Download SPCC's Career Focus Magazine - Summer

Start here…Go anywhere!South Piedmont Community CollegeSummer 2010 Volume 6 • Number 1Gaming is fun, andit can open upcareer options!See Page 4Work yoursocial networkSee Page 6Every childdeservesa good startSee Page 7Massage…Bothparties feel goodafter an appointment!See Page 8Stay in the game at workSee Page 2

Earn the auto body repairindustry’s premier credentialI-CAR Instructor Bob Winfrey answers a questionfor Brian Moore.I-CAR Alliance classes are offered year-round at SPCC. Studentsearn points through examination to achieve gold or platinumcertification. New classes begin every semester. Enroll today!• SPCC I-Car Class Options• Anti-Lock Brake & Traction Control Systems• Adhesive Bonding• Electric & Electric Hybrid Vehicles• Electric Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Vehicles• Vehicle Identification, Estimation Systems &Terminology• Front Impact Analysis• Mechanical Systems Analysis• Restraints, Interior, Glass, Side &Rear Impact Analysis• Aluminum Panels & Structure Damage Analysis• Steering & Suspension Damage Analysis• Non-Structural Supplement• Electrical & Electronics• Exterior Panel Repair &Replacement - Steel & Plastic• Fundamentals Of Collision Repair• Movable & Stationary Glass• Heating & Cooling Systems• Lighting, Starting & Charging Systems• Measuring Program I• Color Theory, Application, Tinting & Blending• Suspension Systems• Prep and RefinishingCall Bob Winfrey at 704-272-7554 or email rwinfrey@spcc.eduto learn more about I-CAR training at SPCC.

Questions about the South Piedmont Community Collegeprograms and services described in this publication shouldbe directed to Student Success at 704-290-5100 (Monroe)or 704-272-5300 (Polkton). Comments or questions aboutthis publication should be directed to the Marketing andCommunications Office at 704-272-5342.Publisher: ....................................................Dr. John McKayPresident, South Piedmont Community CollegeEditor: ..........................................................Rosemary BrittDirector, Marketing & CommunicationsFeatures2 Stay in the game at workEach certificate you earn brings new opportunities.ContentsCareerFocusContributing Writers: ........... Rosemary Britt, Jim MuldrowPhotography: ...................... Rosemary Britt, Jim Muldrow,Robert Winfrey4 Gaming is fun, and it can open upcareer options!SPCC introduces Game Design Certificate.Visit South Piedmont CommunityCollege on the web atwww.spcc.edu6 Work your social networkFind a new job with a little helpfrom your friends’ friends.South Piedmont Community CollegeBoard of TrusteesFrank CarpenterKenneth E. CollinsThomas L. Crooke Sr., Vice ChairJohn HendleyKenneth W. Horne Jr.Hoy S. Lanning Jr.Harvey H. Leavitt III, ChairCynthia H. Little, SecretaryDonna McNairDr. Charles F. PalmerE. Lynn Raye, Past ChairRichard StoneJarvis T. WoodburnBen Morgan, Student Government Association President7 Every child deserves a good startChildcare workers help put children on thepath to success from the beginning.Executive StaffJohn McKay, Ed.D., PresidentElaine Clodfelter, Vice President, Student SuccessJohn DeVitto, Vice President, Finance andAdministrative ServicesGene Loflin, Ph.D., Vice President, Student LearningErnest Simons, Executive Director, Information ServicesFred Sparger, Vice President, College andCommunity RelationsStuart Wasilowski, Vice President, Corporate andContinuing Education8 Massage…Both parties feel goodafter an appointment!Careers9 South Piedmont Community College A-ZAre you ready to start a career, learn new skillsor change careers? South Piedmont Community Collegehas a program for you.Career Focus is published twice per year by South PiedmontCommunity College, P.O. Box 126, Polkton, NC 28135. Allrights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced orused in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,including photocopying, recording or any information storageretrieval system without the permission of the publisher.On the coverBrian Mangum is owner of Brightflow Technologies and Vendetta Studios. By day he provides computerand networking support services to small businesses. By night he is a game developer. He built much ofhis skill set at SPCC!South Piedmont Community College is an equal opportunityinstitution.© 2010 South Piedmont Community CollegeFind Answers to yourCareer QuestionsCareerFocus Caféwww.careerfocuscafe.com704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Summer 2010 I 1

CareerFocusFeatureStay in the game at workEach certificate you earn brings new opportunitiesEvery kid has probablyplayed rock, paper,scissors at one timeor another. Someadults even play it tomake decisions amongthemselves. Now,imagine a game wherethe rock is replaced by a katanasword, the paper by a throwingstar and the scissors by ninjamagic.Brian Mangum of Indian Trail notonly imagined it, he has helpedcreate it. In fact, if all went asexpected, it is probably availablefor your iPhone right now. Yeah,there’s an app for that.“Ninja vs. Samurai” was in thepre-production stage in mid-Marchand was slated for release by earlyMay. It is the second game createdby Vendetta Studios, a partnershipbetween Mangum and Jason Cook.Their first game, “Omniball,” a 3-Darcade-type ping pong game, canalready be downloaded from theiPhone app store.Vendetta is a small company thatwas created 10 months ago but it isliterally spread from coast to coast.Cook is from here but recentlymoved to Hollis, Maine. “He’s verycreative,” Mangum said. “He kindof runs all the creative decisions;I do all the technical and businessdecisions.”There are two other employees, aprogrammer who lives in Floridaand an animator who lives inCalifornia. “We were able to findand put together a team throughthe power of the Internet,”Mangum said. “That comes withits challenges, too, one beingtrying to get everyone together fora staff meeting.”Vendetta Studios is actuallyMangum’s second job. HisBrightflow Technologies is a onemanoperation that specializesin Web design, PC repair, virusremoval, PC customization,network evaluations, networkimplementations, supportand smart phone repair andimplementation. His workload is“The long-term goal is to make my livingin gaming, and wear a T-shirt and jeansto work every day; do something I’mpassionate about every day, becausethen it’s not work.”spread about 50-50 between smallbusinessand individual clients.“Small business is kind of a nichebecause they don’t have the budgetfor an IT staff but they have moreneeds than grandma’s house, so itworks out.”Things have worked out very wellfor the 1995 Parkwood High Schoolgraduate since a football injurycost him a full scholarship to MarsHill College. But, first, there werea couple of detours. Mangum hadbeen majoring in psychology atMars Hill but had no ideawhat he wanted todo for a career. Awide receiver,he would haveliked a shotat the NFL,but theinjury tohis hip andknee endedany thoughtsof that.He finishedhis sophomoreyear at MarsHill, then spenta year at N.C.State. He workedin constructionduring that timeand saved hismoney.“That’s when Imoved back homeand realized there’ssomething else Ineeded to do,” he said.He tried his hand atland surveying forthree to four years andBrian Mangum’s officeis a convenient chairwherever he can findone. Mangum alwaystakes his laptop andBlackberry with him,and stays connectedno matter what theworkday holds.decided he needed to take someCAD and drafting classes toadvance his career. He turned toSPCC.Then, his plans changed. “I got amailer from SPCC with a list ofprograms and I saw electronicson there,” he said. “I thought,‘that’s great, that’s what Ilove, so let’s try that.’”Averaging 12 to 14 credithours a semesterBrian Mangumand working nights at a hotel,he didn’t get much sleep, but hefinished in two years.After graduating in 2003, he tooka job as a hardware engineer inthe corporate offices of Dillard’sdepartment store, “primarilytroubleshooting circuit boards …all that surface level stuff that Ilearned here.”Then, he said, the industry startedto shift. “It was easier to replace awhole board than the components,”Mangum said. “I became likethe Maytag repairman. I wouldsupervise an IBM engineer whilehe worked on our equipment,because it was still underwarranty.“With that shift,I thought it bestto start studyingthe software sideof things2I Summer 2010 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300

… and that’s exactly what I did,” hesaid.He did that on his own because therewas not much offered in classroomsettings. “That’s something I’vepushed through the (SPCC) advisorycommittee meetings,” he added.After five years with Dillard’s,Mangum took a job with Nexcom, “asmall company that was growing,” hesaid. “We developed applications andsoftware, sold and repaired iPhonesand Blackberries. I started learningIT, got certified in that.“The company was growing so fast,”Mangum said. “I was promoted toservice manager, did some goodthings there, and got promoted todirector of wireless.”Mangum, however, wantedsomething different. “I felt with allmy knowledge, I was tired of havinga boss and wanted to be the boss,” hesaid.That was when he started BrightflowTechnologies, just over a year ago.“Through the relationships I hadbuilt in the past five years, I wasable to sustain financially and alignmyself with good partners to continueto be the technology consultant that Iam,” he said.Serving on the electrical/electronicsadvisory board is a way forMangum to give back to SPCC.“(The school) certainly gaveme the credentials I neededto get my foot in the door asthat hardware engineer (atDillard’s),” he said. “One of therequirements was you have tohave a degree. The knowledgehelped me keep that for fiveyears and continue to do that.“(SPCC) also provided a localopportunity to get some moreschooling,” Mangum said.“And it provided an affordablesolution, which with my budget atthat time was something that Ineeded. That was huge for me. Theflexible scheduling at night was alsogood.“(Electronics instructor) GeorgeKouvaris was instrumental inkeeping me excited about it,” headded. “He was hilarious. And still afriend today.”Mangum is happy with the amountof business he has with Brightflow.“Since I already had my relationshipsin place, it was a byproduct of whatwas already going on, so I didn’treally have to go out and sell myservices,” he said. “I was fortunate.“I don’t want to grow too rapidly,”he said. “I don’t want to get too bigfor my britches, as we say in theSouth. … It’s comfortable right nowfor the small client base that I have.Considering that and the studio atnight, and three kids, it’s plenty ofwork to keep me busy.”Noting that his wife, Bari, is a stayat-homemom, “that helps out a lot,”he said. “And she’s a great mother.”While Mangum had an idea of howto start Brightflow, getting involvedin the gaming industry was anothermatter. “That was a passion projectthat I followed,” he said. “I neverknew how to break into the industry.One day I said, ‘why don’t we createour own company and learn as wego?’ No one told me it would succeed.Through perseverance, I founda good team of three to four coreindividuals.”Vendetta’s success in launching aniPhone application has been noticed.“Businesses are trying to jump onthat (iPhone) bandwagon,” Mangumsaid. “We get caught up fieldingphone calls seeing if we can build anapplication for someone’s company… just so someone can say they have“I got a mailer from SPCC with a list ofprograms and I saw electronics on there.I thought, ‘that’s great, that’s what I love,so let’s try that.’”an iPhone app. We’re having to turnfolks down. That’s a good problem tohave.”After “Ninja vs. Samurai” is released,Mangum and Vendetta hope torelease as many more projects aspossible this year “to get our portfoliobuilt up so we can tackle largerprojects like developing for Xbox orPlayStation.”Eventually, Mangum would liketo turn his attention completely togaming. “The short-term goal is forBrightflow to financially sustain mypassion, which is gaming,” he said.“The long-term goal is to make myliving in gaming, and wear a T-shirtBrian Mangumand jeans to work every day; dosomething I’m passionate about everyday, because then it’s not work.”A lofty goal? “They say if you don’taim for the moon, you’ll never getover the fence,” Mangum said. “So,that’s what I’m going with.”To learn more about studyingelectrical and electronics technologyat SPCC, contact George Kouvaris at704-290-5265 or gkouvaris@spcc.edu.CFelectronics technology704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Summer 2010 I 3

CareerFocusFeatureGaming is fun, and it canopen up career options!SPCC introduces Game Design CertificateSouth PiedmontCommunity Collegewill begin offeringa Game Designcertificate in the fall,but the Simulation andGame Developmentclasses that make upthe program can lead to a widerange of careers beyond gaming.Computer Information TechnologyInstructor Oscar Gonzalez saidthat career options will includejobs as designers, animators,engineers and administratorsin entertainment, health care,engineering, forensics, education,NASA, the military andgovernmental agencies.Estimated entry-level salaries forgame design range from $29,000 to$51,000.The simulation aspect, he said, iswhat makes the knowledge usefulin careers beyond gaming. Forinstance, Gonzalez said, pointingthrough his office window towardOld Charlotte Highway, supposethere is an auto crash out there.The police are not there, so they donot see it. But, through simulationtechnology, the accident can berecreated. “NASA does the sameSPCC Computer Information Technology Instructor Oscar Gonzalez works withstudent Richard Bates.thing, the military does the samething,” he said.Still, for many the gaming aspectwill be the attraction and Gonzalezsees that industry continuing togrow for the foreseeable future.Gonzalez said he went to aconference in Charlotte about ayear and a half ago and one of theparticipants was the president ofMicrosoft. “The whole conferencewas about gaming, how Microsoftis trying to keep the gamingproduction developing in theUnited States,” he said. “And theywere talking about this area - theTriangle and Charlotte.”Another aspect was that moregames will be created that can beused in an educational setting.“Not only to play games, but toeducate students,” Gonzalez said.“Games for math class, games forhistory class. The bulk now …is entertainment type of things.They’re telling people that theycan push students to math andscience. It was an interestingconference.”Gonzalez said there are already 30simulation and game companiesin the Triangle area, and morecoming. The opportunities arethere, he said, for those whopursue this certificate. He expectsthose opportunities to continue togrow because many adults, whohave more disposable income thankids and teens, are also fans ofgaming.“It’s not just about young people,”Gonzalez said, recounting hisexperience working at Best Buyone Christmas. “Xbox came outwhen I was working there. Therewere 30-, 40-year-old guys linedup to get Xboxes when it first cameout. It’s not just young people, it’sadults. It’s very addictive.”Statistics back him up. Accordingto the Entertainment SoftwareAssociation, the average gameplayer is 35 years old and has beenplaying for 12 years. The averageage of the most frequent gamepurchaser is 39 years old. In 2009,25 percent of Americans over theage of 50 played video games.Gonzalez noted that for the pasttwo to three Christmases, gameshad surpassed movies and musicin sales. “This past Christmas,” hesaid, “games passed toys for thefirst time.”Brian Mangum, an SPCCgraduate who is co-owner of alocal gaming company, VendettaStudios, welcomes the addition ofthe program at South Piedmont.“I think there could be a biginflux of students if they offeredsomething trendy like gamecreation, game design,” saidMangum, a member of SPCC’selectrical/electronics advisoryboard. “ … I would have signedup right out of high school if I hadknown I could take 3-D modelinghere. I’ve been pushing that veryhard.“As a business owner now, I needit for a different reason,” he added.“The talent pool I’m pulling from isvoid. … I could see myself offeringinternships. … That’s a mutualbenefit for students coming rightout of college. You get to add agame to your portfolio if you helpout. Until then, I’ll just continueto search the Internet for my nextintern.”The classes required for theGame Design Certificate are:Introduction to Computers;Introduction to Programming andLogic; Introduction to Simulationand Game Development; JAVAProgramming, Simulation andGame Development Design;and Simulation and GameDevelopment Programming.“We know this is not going to goaway any time soon,” Gonzalezsaid. “There’s money there. There’sgoing to be opportunity there.” CF4I Summer 2010 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300

Get back to work!SPCC presents new short-termcomputer training optionsDevelop the technical skills you need to work in a new field inone year or less!*CIT-Operating SystemsPrepare for entry-level employment with organizations that requireoperating systems administrationLearn more:Kim Bateman, kbateman@spcc.edu or 704-272-5417CIT-Game DesignPrepare for entry-level employment as a game designerLearn more:Oscar Gonzalez, ogonzalez@spcc.edu or 704-290-5232CIT-Microsoft OfficePrepare for entry-level employment as a Microsoft Office specialistLearn more:Patricia Johnson, p-johnson@spcc.edu or 704-272-5423*Requires adherence to the recommended course enrollment plan.Welcome to the CaféOur menu is packed with news, ideas, tips andinspiration for job seekers and career explorers.We’re searching the Web for all the bestinformation so you can find it right here in oneconvenient place.www.careerfocuscafe.comYou can afford college!Contact an SPCC Financial Aid representativetoday to learn about financial aid andscholarship opportunities.John Ratliff,704-272-5325Jacque El-Arab,704-272-5323Bree Bowers,704-290-5843Learn about SPCC’sTuition PaymentPlan.Sue Eddins,704-272-5348704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Summer 2010 I 5

CareerFocustoolboxWork Your Social NetworkFind a new job with a little help from your friends’ friendsIf you’re one of the millions of job seekersout there right now, you may want totake a break from searching monster.com and spend a little more time onFacebook. This social network createscontacts with old friends, and theirfriends, who may be your connection to anew job.Social networking sites are the next wave injob-hunting because they provide you withsomething called “weak links” meaning abroad network of friends and associates. Weaklinks are actually quite powerful because theyexpose you to a much wider network than youwould have access to on your own.In other words, while your friends may notknow of any new jobs, your friends’ friends justmight. Here are three sites that can providemoral support as you learn to use your weaklinks to your greatest advantage.Keep up to dateon South PiedmontCommunity Collegenews and events.Become aFacebook fan orfollow us on Twitter.Facebook(www.facebook.com)Your friends have friendsand jobs tooAlthough Facebook began asa networking site for collegestudents, it’s become popularwith all ages. Today the fastestgrowing segment is 35- to54-year-olds.It’s easy to lose track of time onFacebook trying to rememberwho’s in the third row of the5th-grade class photo your friendposted, or throwing a sheep atyour sister, but the site has somevery useful job-hunting tools too.For example, the Jobster CareerNetwork application can show youwhere your friends work (as longas they’ve listed it in their profile).Armed with this information,you have an automatic in atcompanies you might like towork for. You can also add yourinformation to Jobster’s TalentBank and it will help match youwith employers you might like tomeet.By using the Facebook statusfeature, you can broadcast to allyour friends that you’re lookingfor a position. Because people arejoining Facebook every day, ifyou frequently scan your friends’friends lists you may find long-lostcoworkers and neighbors. Withover 150 million active users,there’s certain to be someone youcan connect with.Linkedin(www.linkedin.com)Getting down to businessLinkedIn puts networking intoa more business-like setting,but you still rely on makingconnections.First, you build a networkof existing colleagues andclassmates on LinkedIn, then youcan either send e-mail directlyto others in your network or gothrough an intermediary whoknows both of you. If you don’thave contacts, you can join groupslike college alumni groups orshared-interest groups to getstarted. The groups’ discussionboards allow you to ask questions,or even inquire about job leads.Once you’ve established someconnections, you can access thejobs area, where companies spend$195 a month to post positions.You’ll have a better chance ofscoring an interview if yourprospective employer can checkyour LinkedIn connections.Basic services are free and aresufficient for most tasks. Forexample, your home page tellsyou how many times your profilehas been viewed in the pastmonth, and it can also raise yourvisibility in search engines. Thesite allows you to enter enoughpersonal information and workhistory that a former colleagueshould be able to find you, but italso protects your privacy.There’s a lot to do on this site, butif you’re willing to put the time in,you should be able to make somevaluable connections.ideaList(www.idealist.org)experience at all levelsThese days every place you gomay feel like a “nonprofit,” but ifyou’re interested in entering thegenuinely nonprofit sector eitherfor work or volunteer experienceto boost your resume, check outIdealist.It’s a friendly community ofidealistic individuals with allkinds of opportunities to shareyour passion and knowledge.It works somewhat like bothFacebook and LinkedIn—you setup a profile and then join somegroups or forums.In addition, if you’re an expert ona topic, you can create a separateprofile as a speaker or consultant.Have a question about recoveringfrom a layoff or starting yourown nonprofit? Just ask it on thediscussion boards. Looking forways to meet like-minded locals?Check out the group listings.The Idealist site also hasdownloadable podcasts andpublications full of advice forsecuring employment andnavigating the nonprofit sector.So put down the classified sectionof the newspaper and log on toyour computer. You may find thatconnection you’ve been looking for.Because sometimes getting a jobis all about who you know.Check out South PiedmontCommunity College on Facebookand Twitter! CF6I Summer 2010 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300

Every child deserves a good startChildcare workers help put children on the pathto success from the beginningFeatureCareerFocusWhen MichelleChambersworked atWalter BickettElementaryas a behaviormodificationtechnician,her office was a destination fortroublemakers. Some childrenbrought ongoing behavioral issuesto school, and Chambers couldsee patterns. “I saw that childrenneeded intervention at an earlierage, so I set out to open a daycare,” she says.With a goal of providing highquality child care with anemphasis on school readiness,Chambers enrolled in EarlyChildhood Education night classesat South Piedmont CommunityCollege, and continued to workat Walter Bickett by day. Shecompleted her required classes andbuilt a childcare center next to herhome in Monroe. A+ Childcareand Learning Center opened 14years ago, licensed to serve 50pre-school children. Chamberslater moved to a new home andconverted the house beside A+Childcare into an after-schoolfacility.While running herdaycare, Chamberscontinued taking classesat SPCC until sheearned herassociate’sdegreein Early Childhood Education.Michelle and her husband, Rodney,also raised a family: Brittney, now21; Rodney Jr., 18; and Kayla, 10.As daughter Brittney grew upspending time in the center,she developed a passion for hermother’s work. Today, she toois a graduate of SPCC’s EarlyChildhood Education program,and she works full-time at thecenter along with her mom.Michelle Chambers says sheexpects her younger daughter, whoalready helps after-schoolers withhomework, will go into child care.Rodney Jr. is completing his firstyear in the Computer InformationTechnology program at SPCC.Michelle Chambers’ educationalexperiences at SPCC ofteninfluence her business decisions.This is especially true of her hiringprocess. “When I see a student hasstudied with (SPCC Instructor)Sharon Little, that helps me makemy decision because I know they’vebeen taught well,” she says, addingthat SPCC grads have prioritywhen she has an opening.The economy has put a dent inthe number of students enrolledin A+ Childcare, and Brittneyand MichelleChambers areusing the lull tofurthertheirBrittney and Michelle Chambers (center) work with Briana Anthony and RobertClyburn at A+ Childcare and Learning Center in Monroe.educations at UNC-Pembrokeutilizing scholarships fromthe Teacher Education andCompensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.)Early Childhood Project. They planto earn bachelor’s degrees in EarlyChildhood Education throughmostly online studies.Brittney Chambers says she andher mother honed their skills withonline courses while they were atSPCC, and they know the first rulefor success. ”Do not procrastinate,and do not wait until the day theassignment is due to contact theinstructor for the first time,” shesays. “If you keep up with yourwork, online is fine.”The Chamberses learned aboutT.E.A.C.H. through the Ed Starsprogram, a cooperative effortbetween SPCC and Union SmartStart. To qualify for a T.E.A.C.H.scholarship, each lady committedto work two more years inchildcare. Since A+ Childcarewas approved as a More-At-Foursite, and Brittney teaches theclass, she must earn the degreewithin four years. Mom plans tobe by her side for the journey thatbegan this academic year whenthe two traveled to Pembroke fororientation.A+ Childcare is currently a fourstarcenter based on the state’sfive-star rating system. Earningbachelor’s degrees will allow theChamberses to earn a five-starrating, a designation reservedfor facilities meeting the higheststandards for childcare. Fivestarrequirements include staffingthe facility with teachers whohave earned a bachelor’s in earlychildhood education.The Chamberses are eligible forT.E.A.C.H. scholarships becausetheir center is enrolled in theChildcare WAGE$ Project. WAGE$provides salary supplements toearly childhood educators basedon educational achievement andcontinuity of employment in thesame facility.UNC-P is one of six universitiesoffering bachelor’s degreesthrough T.E.A.C.H. To learnmore about the WAGE$ programor T.E.A.C.H. scholarships, visitwww.childcareservices.org.To learn more about EarlyChildhood Education programsat SPCC, contact Sharon Little at704-272-5399 or s-little@spcc.edu.To learn more about the Ed Starsprogram for childcare workersprovided through SPCC, contactCarilyn Raymond at 704-290-5863or craymond@spcc.edu. CF704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Summer 2010 I 7

CareerFocusFeatureMassage… Both parties feel goodafter an appointment!Before MichelleKarman decided toenroll in the massagetherapy program, shedecided she wouldmake a career choiceto please herself.She often thought ofhow much she enjoyed her veryfirst massage, an indulgenceshe allowed herself in Nashville,Tennessee, when she was just 20.As the years passed, Karman hadcome to understand that she wouldenjoy a career that allowed her tomake people feel good. Throughyears of waiting tables, 10 years inan administrative job, the birthsof three children and a divorce,Karman held on to the idea of acareer as a massage therapist.She began to explore schools, andinitially felt that she would haveto go to an expensive proprietaryschool. Karman hesitated aboutenrolling because she knew therewould be a strong emphasis onspa techniques, and she wantedto be able to do healing massages.Then she happened to strikeup a conversation with a SouthPiedmont Community Collegeemployee who told her aboutSPCC’s therapeutic massageprogram and its emphasis onmedical massage techniques. OnceKarman made contact with MaryBerger, director of the therapeuticmassage program at SPCC, thedecision was made.“At South Piedmont,I was taught todeal with differentissues, and I don’tget thrown off guardtoo much now. Thesmall classes weregreat, and I got alot of individualattention!”Karman enrolled in the year-longdiploma program and graduatedin August 2009. She passed herstate licensing exam, the MBLEX,and was licensed on Oct. 1. Sheimmediately began work atCuratio Rehabilitation and Spaacross from Stonecrest at PiperGlen, and she has been workingtwo to three days per week doingmostly medical massage.Karman joined Fuzion Salonand Spa this spring to build aclientele in relaxation massage.The downtown Waxhaw salonwas expanding, and Karmanfound the opportunity to be theirmassage therapist as she pickedup some work as a waitress at aMichelle Karman readies the room for a hot-stone, full-body massage.Michelle KarmanMassage therapist Michelle Karman treats Erica Brasington to a seated massageat Fuzion Salon and Spa in Waxhaw.neighboring café. It was a simple,spontaneous exchange at the caféthat led Karman to her second jobwhere she offers Swedish, deeptissue and hot stone massages.As an ice-breaker, Karmanoften gives clients of the salon acomplimentary chair massage.Building up a clientele can takea new massage therapist a fewmonths, Karman says. “You haveto teach the benefits of regularmassage and encourage yourclients to have massages on anongoing basis,” she adds. To makecertain that no opportunity forwork is missed, Karman generallyhas a portable massage table inher car. She says it pays dividendsto travel equipped!Karman says the SPCC massageschool prepared her well for hernew career. “I really believe inthat program, and I felt like I wastaught well,” Karman said. “AtSouth Piedmont, I was taught todeal with different issues, andI don’t get thrown off guard toomuch now. The small classes weregreat, and I got a lot of individualattention! Our clinics reallyprepared us well because we wereexpected to treat it like it waswork. I still do documentation justlike I was taught.”Karman said that as an olderstudent, she found that she reallyenjoyed taking general educationclasses such as English and math.“It was like exercise for my brain,and I enjoyed that,” said Karman,a graduate of Parkwood HighSchool.To learn more about theTherapeutic Massage program atSPCC, contact Mary Berger at 704-290-5865 or mberger@spcc.edu.8I Summer 2010 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300

Where AreYou Going?Deciding on a career can feel like taking a journey without a mapor a destination. Eventually, with some advice and direction, alittle exploration, maybe a dead end or two, you begin to get asense of where you’d like to go and how to get there.Whether you’re just starting out or picking up a new career inmidlife, SPCC offers courses and services to help you find yourpath and get to your goal.Good advice and good resources are the best road maps.SPCC’s Career Development Service Centers in Student Success on theOld Charlotte Highway and L.L. Polk campuses can help you explore youroptions and get started on a plan of action. Academic advisors can help youchoose the right classes for reaching your goal.SPCC certificates and degree programs are some of the best vehicles aroundfor taking you to your career destinations. In a year or less, a certificate canget you into a job. In two years, an associate’s degree can move you a littlefurther along your career path. Transferring to a four-year college providesan even wider array of new opportunities.Study your program options in A-Z, then visit www.spcc.edu to apply foradmission. Let the journey begin! CFSPCC CredentialCertificateDiplomaAssociate in Arts Degree/Associate in Science DegreeAssociate in Applied ScienceDegreeContinuing EducationProgramGives youThe skills you need to move into an entry-level job andcollege creditsAdditional skills to help you move up with a promotionand college creditsThe first two years of college coursework to transfer to afour-year college or university as a juniorIn-depth career preparation, as well as some generaleducation classes, during a two-year course of studyTraining in your chosen field, but does not award collegecreditsSouth Piedmont Community College A-ZWhat follows is an alphabetical listing of programs and areas of study offered bySouth Piedmont Community College. For more information, call 704-290-5100 or704-272-5300 or visit SPCC on the Web at www.spcc.edu.AccountingEmployment in accounting firms, as well as large and small corporations, preparing financialstatements, balance sheets and tax returnsEmployment opportunities: Accounting firms, small businesses, banks, hospitals; selfemployment.AAS or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $29,785-$40,794Program Contact: Toiya Evans, tevans@spcc.edu, 704-290-5233Activity CoordinatorEmployment planning daily activities for older adult residents of assisted living and long-term carefacilities, and coordinating volunteer programs (Graduates of the program are state-qualified to beemployed.)Employment opportunities: Assisted living and long-term care facilities.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $18,000-$30,000Program Contact: Sandy Huntley, shuntley@spcc.edu, 704-272-5456Advertising/Graphic DesignEmployment in graphic design with emphasis on print design, web design, advertising, illustration,photography and digital preparation of materials.Employment opportunities: Graphic design studios, advertising agencies, printingcompanies, newspapers, web design; self-employment.AAS or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $24,051-$30,487Program Contact: Linda M. Ward, lmward@spcc.edu, 704-290-5279Air Conditioning, Heating and RefrigerationA career in residential and commercial maintenance and installation of heating and cooling systems.Employment opportunities: Firms that specialize in installing, repairing and servicingheating and cooling systems and refrigeration equipment in homes, commercial andindustrial buildings.AAS, Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $24,960-$27,040 1Program Contact: Thomas Suggs, tsuggs@spcc.edu, 704-272-5365Associate in Arts-Elementary EducationTransfer to a senior college or university to study elementary education (SPCC and WingateUniversity offer a cohort transfer program.)Employment opportunities: Work as an elementary school teacherAAEntry Salary ranges: $25,510 (local supplement may apply) 2Program Contact: Joe Delaney, jdelaney@spcc.edu, 704-290-5237Associate in Arts or Science (College Transfer)Transfer to a senior college or university.AA or ASProgram Contact: AA: Tammy Frailly, tfrailly@spcc.edu, 704-290-5829AS: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879Auto Body RepairEmployment in the auto body repair trade.Employment opportunities: Auto dealerships or franchised independent garages;self-employment.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $26,750-$32,949Program Contact: Bob Winfrey, rwinfrey@spcc.edu, 704-272-7554Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)SPCC A to ZA career as a certified law enforcement officer in North Carolina.Employment opportunities: Municipal police departments, sheriffs’ offices, bailiff, NCState Highway Patrol, State Bureau of Investigation.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $22,048-$23,728Program Contact: Kevin Ashley, kashley@spcc.edu, 704-290-5820CareerFocus704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Summer 2010 I 9

Biomedical Equipment Technology(offered in collaboration with Stanly Community College)Employment as a biomedical equipment technician.Employment opportunities: Hospitals, clinics,research laboratories, service organizations andmedical equipment manufacturers.AASEntry Salary ranges: $30,000-$50,000 3Program Contact: George Kouvaris, gkouvaris@spcc.edu, 704-290-5265Biotechnology (offered in collaboration with Gaston College)Employment as research assistants to biologists or chemists, laboratory technicians,instrumentation technicians or quality assurance technicians.Employment opportunities: High tech manufacturing, agribusiness, government, researchand development, sales, customer service.AASEntry Salary ranges: $25,000-50,000 4Program Contact: David Wheeler, dwheeler@spcc.edu, 704-290-5879Business AdministrationEmployment requiring fundamental knowledge of business functions and processes.Employment opportunities: Government agencies, financial institutions, large/smallbusinesses; self-employment.AAS or Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $27,094-36,478Program Contact: Fredrea Crawford-Smith, fsmith@spcc.edu, 704-290-5274Computer Information TechnologyEmployment with organizations that use computers to process, manage and communicateinformation.Employment opportunities: Systems maintenance, troubleshooting, support/training andbusiness applications design and implementation.AAS or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $29,000-$73,000 5Program Contact: Chris Johnson, c-johnson@spcc.edu, 704-272-5426Computer Information Technology - Game DesignEntry-level employment as game designer.Employment opportunities: Gaming industry as programmer trainees and softwaredevelopers.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $29,000-$51,000 5Program Contact: Oscar Gonzalez, ogonzalez@spcc.edu, 704-290-5232Computer Information Technology - Microsoft OfficeEntry-level employment as a Microsoft Office specialist.Employment opportunities: Business, industry, government organizations as computeroperators and software support technicians.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $29,000-$52,000 5Program Contact: Patricia Johnson, p-johnson@spcc.edu, 704-272-5423Computer Information Technology - Operating SystemsEntry-level employment with organizations that require operating systems administration.Employment opportunities: Systems maintenance, troubleshooting, support/training andOS administration.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $29,000-$68,000 5Program Contact: Kim Bateman, kbateman@spcc.edu, 704-272-5417Computer Information Technology-Routing & Switching (CISCO)Employment installing and supporting computer networks(Students in this program may prepare for exams to earnCisco certification.)Employment opportunities: LAN/PC administrators,microcomputer support specialist, network control operator,communication technician/analyst, network/computerconsultant, information systems specialist.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $29,000-$63,000 5Program Contact: Cheryl Hicks, chicks@spcc.edu, 704-290-5815Contractors’ Exam ReviewTaking the N.C. Residential or Commercial Contractors’ Exam given by the North CarolinaContractors’ Licensing Board.Employment opportunities: Residential and commercial construction.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: Varies according to construction fieldProgram Contact: Geri Duncan, gduncan@spcc.edu, 704-290-5221Criminal JusticeEmployment within the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, court systems,correctional facilities, security, loss prevention and forensic science.Employment opportunities: Police officer, deputy sheriff, detention officer, state trooper,probation/parole officer, surveillance officer, loss prevention specialist, crime scene tech,FBI agent, SBI agent, court clerk, private investigator, trial court administrator, victim/witnessassistant and criminal background researcher.AAS or Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $26,000-$42,000 6Program Contact: Miriam Sallee, msallee@spcc.edu, 704-290-5264Early Childhood EducationWorking with children from infancy through middlechildhood in diverse learning environments.Employment opportunities: Preschools,childcare programs, Head Start, public andprivate schools, recreational centers.AAS or Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $17,202-$19,618Program Contact: Sharon Little, s-little@spcc.edu, 704-272-5399School-Age EducationEmployment working with children in elementary through middle grades in diverse learningenvironments. Graduates are prepared to plan and implement developmentally appropriateprograms in school-aged environments.Employment opportunities: Preschools, childcare programs, Head Start, public andprivate schools, public and private agencies, recreational centersAAS or Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $14,545-$19,618Program Contact: Sharon Little, s-little@spcc.edu, 704-272-5399Electrical/Electronics TechnologyEmployment installing and maintaining electrical/electronic systems found in residential,commercial and industrial facilities.Employment opportunities: On-the-job trainee or apprentice assisting in the layout,installation and maintenance of electrical/electronic systems (Graduates who successfullycomplete the required apprenticeship are prepared to take the state electrical contractinglicense exam.)AAS, Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $33,456-$40,502Program Contact: Contact: George Kouvaris, gkouvaris@spcc.edu, 704-290-526510I Summer 2010 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300

Emergency Medical TechnicianAdministering first aid treatment and transporting sick or injured persons to medical facility,working as a paid or volunteer member of an emergency medical team.Employment opportunities: Ambulance services, fire and rescue agencies.Continuing Education Program Certificate(Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic)Entry Salary ranges: $20,000-$40,000 7Program Contact: Contact: Robby Smith, rsmith@spcc.edu, 704-290-5817EntrepreneurshipEmployment in your own business.Employment opportunities: Self-employed business owner.AAS, Diploma or CertificateProgram Contact: Sam Spencer, sspencer@spcc.edu, 704-272-5425Fire Fighter TrainingEmployment or volunteer duties with a fire department. Basic and continuing training for firefighters is provided in cooperation with local municipal and volunteer departments (A student mustbe a member of a fire department to take training.)Employment opportunities: Municipal fire departments.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $22,267-$26,130Program Contact: Chris Yates, cyates@spcc.edu, 704-290-5816Fire Protection Technology(offered in collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College)Occupations where the technical knowledge of fire protection is needed in order to deal withhazardous materials, investigate arson, and make fire prevention recommendations to thepublic and private sector.Employment opportunities: Government agencies, industrial firms, insurance ratingorganizations, educational organizations, municipal fire departments with the opportunityfor skilled and supervisory-level positions.AASEntry Salary ranges: $29,463-$32,585Program Contact: Raymond Griffith, rgriffith@spcc.edu, 704-272-5439Human Services TechnologyFamily and child assistance programs, rehabilitation services, youth services, services for aging,programs for developmentally disabled.Employment opportunities: Employment doing direct service delivery work in socialservice agencies.AAS or DiplomaEntry Salary ranges: $24,600-$35,000 8Program Contact: Fedder Williams, f-williams@spcc.edu, 704-290-5877Human Services Technology-Substance Abuse CertificateEmployment as substance abuse counselor, DWI counselor, residential facility worker.Employment opportunities: Substance abuse counselors work with physicians, nurses,social workers, mental health counselors, police in courts, schools, correctional facilities,treatment facilities.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $28,000-$45,000 9Program Contact: Fedder Williams, f-williams@spcc.edu, 704-290-5877Mechanical Engineering TechnologyEmployment as technicians assisting in design, developmental testing process design andimprovement, and troubleshooting and repair of engineered systems.Employment opportunities: Diversified mechanical and manufacturing engineering fields.Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $40,000-$50,000Program Contact: George Kouvaris, gkouvaris@spcc.edu, 704-290-5265MechatronicsEmployment in the installation and repair of manufacturing equipment and automated machinery.Employment opportunities: Work in manufacturing facilities or as field service technician.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $18.95-$22.45/hr. 10Program Contact: Russell Carpenter, rcarpenter@spcc.edu, 704-993-2410Medical AssistingEmployment as a multi-skilled healthcare professional performing administrative, clinical andlaboratory procedures (Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Association of MedicalAssistants Certification Examination to become Certified Medical Assistants).Employment opportunities: Physicians’ offices, health maintenance organizations, healthdepartments, hospitals.AAS or DiplomaEntry Salary ranges: $19,000-$27,000 7Program Contact: Lori Starnes, lstarnes@spcc.edu, 704-290-5825Medical Coding SpecialistEmployment as a medical coding specialist upon satisfactory completion of online medical coursesand a passing grade on the American Academy of Professional Coders exam.Employment opportunities: Physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing homes, codingconsulting companies.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $20,090-$26,250 10Program Contact: Geri Duncan, gduncan@spcc.edu, 704-290-5221Medical Laboratory Assistant (a Medical Assisting certificate option)Employment performing routine medical laboratory testing and office tasks (Graduates may applyto take the AMT certification exam to become a Medical Laboratory Assistant.)Employment opportunities: Physicians’ offices and hospitals.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $19,000-$27,000 7Program Contact: Lori Starnes, lstarnes@spcc.edu, 704-290-5825Medical Office AdministrationEmployment performing administrative and support functionsin medical and other healthcare facilities.Employment opportunities: Medical and dental offices,hospitals, insurance companies, laboratories, medical supplycompanies, other healthcare-related organizations.AAS, Certificate, Medical Insurance CodingDiploma or Transcription CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $20,250-$41,506 10Program Contact: Cindy Crenshaw, ccrenshaw@spcc.edu, 704-290-5858Medical SonographyEmployment as a medical sonographer or ultrasound technologist (Graduates are eligible to takeexaminations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers)Employment opportunities: Hospitals, physicians’ offices, mobile services, educationalinstitutions.AASEntry Salary ranges: $40,000-$75,000 7Program Contact: Alice Bradley, abradley@spcc.edu, 704-290-5832nursing Assistant I & IIEmployment as an NA I and II. Training and competency testing required for listing on NA Registry.Employment opportunities: Hospitals, nursing homes, patients’ homes, physicians’offices.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $18,000-$30,000 7Program Contact: Debra Griffin, dgriffin@spcc.edu, 704-290-5214704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300 I www.spcc.edu I South Piedmont Community College CareerFocus I Summer 2010 I 11

Nursing-Associate DegreeA healthcare career as a nurse [Graduates of this program areeligible to take the National Council of State Boards of NursingLicensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registerednurse.]Employment opportunities: Hospitals, long-term carefacilities, clinics, physicians offices, community agencies.AASEntry Salary ranges: $39,000-$71,000 7Program Contact: Joyce Long, j-long@spcc.edu, 704-290-5281Nursing-PracticalProviding nursing care to children and adults [Graduates are eligible to apply to take theNCLEX-PN, which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).]Employment opportunities: Hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, long-term carefacilities.DiplomaEntry Salary ranges: $24,000-$40,000 7Program Contact: J oyce Long, j -long@spcc.edu, 704- 290-5281Nursing-LPN RefresherEmployment as a licensed practical nurse upon reinstatement of LPN license by N.C. Board ofNursing.Employment opportunities: Hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, long-term carefacilities.CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $24,000-$40,000 7Program Contact: J oyce Long, j -long@spcc.edu, 704-290-5281LPN to RNA healthcare career as a nurse [Graduates of this program areeligible to take the National Council of State Boards ofNursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) tobecome a registered nurse.].Employment opportunities: Hospitals, long-term carefacilities, clinics, physicians’ offices and community agencies.AASEntry Salary ranges: $39,000-$71,000 7Program Contact: Joyce Long, j-long@spcc.edu, 704-290-5281Paralegal TechnologyReal Estate Sales/BrokerUpon passing the Real Estate Salesperson/Provisional Broker state exam, you will be qualified towork as a real estate agent renting, buying and selling property on a commission basis, and willattain provisional broker status.)Employment opportunities: Real estate agencies.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $27,851 (average entry earnings) 10Program Contact: Geri Duncan, gduncan@spcc.edu, 704-290-5221Surgical TechnologyEmployment assisting in the care of the surgical patientin the operating room and to function as a member ofthe surgical team (Graduates are eligible to apply totake the Liaison Council’s Certification Examination forSurgical Technologists.)Employment opportunities: Hospitals, clinics and otherhealth related facilitiesDiplomaEntry Salary ranges: $26,000-$42,000 7Program Contact: Carol Courtney, ccourtney@spcc.edu, 704-272-5421Therapeutic MassageWork as a massage therapist to provide methodical pressure, friction and kneading of the bodyfor maintaining wellness or treating alterations in wellness (Graduates may be eligible to take theMassage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEX).Employment opportunities: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, spas, healthand sports clubs.DiplomaEntry Salary ranges: $15,000-$50,000 7Program Contact: Mary Berger, mberger@spcc.edu, 704-290-5865North Carolina salary information taken from www.nccareers.org unless otherwise noted.1Results of a survey of local employers. 2 Information from www.ncpublicschools.org.3Information from aami.org. 4 Information from www.ncbionetwork.org. 5 Information fromwww.cbsalary.com. 6 Information from www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs/ 7 Information from NC HealthCareers 2008-2010 published by N.C. Area Health Education Centers. 8 Information fromwww.acinet.org. 9 Information from www.nchealthcareers.com. 10 Information from EmploymentSecurity Commission of North Carolina. 11 Information provided by Carolinas HealthCare System.SPCC A-Z salary information is designed to serve as a guide to students making career choices.Graduates may make more or less money than the figures cited and salaries are in no wayguaranteed by South Piedmont Community College.Employment performing routine legal tasks and assistingwith substantive legal work under the supervisionof an attorney.Employment opportunities: Private law firms,governmental agencies, banks, insurance agenciesand other business organizations.AAS, Diploma or CertificateEntry Salary ranges: $32,139-$41,117 10Program Contact: Deneice Hendrick, dhendrick@spcc.edu, 704-290-5234REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning)Self-employment in a business you own and operate using a business plan you develop while youare enrolled in the one-semester REAL programEmployment opportunities: Self-employment in a business you build.Continuing Education Program CertificateEntry Salary ranges: Varies according to ty pe and success of bus inessProgram Contact: Vince Holloman, vholloman@spcc.edu, 704-290-522212I Summer 2010 I CareerFocus South Piedmont Community College I www.spcc.edu I 704-290-5100 or 704-272-5300

Show employers what you knowSouth Piedmont Community College offersCareer Readiness Certification Bronze • Silver • GoldScholarships are available to dislocated workers living inAnson or Union counties, subject to availability of funds.Learn more:(Anson County) Kristi Phifer at704-272-5460 or kphifer@spcc.edu(Union County) Arlene Stephens at704-290-5216 or astephens@spcc.eduAdvertising & Graphic Designis coming to Polkton!The Creative Design Certificate will be offered onthe L.L. Polk Campus in a two-semester format.FallDrawingGraphic Design ITypographySpringComputer Design BasicsIllustration IIntro to ComputersContact:Linda Ward, lmward@spcc.edu or 704-290-5279John Hill, jhill@spcc.edu or 704-272-5454I want more opportunity!I should have finished high school!Should have…could have…would have…Stop it!Do something to move your life forward andenroll in the GED program at SPCC!Adults ages 18 and up may enrollat any time throughout the year.Classes and materials are FREE.Choose your location…Choose your class time…Pick your class days.Call 704-290-5830 or704-272-5468to learn more.

Get ready for fall!Steps to enroll: Apply online at www.spcc.edu Complete online orientation Apply online for financial aid Take placement testRegister:May 24-28, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.June 21-24, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.July 19-22, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.August 2-6, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m .-5p.m.;Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.August 11-13, Wednesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Registration Locations:Old Charlotte Highway Campus, 4209 Old Charlotte Hwy., MonroeL.L. Polk Campus, U.S. 74, PolktonClasses begin August 16.To learn more, call704-272-5300 Anson County704-290-5100 Union Countywww.spcc.eduThe most up-to-date class scheduleis always available atwww.spcc.eduSouth Piedmont Community CollegeP.O. Box 126Polkton, NC 28135ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMERNON PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGEPAIDANN ARBOR, MIPERMIT NO. 48