chris“The most important thing that Northwood offers is industry connections andexperience. For my hospitality major, I could have gone to a large universitywith an equally large hospitality club, but I didn’t want to be just another facein a crowd of 600 students, all vying for the same jobs. This is not the case atNorthwood. My last three jobs and internships have been made possible eitherbecause I met someone in the industry through Northwood or because one of myprofessors made a call.”Chris Opperman – Northwood UniversitybrianBrian, who graduated in 2003, works at Boston's WHDH-TV in engineering and studiooperations. There, he is responsible for operating robotic cameras and manual cameras ontripods. He is also one of the two main operators of the Jimmy Jib II that allows for sophisticatedcamera movement.Brian has always known that he wanted to work in television. While in high school, he started hisown show on public access television. He later branched out with a freelance company. While atThe New England Institute of Art, Brian worked for WHDH-TV at the Democratic NationalConvention at Boston's Fleet Center. His experience led him to the position he has today.The New England Institute of Art helped Brian to achieve his goal, one he was able to jump intoright after graduation. He attributes the great connections he's made in the field, as well as hisskills, to the education he received and the instructors he met while a student.Brian Krause – The New England Institute of Art – Broadcastingrobin“There were many times during my classes I found myselfwondering why it was necessary to learn some of the lessons [they]were teaching. But, I found out why and could not get over howmuch of what I learned was not only necessary for me to succeedin the externship, but also helped me pass the CCI registry test."During my 800-hour externship, there were many days that thetechnicians or the physicians would stand behind me, while I waspracticing, and ask me technical questions."If I had not been so well-educated by the program, I would havebeen left behind, not able to keep up with the conversation andembarrassed that I did not understand what they were asking.”Robin Dennis – HoHoKus School WHAT'S AT RISK? | 14
andrea janet“I chose Morrison because of the flexibility of classschedules which allowed me to work and get my degreeat the same time. I also liked the fact [that] I could earn anaccredited degree in less than three years, that allowed me totransfer credits previously earned. Once I began attendingMorrison, I knew that I had made the right choice. Thefaculty was very helpful and supportive, and the curriculumwas up-to-date. Many of the professors had careers in theaccounting field and brought their real-world applicationsto the classroom."I applied for my current job four months before I graduatedwith my degree from Morrison, and I was hired. I now feelthat I have a job with a future, opportunities for promotionand security. Additionally, I possess a great degree of jobsatisfaction and continual challenges."Morrison helped me to open the door and access thisopportunity. I use my accounting degree on a daily basis asmy job requires me to review copious amounts of financialinformation. I also get to travel. I have full benefits and ajob that offers retirement. This was all made possible withthe degree that Morrison gave me the opportunity to earn.”Andrea Franchi – Morrison Universitymeghan“I have a lot of fond memorieswhen reflecting on my studiesat Herzing University. I still seethe instructors and the friends Imade there. The reason I choseHerzing is because I wanted toattend a smaller school where Iknew I could get the individualattention and focus, if I neededit. The atmosphere was laid back,and my instructors were verypersonable. After graduating, Iaccepted a position at the firstplace I interviewed with and havebeen there ever since.”Meghan Mueller – HerzingUniversityGrowing up in a working class family in Albuquerque, N.M.,encouragement could be hard to come by. That was certainly thecase for Janet Davis, 57, who says: “I was raised in the era when agirl stayed at home and did socially acceptable things.”So Janet stayed close to home and worked as a waitress, a securityguard and a clerk at a local convenience store. She picked upsome credits at the University of New Mexico, but the yearsbegan to roll by without the prospect of a degree.Along the way, however, Janet began to realize that she couldfar exceed the limited expectations set for her growing up.This process took tangible form while working at ScientificDimensions Inc., an Albuquerque-area manufacturer ofdashboard mounts. She started as an assembler. In over 11years with the firm, she rose to become engineering assistant andauditor, assessing the organization’s compliance with ISO qualitystandards. Janet realized that she was very good at dealing withdetails, an ability that would stand her in good stead in the yearsahead. When the company closed its doors in 2005, she movedto Eclipse Aviation, maker of the Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet, andserved as chief internal auditor. Unfortunately, the manufacturerceased operations in 2008, and Janet was again laid off.Janet began looking for new education and skills, particularly ina field with more stability and a current demand for workers.She hit on medical coding and billing. Janet enrolled in adiploma program at Brookline College in Albuquerque and didher externship at University of New Mexico Hospital. Daviscalls the work extremely interesting, and her propensity fordealing with details has already paid off for the hospital. That’sbecause medical code changes not being updated in the systemwere delaying insurance reimbursement payments. Workingwith a team at the hospital, Janet used her analytical skills tohelp identify the problems and allow the hospital to redeem theinsurance money.“It was a real surprise to me when I went back to school as anadult and found that I actually enjoyed learning and the challengeof passing a school subject,” she says.Encouragement may start at home, but the courage to move up inlife is often found one education at a time by individuals like Janet.Janet Davis – Brookline College www.CareerCollegeCentral.com | 15
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