Your Future is up to You: MS

WISCONSIN'S technical colleges We are futuremakers

YOUR FUTURE

IS UP TO YOU

Your Journey

STARTS RIGHT NOW College may seem far off, but it is never too early to start planning and preparing for your successful future.

A little planning will lead you on the path toward your degree, and possibly even getting college credits before you finish high school. Start looking at career clusters that you like.

If you know what career you may want, you’re already a step ahead. Even if you don’t know what you want to do in the future, exploring courses within your high school’s career and technical education (CTE) areas will help you PARALEGAL discover your talents and interests.

You may even earn credits for taking these courses, which can save you time and money on the way to your career.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL

TECHNICIAN

TAKE OUR CAREER QUIZ Open this to find out how

ANALYST

WATCH OUR VIDEO

400+

“Your Career, Your Future”

on our website to learn more

ASSOCIATE DEGREE, TECHNICAL DIPLOMA & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

PASSIONATE ABOUT DOING?

1.234

SCIENCE

ARTS

NUMBERS

HELPING OTHERS

COMPUTERS

What is Out There

FOR YOU

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your future, including what you want to get out of college.

TECHNICAL DIPLOMA

APPRENTICESHIP

Technical diploma programs deliver hands-on learning and are offered at all Wisconsin technical colleges.

Apprenticeship is paid on-thejob training combined with some coursework on the way to ‘journey’ status in a trade.

YOUR CAREER

TRANSFER Launched in June 2014, our Universal Transfer Agreement now provides additional transfer opportunities to all 4-year UW institutions.

STARTS HERE

CERTIFICATE Certificates meet employers’ custom needs for skilled employees in business, health, trade and industry.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE All Wisconsin technical colleges offer two-year programs requiring about 60 semester credits leading to an associate degree.

Go online and find out more about Go online transfer options at and visit wistechcolleges.org/ studentaid.ed.gove /preparing-college/ transfer-options

Visit studentaid.ed.gov

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM These programs focus on custom skills related to specific jobs and can often take less than one year to complete.

ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE This specialized certificate meets employers’ custom needs for highly-skilled employees in business, health, trade and industry program areas.

it’s about the

JJOURNEY JO OURNEY OURNEY

as much as the

YOU’VE MADE IT!

OUTCOME

High School

OPTIONS

Get a head start on college with programs and courses available to you during high school.

DUAL CREDIT

Courses offered for dual credit allow high school students to enroll in technical college courses and earn both college AND high school credit for the course.

Visit www.wistechcolleges.org/ preparing-college/college-credithigh-school/dual-credit

2+2 PROGRAM

Receive guaranteed transfer with full junior-year status from a Wisconsin technical college to a four-year institution after earning an associate degree.

Visit www.wistechcolleges.org/ preparing-college/college-credithigh-school/2+2-program

YOUTH OPTIONS

Public high school juniors and seniors who apply and meet requirements are allowed to take college courses from an approved list at a Wisconsin technical college.

Visit www.wistechcolleges. org/preparing-college/ college-credit-high-school/ youth-options For more information, visit

WISTECHCOLLEGES.ORG

6

THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR

COLLEGE

FIND YOUR LEARNING STYLE Start discovering how you learn best to develop the skills necessary to be a self-directed learner.

GET ORGANIZED Find a system that works best for finishing homework and managing your time. You’ll be the boss of your academic life in college… no mom to keep you organized!

ASK FOR HELP Use the resources available to you—teachers, afterschool help and counselors—when you need it. You will see that others are there to help you succeed!

COLLABORATE Learn how to work effectively in a group. Working with others in a professional way is important in college and beyond.

LEARN YOUR PASSIONS What do you like? What do you feel passionate about? Those might be areas you choose to focus on in college.

GET INVOLVED Get involved in school leadership, athletics and other clubs to show you can be a responsible participant.

Where to Start College may seem like a lifetime away, but it’s never too early to start planning.

Contact one of our colleges to schedule a visit or attend an open house.

START NOW. SET UP A

CAMPUS VISIT

TODAY!

Superior

For information on setting up a visit, go to www.wistechcolleges.org.

Here, you’ll find contacts for all 16 technical colleges. With 49 campuses statewide—both large and small, urban and rural— technical colleges provide learning opportunities close to home.

Ashland

WISCONSIN INDIANHEAD NICOLET

New Richmond

Menomonie River Falls

TRANSFER OPTIONS Heads up—there are now more than 600 transfer agreements between Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges and other higher education institutions!

BETWEEN

Chippewa Falls

600

Neillsville

Marshfield

MID-STATE Black River Falls

WESTERN La Crosse

Wisconsin Rapids

flickr.com/wistechcolleges

Stevens Point

FOX VALLEY

Viroqua

Portage

Appleton Oshkosh

Madison

Fennimore

West Bend

Watertown

Fort Atkinson

Monroe

Milton Janesville Beloit

BLACKHAWK

wistechcolleges.org

Manitowoc Cleveland Sheboygan

LAKESHORE

Beaver Dam

MADISON AREA

AND OTHER

Chilton

Plymouth MORAINE PARK Fond du Lac

Reedsburg

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Green Bay

Waupaca

Wautoma

Mauston

Sturgeon Bay

Clintonville

Tomah

FOLLOW US FOR ALL THE

facebook.com/wistechcolleges

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN

Wittenberg

SOUTHWEST TECH

LATEST UPDATES

Marinette

Wausau

Spencer

Eau Claire

Independence

Antigo

NORTHCENTRAL

THERE ARE MORE THAN

AGREEMENTS

Merrill

Medford

CHIPPEWA VALLEY

TRANSFER

Rhinelander

Phillips Rice Lake

Pewaukee Waukesha

Elkhorn Burlington

MILWAUKEE AREA Mequon

WAUKESHA COUNTY

Milwaukee West Allis Oak Creek Racine

Kenosha GATEWAY WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE DISTRICTS

Denotes campuses Most colleges have additional centers or locations where specific courses are available. Contact the college of your choice for this information.

twitter.com/wistechcolleges pinterest.com/wistechcolleges youtube.com/wistechcolleges

©2015 Wisconsin Technical College System

WISCONSIN'S technical colleges

Where to Start

it’s about

We are futuremakers

College may seem like a lifetime away, but it’s never too early to start planning.

Contact one of our colleges to schedule a visit or attend an open house.

START NOW. SET UP A

CAMPUS VISIT

TODAY!

Superior

the

JJOURNEY JO OURNEY OURNEY

as much as

For information on setting up a visit, go to www.wistechcolleges.org.

Here, you’ll find contacts for all 16 technical colleges. With 49 campuses statewide—both large and small, urban and rural— technical colleges provide learning opportunities close to home.

Ashland

WISCONSIN INDIANHEAD NICOLET

New Richmond

Menomonie River Falls

TRANSFER OPTIONS Heads up—there are now more than 600 transfer agreements between Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges and other higher education institutions!

BETWEEN

Chippewa Falls

600 the

OUTCOME

AGREEMENTS

Neillsville

Marshfield

MID-STATE Black River Falls

WESTERN La Crosse

Wisconsin Rapids

flickr.com/wistechcolleges

Stevens Point

FOX VALLEY

Viroqua

Portage

Appleton Oshkosh

Madison

Fennimore

West Bend

Watertown

Fort Atkinson

Monroe

Milton Janesville Beloit

BLACKHAWK

wistechcolleges.org

Manitowoc Cleveland Sheboygan

LAKESHORE

Beaver Dam

MADISON AREA

AND OTHER

Chilton

Plymouth MORAINE PARK Fond du Lac

Reedsburg

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Green Bay

Waupaca

Wautoma

Mauston

Sturgeon Bay

Clintonville

Tomah

FOLLOW US FOR ALL THE

facebook.com/wistechcolleges

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN

Wittenberg

SOUTHWEST TECH

LATEST UPDATES

Marinette

Wausau

Spencer

Eau Claire

Independence

Antigo

NORTHCENTRAL

THERE ARE MORE THAN

TRANSFER

Merrill

Medford

CHIPPEWA VALLEY

YOU’VE MADE IT!

Rhinelander

Phillips Rice Lake

Pewaukee Waukesha

Elkhorn Burlington

MILWAUKEE AREA Mequon

WAUKESHA COUNTY

Milwaukee West Allis Oak Creek Racine

Kenosha GATEWAY WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE DISTRICTS

Denotes campuses Most colleges have additional centers or locations where specific courses are available. Contact the college of your choice for this information.

twitter.com/wistechcolleges pinterest.com/wistechcolleges youtube.com/wistechcolleges

YOUR FUTURE

©2015 Wisconsin Technical College System

IS UP TO YOU

Your Journey

STARTS RIGHT NOW

You may even earn credits for taking these courses, which can save you time and money on the way to your career.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL

TECHNICIAN

High School

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your future, including what you want to get out of college.

Get a head start on college with programs and courses available to you during high school.

FOR YOU

College may seem far off, but it is never too early to start planning and preparing for your successful future.

A little planning will lead you on the path toward your degree, and possibly even getting college credits before you finish high school. Start looking at career clusters that you like.

If you know what career you may want, you’re already a step ahead. Even if you don’t know what you want to do in the future, exploring courses within your high school’s career and technical education (CTE) areas will help you PARALEGAL discover your talents and interests.

What is Out There

TECHNICAL DIPLOMA

APPRENTICESHIP

TAKE OUR CAREER QUIZ Open this to find out how

ANALYST

WATCH OUR VIDEO

400+

“Your Career, Your Future”

on our website to learn more

ASSOCIATE DEGREE, TECHNICAL DIPLOMA & CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Technical diploma programs deliver hands-on learning and are offered at all Wisconsin technical colleges.

Apprenticeship is paid on-thejob training combined with some coursework on the way to ‘journey’ status in a trade.

YOUR CAREER

TRANSFER Launched in June 2014, our Universal Transfer Agreement now provides additional transfer opportunities to all 4-year UW institutions.

STARTS HERE

CERTIFICATE Certificates meet employers’ custom needs for skilled employees in business, health, trade and industry.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE

PASSIONATE ABOUT DOING?

1.234

SCIENCE

ARTS

NUMBERS

HELPING OTHERS

COMPUTERS

OPTIONS

All Wisconsin technical colleges offer two-year programs requiring about 60 semester credits leading to an associate degree.

Go online and find out more about Go online transfer options at and visit wistechcolleges.org/ studentaid.ed.gove /preparing-college/ transfer-options

SHORT-TERM PROGRAM These programs focus on custom skills related to specific jobs and can often take less than one year to complete.

ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE This specialized certificate meets employers’ custom needs for highly-skilled employees in business, health, trade and industry program areas.

DUAL CREDIT

Courses offered for dual credit allow high school students to enroll in technical college courses and earn both college AND high school credit for the course.

Visit www.wistechcolleges.org/ preparing-college/college-credithigh-school/dual-credit

2+2 PROGRAM

Receive guaranteed transfer with full junior-year status from a Wisconsin technical college to a four-year institution after earning an associate degree.

Visit www.wistechcolleges.org/ preparing-college/college-credithigh-school/2+2-program

YOUTH OPTIONS

Public high school juniors and seniors who apply and meet requirements are allowed to take college courses from an approved list at a Wisconsin technical college.

Visit www.wistechcolleges. org/preparing-college/ college-credit-high-school/ youth-options For more information, visit

Visit studentaid.ed.gov

WISTECHCOLLEGES.ORG

6

THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW TO PREPARE FOR

COLLEGE

FIND YOUR LEARNING STYLE Start discovering how you learn best to develop the skills necessary to be a self-directed learner.

GET ORGANIZED Find a system that works best for finishing homework and managing your time. You’ll be the boss of your academic life in college… no mom to keep you organized!

ASK FOR HELP Use the resources available to you—teachers, afterschool help and counselors—when you need it. You will see that others are there to help you succeed!

COLLABORATE Learn how to work effectively in a group. Working with others in a professional way is important in college and beyond.

LEARN YOUR PASSIONS What do you like? What do you feel passionate about? Those might be areas you choose to focus on in college.

GET INVOLVED Get involved in school leadership, athletics and other clubs to show you can be a responsible participant.

THERE IS AN ENTIRE WORLD OUT THERE… INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Covering a wide range of careers, the Health Sciences ensure the best health care delivery for patients. If you like taking care of others and being on the edge of the latest technologies, health sciences might be for you.

Do you like taking things apart and putting them back together? Do you enjoy projects using your hands? If you’re a natural at building, constructing and assembling, this may be a great career fit for you.

SKILLS NEEDED:

• You have good interpersonal skills, and can com-

SKILLS NEEDED:

• You have math skills.

• You don’t mind working independently

SKILLS NEEDED:

•

• You’re tech savvy.

• You have strong organizational skills and • •

HEALTH SCIENCES

MANUFACTURING

Information technology (IT) is essential in today’s workforce. If you like using technology and have an interest in working to improve everything from computers to smartphones, this may be the field for you.

•

are a detail-oriented person.

You’re flexible and good at embracing new ideas.

You’re a strong communicator and listener.

without a lot of direction.

You have good mechanical skills – seeing how parts come apart and back together.

You see how single parts connect to each other and make a larger working part.

DO YOU LIKE HANDS-ON WORK?

An associate degree prepares students for great careers in these fields. Many credits will also transfer into additional educational options for future career growth.

THESE CAREERS MAY BE FOR YOU: COMPUTER TECHNICIAN

An associate degree prepares students for great careers in these fields. Many credits will also transfer into additional educational options for future career growth.

CONSTRUCTION TECHNICIAN

SMARTPHONE APP DEVELOPER

MEDIAN SALARY

COURT REPORTER CORRECTIONS OFFICER CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR CRIMINOLOGIST POLICE OFFICER PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

MEDIAN SALARY

for associate degree graduates right out of college.

MEDIAN SALARY

for associate degree graduates right out of college.

$40,882

THESE CAREERS MAY BE FOR YOU:

GERIATRIC CARE SPECIALIST

SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

WELDER

for associate degree graduates right out of college.

DIETARY MANAGER

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

METAL FABRICATOR

WEBSITE DEVELOPER

An associate degree prepares students for great careers in these fields. Many credits will also transfer into additional educational options for future career growth.

NURSE

MACHINIST

$37,357

MEDIAN = MIDDLE

skills and have the ability to give clear and concise instructions.

You have good stress management skills.

You like working with others as part of a team.

DEGREE NEEDED:

MASSAGE THERAPIST

INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC

MOBILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

• •

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIALIST

GAS METAL ARC WELDER

IT SECURITY OFFICER

• You’re good at making quick decisions.

• You have strong communication

DENTAL HYGIENIST

THESE CAREERS MAY BE FOR YOU:

ARE YOU THE INQUISITIVE TYPE?

SKILLS NEEDED:

municate effectively with patients and co-workers.

You have an interest in science and technology.

You have a keen eye for detail.

You like working as part of a larger team for the greater good.

THESE CAREERS MAY BE FOR YOU:

FABRICATION TECHNICIAN

GAMING DESIGNER

DO YOU LIKE TO HELP PEOPLE?

An associate degree prepares students for great careers in these fields. Many credits will also transfer into additional educational options for future career growth.

CNC TECHNICIAN

E-BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY ANALYST

• • •

Law enforcement is a unique and demanding career field. If you are an inquisitive person interested in public safety, problem solving, and working with people, this area may be a great fit.

DEGREE NEEDED:

DEGREE NEEDED:

DEGREE NEEDED:

LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS AND SECURITY

MEDIAN SALARY

for associate degree graduates right out of college.

$46,328

$33,189

as in the middle of a salary range; meaning your starting salary could be much higher

1.234

HUMAN SERVICES

You can work with other people to fulfill their everyday needs.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Barber, Child Care, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Funeral Service Director, Substance Abuse Counselor

MARKETING & SALES

Work with people and promote businesses with a degree in this field.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Advertising Account Executive, Marketing Specialist, Real Estate Agent, Fashion Merchandising

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

Engineer and compute solutions to modern technology challenges.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Civil Engineer, Electrician, Computer Technician, Mechanical Drafter, Renewable Energy Specialist

ARTS, AUDIO/VIDEO TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Explore your creative side with a career in arts and communications.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Animator, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photographer

ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION

You can help plan, design or build residential or commercial buildings.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Construction, Design and Pre-Construction, Maintenance and Operations

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

Run your own business or help make someone else’s more successful.

Help move people and products to where they need to be.

POSSIBLE CAREERS

POSSIBLE CAREERS Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic, Automotive Technician, Supply Chain Manager, Truck Driver

Human Resources, Business Management/Supervisor, Administrative Professional, Small Business Owner

DISCOVER YOUR INTERESTS AND STRENGTHS!

careers/career-interest-questionnaire.

pinterest.com/wistechcolleges

twitter.com/wistechcolleges

FINANCE

Crunch numbers and build budgets in this career.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Accounting, Banking Services, Business Finance, Insurance, Securities and Investments

AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND NATURAL RESOURCES

HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Pursue your passion and save the earth.

If you are a natural host and planner, you may welcome a career in hospitality.

POSSIBLE CAREERS Agribusiness Specialist, Dairy Cattle Manager, Winemaker, Environmental Engineer, Farm Manager, Veterinary Technician

POSSIBLE CAREERS Baker, Chef, Special Event Manager, Restaurant Manager, Tourism Manager

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Our online Career Interest Questionnaire is a great place for you to start.

This 10 minute quiz can help identify the career areas that might fit you best.

Your choices for activities, personal qualities and school subjects help you discover possible future jobs. Find it on our website at: wistechcolleges.org/explore-

facebook.com/wistechcolleges

TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS

youtube.com/wistechcolleges

flickr.com/wistechcolleges

wistechcolleges.org