINESS & COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Get in the game with sports management degree program Sports enthusiasts give a cheer: Jackson College now offers an associate degree option in sports management! Interest in sports at all levels has skyrocketed, from pee wee soccer to the professional leagues. Travel teams, recreational departments, non-profit organizations and more have seen an increase in demand for proper leadership and management. Individuals with knowledge of sports and coaching functions, as well as business acumen necessary for program and facilities management, are in demand. For those who love sports, there are ample opportunities beyond being a pro-athlete. Students may complete the associate degree for an entry-level career or to prepare for transfer to a university for a bachelor’s degree. They will focus on the business aspects of sports and study the worlds of recreation, school, college, community and professional sports. Entry-level opportunities will likely afford students a chance to work one’s way up the ladder. Opportunities may include: • • • • •
Organizing and promoting sporting events. Working with youth sports through organizations such as a local recreation department or YMCA. Managing facilities and sports events attendance. Sports marketing, branding and ticket sales. Recruiting athletes, participants and sponsors.
With the variety of career opportunities available, earnings vary.
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Keep today’s online world safe with career in cyber security Staying ahead of today’s continuing computer and cyber security threats has become a growing career. Learn the tricks of the trade with Jackson College’s cyber security degree program. Large computer networks often fall victim to security breaches that can put important information at risk. A degree in cyber security prepares students to become security analysts, who work to ensure that an organization’s computer networks, computer systems and digital information stay safe from cyber attacks. “This is closely related to the computer networking degree, but adding important studies in cyber security,” said Assistant Professor Larry Choate, Computer Information Services. Students may specialize in Microsoft or CISCO networks. It is a growing field; the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for security analysts will increase about 20 percent through the year 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Significant growth is predicted in both the federal government and in the health care field. Those going into the field can expect earnings starting at in the $52,000 per year range in Michigan, and earnings will increase with education and/ or experience. Students may transfer on to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree for optimum career opportunities.
This pathway includes careers related to all aspects of business, commerce, and the computer networks that underlie our world today including: 3D Design & Animation Accounting Administrative Assistant Business Administration Computer Networking Computer Programming Computer Service Computer Support Culinary Arts Cyber Security Digital Photography E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Executive Assistant Graphic Design Management Marketing Medical Assistant Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Medical Office Support Microsoft Office Specialist Sports Management
HEALTH SCIENCES
Images of a great future: Sonography a fast-growing field Diagnostic medical sonographers play an increasingly important role in today’s diagnostic health care. Sonographers are skilled health professionals who take and record ultrasound images of the body’s internal structures, which are then used by physicians to make diagnoses. They require a keen knowledge of human anatomy and skill with scanning to collect necessary images. “We have to have a well-rounded student, one who is compassionate as well as bright,” said Stephen Geiersbach, assistant professor and program coordinator for general sonography. “Sonographers really need to have a good bedside manner, to have compassion for human beings, because often, you will meet people on what is likely one of the worst days of their life. You have to be concerned about each person and their particular situation at that time.” General sonographers are often associated with obstetric and gynecological ultrasound, but may scan other areas throughout the body as well, such as abdomen and breast. There are specialties in vascular sonography, focusing on all vessels except for the heart, and cardiac sonography, which does focus on the heart. Jackson College offers associate degree programs in all of these areas. Sonographers are in demand in today’s job market. Job growth is anticipated at 26 percent. An aging population with more need for medical care is expected to prompt more growth in the future. Wages vary, with the median annual earnings at $55,570, the lowest earning $28,650 and the highest at more than $89,450.
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Nursing offers healthy career opportunities! Nursing careers offer opportunity, flexibility, reward and excitement! And, nurses are in demand! Nurses work to promote health and offer counseling and education to individuals, families and communities. A degree in nursing offers a variety of career opportunities – from inpatient acute care, home care, skilled nursing facilities, community health and more. “There is so much you can do,” said Lisa Dunlap, associate professor of nursing. “What direction you go will dictate what each day looks like. There is such a vast array of jobs.” Employment of nurses is expected to increase 16 percent – faster than the average for all occupations – through 2024, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. An aging population with more need for healthcare services is part of the reason for the demand. Salaries start at about $50,600 for registered nurses in hospitals, according to Career One Stop. Licensed practical nurses’ salary starts at about $34,100. Many nurses have opportunities to boost earnings with overtime pay. An associate degree is a first step to becoming a registered nurse, or a certificate to become a licensed practical nurse. Jackson College offers both, as well as transfer programs for bachelor’s degrees, and an LPN-RN associate degree program. Students may continue their education toward a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in nursing to further career possibilities.
This pathway includes a wide array of careers relating to health sciences, helping people with physical needs including: Allied Health General Studies Cardiac Sonography EKG Technician Electronic Health Records Specialist Emergency Medical Technology General Sonography Health Administration/ Insurance Specialist Medical Assistant Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Medical Office Support Nursing Pharmacy Technician Phlebotomy Technician Radiography Respiratory Care Vascular Sonography
HUMAN SERVICES
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Corrections officers in demand in Michigan Careers are available with the Michigan Department of Corrections, and Jackson College can help students prepare for this in-demand field! Men and women are needed across the state, and women in particular for the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. In Michigan, now only women can supervise women prisoners, and recently there has been a shortage of applicants. Numerous retirements have also prompted a large demand for corrections officers throughout the state. Careers in corrections vary depending on the site. Most corrections officers will be working with convicted felons, overseeing them and maintaining order in correctional facilities. Some may also work for local municipalities in jails. Those considering going into corrections should have good people and interpersonal skills. To become a corrections officer, applicants need to complete a minimum of 15 college credits in a prescribed selection of courses, including correctional administration, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling and guidance, law enforcement and more. Jackson College offers associate degree and certificate programs in corrections. Further education will help officers improve their job skills and open up opportunities for advancement within the department.
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Clues lead to police work as a rewarding career opportunity Mystery solved: Law enforcement careers offer opportunity and rewards for service-minded individuals. Law enforcement officers – police and detectives – perform a variety of services to protect the public, maintain order and investigate crime. “You definitely need to have compassion and respect for others,” said Mary Jo Kennedy, criminal justice coordinator who was a police officer for 30 years. “You need to be a people person. You are working with people all the time, working with diverse populations. You will be communicating with people of all backgrounds and levels of economic status.”
This pathway includes careers that are concerned with meeting human needs and improving quality of life for all including: Corrections Law Enforcement Military Science Pre-Law Psychology Social Work
Many options are available in the law enforcement field, but officers first need to work their way up. Both police and corrections are 24-houra-day operations, and new personnel often will have to work an afternoon, evening or weekend shift until they build up some years of experience. Writing skills are important because of the volume of reports that are necessary. Jackson College offers associate degree and certificate options in both law enforcement and corrections. Police officers must also complete academy training prior to employment in Michigan. Employment is expected to increase 4-5 percent in coming years, with salaries ranging from about $35,000 to $78,000 for police and detectives.
www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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LIBERAL ARTS
Studio art certificate offers a full palette of career possibilities Study of the arts can lend itself to many career fields. Jackson College offers a studio art certificate that students may use either on its own or as a building block toward an associate degree. Artists create art to express their ideas, thoughts and feelings. They may use any variety of methods – painting, sculpting or illustration – and an assortment of materials, including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, pencils, pen and ink, plaster or clay. A studio art certificate may offer students a start in the field and a credential that they may take to an employer or use toward further study. Many courses are taught by working artists who give personal attention to students. Students receive the foundation skills they need to expand their portfolio, a collection of their works that they may present to prospective employers, galleries, or anyone. Many artists are self-employed, working out of their own studios. Others may be employed as art directors, multimedia artists or craft artists. Study of art is also a good basis for careers in graphic design and web design, and more. Median pay for craft and fine artists is $48,780 annually.
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Create a bright future with careers in 3D design and animation Do you thrill at the special effects in many of today’s motion pictures? Love to play video games? Multimedia designers and animators – artists who create animation for video games and other media – are in demand. Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using video, computers or other electronic media as an animator. Often these artists work with a team. An associate degree is the first step toward a career in animation, and further study will broaden opportunities. Jackson College offers an associate degree in 3D design and animation, which combines traditional hands-on skills with the digital realm. Students will begin with the basics of threedimensional modeling – designing computer characters and objects – and then progress to more advanced techniques. Those interested in this career should have or understand some traditional artistic hand skills, such as understanding light, figure drawing and perspective drawing.
This pathway includes careers related to the humanities, arts and performing, including: 3D Design & Animation Art Digital Photography English Graphic Design History Music Pre-Law
Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 6 percent through 2022. Many animators are selfemployed. Earnings of animators average about $54,090 in Michigan. Earnings may range from $30,000 to $86,000.
www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS
Explore the world around you with a career in environmental science Environmental science offers opportunities as diverse as the planet itself. Environmental scientists explore nature’s systems and how humans influence those systems. They may be involved in soil conservation, water quality and treatment, agriculture, ecology, environmental engineering, biology and more. They may also work in related fields like environmental management and administration, or public relations and communications. They may work in industry, government, consulting or education. “Environmental science is one of the fastest growing science disciplines in the country,” said Professor Steven Albee-Scott, Dr. Wilbur Dungy Endowed Faculty Chair for the Sciences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9-11 percent increase in jobs relating to environmental science over the next decade. Salaries range from $27,000 to $75,000, with a median of $44,000. The environmental science certificate prepares students for transfer to or enrollment in fouryear institutions. An associate degree will prepare students for positions as technicians, for example, forestry technician, agricultural technician, conservation technician, environmental engineering technician, which can offer employment and experience to students who then want to further their education.
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Engineering brings creative solutions to everyday needs Engineers bring creative solutions to our everyday lives. They blend science, technology and problem-solving with creativity. Jackson College offers a Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate that includes courses necessary for prospective engineers. Students planning to transfer to four-year universities can complete this certificate first which will help them find jobs as engineering technicians later, according to Professor Greg Severance, a professional engineer. Engineering technicians use their knowledge to solve technical problems and assist in practical applications. Technician work is more limited in scope and application-oriented than that of engineers. They may assist engineers on projects.
This pathway includes many careers relating to how the world works and shapes the products and services used each day including: Environmental Science Mathematics & Engineering Medical Sciences Physical Therapy Psychology Science
Typically, a bachelor’s degree is necessary for engineers. To become an engineer, one should be mechanically inclined, computer literate, possess good math skills, technical aptitude, and interest in the sciences. Students may complete their first three or four semesters at Jackson College. The College’s program is designed in conjunction with the engineering curriculum at the University of Michigan, and students may transfer to U-M or any number of top engineering schools in the state. Employment of engineers should grow between 4 and 26 percent over the next several years. Demand varies by specialty. Salaries for engineering technicians start at about $35,000 annually and vary by specialty.
www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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SKILLED TRADES & AGRICULTURE
As manufacturing goes high-tech, today’s careers multiply Today’s manufacturing careers are more high-tech than ever before. Prepare for a career in a vital industry to create cutting-edge products with Jackson College’s advanced manufacturing program. Advanced manufacturing refers to the use of technology to improve products and services. As manufacturing advances, skilled workers are increasingly in demand. Workers may be involved in planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products. Workers who have necessary skills, are cross-trained and flexible, will do well. Students will have the opportunity to complete an associate degree in advanced manufacturing technology and choose to concentrate in one of four areas:
• CNC/machining • Industrial systems • Manufacturing/design • Welding
For students hoping to enter the workforce quickly, the College offers skill sets and certificates in these areas. The associate degree in Energy Systems Technology may also prepare students to enter the Bachelor of Energy Systems Management program. Depending on the location and the job, employment in these areas are projected to increase from 7-19 percent in the coming years, with starting salaries ranging from the mid- $20,000s to $45,000 per year. Those interested in careers in the various manufacturing areas should have good analytical skills, math and computer skills and technical skills.
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Agriculture careers take root with new degree program Ever consider the technology involved in today’s family farm? Farming today is a technological wonder. Global positioning systems (GPS) help farmers pinpoint high-producing areas to maximize yields. Computers make tracking livestock protocols, such as vaccines, much easier. Sound exciting? Students can get their start with a new program taking root at Jackson College, an Associate of Applied Science in agriculture technology. They may go directly into farming, producing crops, livestock and dairy products, or agriculture-related businesses, which provides goods or services to farms. Careers are available in equipment sales, as purchasing agents, livestock feed sales and more. Students hoping to transfer to a university may complete an Associate of Science degree. “Education gives you the opportunity to come into contact with people who will be a resource to solve problems and get answers. Farming today is more engaged with the marketing of a product you raise, and with growth in technology. Having more resources to help when a problem arises will benefit you,” said local farmer Hank Choate.
This pathway includes many careers for those who enjoy how things work, fixing problems, and helping to meet people’s needs including: Advanced Manufacturing Agriculture Technology Automotive Aviation Flight Technology Electrician Electronic Technology Energy Systems Occupational Studies
Jackson College launched this program in response to local demand. Across Michigan, about 2 percent job growth is expected in the field.
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Why wait to go to college? Opportunities for high schoolers to earn college credit abound. High school students don’t have to wait to go to college! With dual enrollment and new early, middle college options, motivated students can earn college credits while in high school! Dual enrollment means students may enroll in both high school and college. Motivated students may enrich their high school education with dual enrollment options, accumulating credits for their college program and perhaps take classes unavailable at their high school. A STEP AHEAD Grass Lake High School recent graduate Hunter Roy began dual enrolling while in his junior year. He accumulated 31 credits during his junior and senior years. When he starts classes at Eastern Michigan University this fall, he will enter as a sophomore. “It was free college, that’s the way I looked at it. It was a great opportunity to take advantage of,” Roy said. “I loved it.”
“It was a great opportunity to take advantage of. I loved it.” – Hunter Roy Want to learn more about dual enrollment? Students should speak to their parents, their high school counselor or principal, and the Jackson College Admissions Office, who can help determine whether the student qualifies. Home school students
should meet with the College’s admissions office to discuss plans. Find out more at www.jccmi.edu, or speak with your local high school principal or counselor. MIDDLE COLLEGE OPTIONS Jackson College offers more opportunities for high school students to attend college now in Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties with a variety of early and middle college programs. Jackson Preparatory and Early College jacksonpec.org • 517.768.7093 A preparatory and early/middle college program located on Jackson College Central Campus, educating grades 6-12. Students then attend a fifth year, earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree. Contact JPEC to learn more. Jackson Area College and Career Connection Early/Middle College www.jac3.info • 517.768.5222 The Jackson Area College and Career Connection Early/ Middle College is a unique learning program that creates a pathway for high school students to earn a high school diploma, college credit up to an associate degree, a technical/career credential, participation within a schoolto-registered apprenticeship and the opportunity for employment upon graduation. Contact the Jackson Area Career Center to learn more. JC/LISD Academy theacademy.jccmi.edu • 517.266.6982 JC/LISD Academy is a middle college program located in the LISD TECH Center and Jackson College @ LISD TECH campuses. Students may attend throughout high school and complete the fifth year, with the opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree. Contact JC/LISD Academy to learn more. Hillsdale County Early/Middle College www.jccmi.edu/hcemc • 517.437.3343 Starting in fall 2017, this early/middle college provides a combined high school and middle college program. Beginning in the 11th grade, students complete high school requirements and enroll in college classes. After 12th grade, students will attend the fifth year, earning both their high school diploma and at least 15 college credits. Contact the Hillsdale LeTarte Center to learn more. www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Eastern Michigan University offers clear pathways to bachelor’s degree Jackson College and Eastern Michigan University are partnering to ease transfer for a bachelor’s degree in several fields. Students have long been able to transfer to Eastern Michigan for a bachelor’s degree, but these new agreements make the process seamless. Students may begin at Jackson College in several programs to complete bachelor’s degrees in: • Business Administration (associate degree in business or accounting) • Nursing (associate degree in nursing) • Social Work (Associate in Arts or Associate in General Studies) • Technology Management (approved technical programs) BENEFITS As part of these new transfer “articulation” agreements, students may complete even more credits at Jackson College – from 67 for social work to 94 for nursing and technology – and then complete their graduation requirements at Eastern Michigan University. Articulation agreements are joint partnerships between an EMU academic program and an academic program at a community college. Agreements make it easier for a student to successfully transfer to EMU, saving time and money and transfer credits. Students who follow the recommended transfer plan will be guaranteed admission. EMU requires a minimum of 124 credits to complete a bachelor’s degree. “This agreement allows a clear path for students to follow as they pursue a bachelor’s degree,” said Zakary McNitt, registrar. “The ability to earn a certificate and associate degree along the way, as well the cost savings, make this is an opportunity that students cannot pass up.” Jackson College has a number of transfer options available. Please meet with a student success navigator at any Jackson College location for full details about these options.
Textbook Zero
aimed to ease student costs Saving students money, providing access to resources they need and preparing them for today’s digital world. These are the goals of “Textbook Zero” (known as “TBZ”), a new initiative for Jackson College. All college classes will offer a digital option for required texts by fall 2017. “Moving from hard copy to digital is a growing trend in higher education,” said Kate Thirolf, dean of business and human services. “Colleges recognize that textbook costs are high, and e-text options are typically much cheaper, not to mention more versatile.” LEARNING & SAVINGS Students don’t always have their textbooks the first day of class, or even the first weeks, due to financial difficulties or a time lag with financial aid. This puts them behind in their studies. Electronic sources can be downloaded to a student’s device immediately. Have questions? Learn more at www.jccmi.edu/academics/tbz/.
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How can I afford college? Tips for financial aid College can be a significant expense. Attending a community college can save significant dollars over a four-year institution, but plan wisely. Here are answers to some common questions about financial aid… How do I file the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? The FAFSA may be filed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The first step is applying for an FSA ID. To complete the FAFSA, students will need their tax returns from the previous year, and their parents’ returns if they are still a dependent. Applicants will also need their Social Security number, driver’s license, and proof of any untaxed income. I don’t think I’ll qualify for aid, should I file? Yes! A variety of federal and state aid is available, including grants, work-study, loans and scholarships. Federal loan applications will not be considered without a FAFSA and all required documentation. Many scholarships require the FAFSA be completed as a first step. How is the financial aid package figured? In figuring financial aid, four key areas are considered: number of people in the household, the number of people in college, household income, and household assets. Each individual’s aid report will vary based on any combination of these factors.
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What types of financial aid are there? Financial aid comes in four forms: scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. Grants and scholarships are monies that don’t have to be paid back, such as the federal Pell Grant. Work study is part-time employment on- or off-campus. Student loans are monies that are borrowed and then paid back with interest. When should I file the FAFSA? In general, the earlier, the better. Students may submit the FAFSA as early as Oct. 1, 2017 for 2018-19. Students will use income information from an earlier tax year. Students may still complete the 2017-18 form. Students will need to re-apply for financial aid each year. Is my aid in place? After a student has completed their FAFSA, they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which details the information submitted and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the dollar amount that is subtracted from the school cost to determine one’s need for financial aid. Jackson College will mail one letter to the student, and further communication will be through e-mail. The letter includes directions for logging in and checking e-mail to follow through the process. Once I’m registered, can anything affect my financial aid? Yes! Students using financial aid are expected to make satisfactory academic progress (SAP). This means that they must pass 67 percent of their attempted courses with a financial aid grade point average of 2.0 or higher. A withdrawal (W) or incomplete (I) is still figured into the financial aid grade point average as 0.0, which can significantly impact a student’s future eligibility. Are there additional sources for aid? Yes! The Jackson College Foundation and local community foundations offer many scholarships. In addition, many local non-profit organizations, churches, chambers of commerce, civic groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis, and even some businesses offer scholarships to employees and their dependents. Ask around, and apply early. What if I have special circumstances? Some students do have special circumstances or face unexpected challenges. A change in a parent’s financial picture or the loss of a parent will significantly impact a student’s financial situation. Come in and speak with a student success navigator or financial aid representative right away; we can help sort it out. www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Résumé tips to help you get noticed When searching for a job, the first information prospective employers will learn about you comes from a résumé and cover letter. Create a great first impression with these tips! A résumé highlights one’s background, education and career experience. It tells the job seeker’s story and communicates what you have to offer to the employer. • • • • •
All résumés should include a clear, dynamic objective, profile and skills summary. Begin your education section with your highest degree or credential and date received. Share work, volunteer or extracurricular experience that relates to the job you seek. Highlight particular skills that are valuable to the job. Present information in an easy-to-read format. Statistics show that employers typically “scan” rather than fully read résumés their first time through, so make sure it’s easy to read. Use wide margins, threequarters to an inch, and a clear, 10- to 12-point font. Use section headers and bullet points to organize and present information.
NEW JOB SEEKERS For those who are starting out or don’t have much experience, highlight your transferable skills that you bring to a job. For example, perhaps you have worked in a restaurant as a server, and now you have a business degree and are going into customer service. Skills utilized as a server are highly transferable to any customer service job. Other transferable skills include:
• • • •
Communication – writing, speaking, listening Critical thinking – problem-solving, decision making, analysis Self-management – organized, responsible, good time manager Interpersonal – understanding, diplomatic, supportive, assertive
Most importantly, keep your résumé neat and succinct. “Don’t oversell yourself, but do give examples of where you have used certain skills,” said Dr. Michelle Shields, certified career coach and employer liaison at Jackson College. “You want to show the employer how you can help them.”
EXPERIENCED JOB SEEKERS For the experienced job seeker, highlight your successes and results on your résumé. “Use data and statistics to identify your successes,” Shields said. For example, if you have worked in sales, show specific results you have accomplished – such as increased sales by 25 percent. “Use specific information about how you made a difference in your previous organization.” For most positions, generally don’t go back further than 10 years on a résumé, unless it’s relevant. Identify your strengths, especially if you have been promoted from within. “You want your potential employers to recognize your promotability and your ability to grow within an organization,” Shields said. For those who may have gaps in their work experience, for whatever reason, be prepared to address those gaps. Highlight any work you may have done, such as volunteering. Online services, such as Jackson College’s new Jobs for Jets resource, can help create a résumé and offer job search assistance.
Jackson College launches new job search resource Find a job and tips for keeping a job with a new online job resource now available at Jackson College, at www.jccmi.edu/jobsforjets Jobs for Jets is part of the College Central Network and offers job posting opportunities for employers and job-search tools for job seekers. This new resource allows Jackson College students and alumni to both create and post their resume online, as well as career portfolio, to be seen by prospective employers. Community members may search for jobs. In addition, there will be announcements about services and events, as well as helpful articles and videos to assist in the job search. Beginning this fall, Jackson College will increase internship opportunities for all career education students. This new resource will be a valuable tool in helping to find internship opportunities as well. “Jobs for Jets is the perfect way for Jackson College students and our community to become connected,” said Heather Marshall, work-based learning coordinator. Employers may enter job openings and search for available candidates. “This new system will streamline the job posting process for our employers,” said Dr. Michelle Shields, certified career coach and employer liaison. “We are excited about the upgrade and the benefits it will provide to our students and community partners.” To check out the many features and create a profile, visit www.jccmi.edu/jobsforjets
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corporate and continuing education Jackson College’s Corporate and Continuing Education program can help businesses be successful or individuals explore a new interest. CCE provides workforce development opportunities and community and continuing education. CCE offers skilled trades courses in: • Advanced Manufacturing (Welding, Blueprint Reading, GD&T, AutoCAD) • Advanced Truck Driver Training • And More! CCE offers continuing and professional education courses in: • American Heart Association Training • Career Training Programs • Human Resources Training • Real Estate Online • Teacher State Continuing Education Clock Hours Well-trained workers are more productive and happier workers, so investing in their skills can be a wise choice to grow and sustain a business. Whether you are a business leader seeking educational options for your employees or an individual seeking to improve yourself, CCE can help. If you can’t find what you are looking for, we will work with you to customize the training or locate a training resource. MEETING YOUR TRAINING NEEDS To learn more about any of these or other Corporate and Continuing Education program, contact Bonnie Minier, senior office coordinator, 517.796.8610, or visit online at www.jccmi.edu/cce.
Real-World learning:
New internship requirement for career students Beginning fall 2017, all career program students must complete an internship in their program of study. Internship opportunities will offer practical experience in the workplace. “We want to make sure students are ready for the workforce once they graduate,” said Heather Marshall, work-based learning coordinator.
“We want to make sure students are ready for the workforce once they graduate” – Heather Marshall “Internships can really help them get to that level. Students can go in and experience a few months in the life of a person in that field.” • • • •
Students learn about what jobs require. Is that dream job really what they thought it was? Students build soft skills important in any field – getting to work on time, communications, teamwork, customer service and more. Internships may also lead to job offers for students who do well.
Many career programs already offer work-based learning. For example, nursing and most allied health related fields require students to complete a clinical experience. While some programs offered internship options, the responsibility fell on the student and/or faculty member to find their internship. Marshall’s new position will facilitate coordination of internship opportunities, while faculty will work with students to decide learning objectives. Faculty receives regular updates from employers on student performance. To learn more, contact Heather Marshall, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at 517.796.8602 Ext. 8246 or visit www.jccmi.edu/intern.
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