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Spartanburg Community College Community Spartanburg Volume 2 • Issue 1 Issue • 2 Volume 2017 Winter/Spring Today’s College Students Break Stereotypes

If you think that most college students are fresh out of high school, young, carefree, and living at a university, you’re wrong. In fact, 85 percent of college students today don’t fit that mold. More often, the typical college student is living off campus, working full- or part-time, and juggling college with real-life responsibilities.

There are 21.6 million college students in the U.S. today

Only 15% attend a four-year college full-time and live on-campus

Are over 42% age 24 Are enrolled 38% part-time Are seeking an Associate 50% degree or certificate Work 32% full-time Have financial 27% dependents Attend community 45% college Live with 50% parents while attending college

(Sources: nces.ed.gov, chronicle.com “The New Traditional Student,” theatlantic. com “Old School: College’s most important trend is the rise of the adult student,” usatoday.com “Degrees of Difficulty,” www.aacc.nche.edu, buck.blogs.nytimes.com “More College Students Living at Home.”) Questions regarding Spartanburg Community CONTENTS College’s curriculum programs or admissions can be directed to the Admissions Center at (877) 592-4404 or the College’s website, www.sccsc.edu.

Publisher...... Mr. Henry C. Giles, Jr. SCC President Chief Editor...... Cheri Anderson-Hucks SCC Director, Marketing & Public Relations FEATURE SCC Staff Editors...... Jane Bird Melissa Kessler Choosing a Career That’s Right Pam Sutphin 2 for You Visit Spartanburg Community College online at www.sccsc.edu Passion for Helping Others? or call us at (864) 592-4404 3 or call toll free at (877) 592-4404 Is Mechatronics the Career

SCC Mission Statement 4 for You? Spartanburg Community College (SCC) provides affordable access to high-quality technical, Cutting-Edge Skills For transfer and lifelong professional and personal 5 High-Demand Jobs In Manufacturing development programs in a teaching and learning environment that prepares students for success. The College is a key community partner in No Limit to Creativity advancing the Upstate’s economy. 6 Artists aren’t the only ones using imagination and innovation at work Spartanburg County Commission for Technical and Community Education College, How Much is Enough? Mrs. Tracey G. Hill, School District No. 1 7 Two years? Four years? More? Mr. Eugene (Sonny) Anderson, School District No. 2 Mr. Tracy W. Keller, Secretary, School District No. 3 Which Degree is Right for You? Mr. F. Gary Towery, School District No. 4 8 These questions will help you decide Mr. William Bruce Johnson, School District No. 5 Mr. William G. Sarratt, Vice Chairman School What do Drones, Spanish, District No. 6 10 Mr. Anthony D. Bell, School District No. 7 and Web Development Have Mr. Gregory M. Tate, Chairman, Cherokee County in Common? Mr. Stanley O. Vanderford, Union County Mr. James M. Folk, Member at Large Ms. Kimberly A. Fowler, Member at Large STUDENT SERVICES Ex-Officio Dr. C. Scott Turner, Superintendent, SCC TRANSFER School District No. 5 Mr. J. Whitner Kennedy, Jr., Chairman, Smart Start to Your Career Spartanburg County Planning Commission 9 Transfer students from 2-year colleges get the same education and spend a lot less Spartanburg Community College Administration GUIDE TO CAREERS Mr. Henry C. Giles, Jr., President Dr. Cheryl A. Cox, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Spartanburg Community College Mr. L. Ray Switzer, Vice President of Business 11 Affairs Guide to Careers Mr. Ronald Jackson, Vice President of Student Affairs Mr. P. Michael Forrester, Executive Assistant to the

Volume 2 • Issue 1 President & Director of Economic Development Winter/Spring 2017 Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus is published periodically by On the go? Spartanburg Community College, 107 Community Smart Start to Your Career Transfer students from 2-year colleges get the same College Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303 in education and spend a lot less Read CareerFocus anytime on your mobile device, partnership with Academic Marketing Services. computer or tablet at: © 2017 Spartanburg Community College sccsc.mycareerfocus.org

Volume 2 • Issue 1 Winter/Spring 2017

Spartanburg Community College

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(864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 1 FEATURE

Choosing a Career That’s Right for You

How do you choose a career that will bring lifelong satisfaction and room for growth down the road? The answer is “patiently and thoughtfully.” Often, as students, we are rushed to choose a major or a career path because people around us want to hear that we have goals. As a career counselor, I meet with students who quickly come to find that the career choice they have chosen may not lead them to the happiness they expected. It is my job to provide them with tools that can assist them with the concerns that they have. Career exploration is a process, and when done correctly, will help students to slowly become aware of their values, interests, skills, personality, and how each of these things relate to a career choice. The career exploration process includes four steps: 1. Taking assessments 2. Researching the results of the assessments What amount of education is needed to (most time-consuming step) STEP 4: complete the degree? Am I able to realistically 3. Decision making afford this degree and/or could I transfer to Goal Setting. The information about a career 4. Setting goals an area where I could receive the training if has been researched, and training colleges have needed? been explored. Set goals to meet admission and STEP 1: course enrollment deadlines and begin to look What kind of classes will I need to be enrolled for experiences that will help during training, in? Do I see myself being successful in these Assessments look at the values we carry, the i.e., internship opportunities, part-time jobs, courses? skills we have, the things we are interested in (or informational interviewing, and/or membership not), and our personalities. Once completed, a list Where would I be employed? Do I need to in a professional organization related to the of occupational areas is provided for the student move to a large city to be successful with this career goal. to research. degree? Are there (and will there be once I am Findings: In the end, this student found that a Case Study: Student currently majoring in trained) positions in my area of interest in the degree in accounting would be sufficient, but Accounting location I wish to live? that he would probably be better suited for a Interests in serving others, data management, What is the salary range? Will this salary business degree where he would have more information systems, and research support my current and future budget needs? interaction with people since he scored high in Skills in organization, time management, Will I have chances to advance in this career the “extroverted” area of his personality test. His communication and attention to detail area if I choose to do so? new focus found him looking at careers in sales and marketing. He knew the accounting courses Values stability, efficiency, and accuracy STEP 3: he had taken would serve him well down the Personality is extroverted, reality based, road, but a degree in business was better suited analytical and can make decisions quickly Decision making time. The research is done for him. This person would most likely have careers show and now it’s time to make the decision to move Patient and thoughtful career exploration can up on their assessments that include business- forward on these findings. If needed, a student help students prepare properly and effectively related careers; sales managers, insurance will need to research training schools that offer for their college career, ultimately saving time salesmen, real estate brokers, and/or bankers, programs that fit their degree choice. Can this and money in the long run. The resources are etc.; education; and even law enforcement. student begin at home and possibly transfer from everywhere; choose to seek them out and make Spartanburg Community College? If so ,what use of them. STEP 2: courses will transfer? In other words, what is the course of action needed to get to the ultimate Jennifer Little, Director, SCC Career Services. She The next step would be to research these goal? can be contacted at (864) 592-4808 or through individual careers in detail. Ask… e-mail at [email protected].

2 I Winter/Spring 2017 I CareerFocus Spartanburg Community College I sccsc.edu I (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 FEATURE

Passion for Helping Others? Ever consider a career in Healthcare?

Everyone knows that the medical field can be bothfinancially and personally rewarding. What most people may not know is how many great medical careers require a two-year degree or less.

The annual wage for healthcare Healthcare employment is

practitioners and related projected to incease 19% in the next professionals: 10 years.

2.3 Million $31,570 $61,710 $133,600 new jobs! Bottom 10% Top 10%

For every doctor in the medical field, there are over half a dozen jobs The aging population is driving the requiring a two-year degree or less. huge growth in healthcare.

The following health professions are projected to see the greatest growth in the next decade:

Radiologic Technologist Respiratory Therapist Surgical Technologist

9% 57,370 12% 56,730 15% 43,350 Projected Median Projected Median Projected Median Growth $ Salary Growth $ Salary Growth $ Salary

Paramedic Registered Nurse Pharmacy Technician 24% 31,980 16% 66,640 9% 30,410 Projected Median Projected Median Projected Median Growth $ Salary Growth $ Salary Growth $ Salary

* Job growth and salary information based on national data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

. (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 3 FEATURE

Is Mechatronics the Career for You?

Are you...

Then Mechatronics Good with Good at Good at might be the 1 Computers? 2 problem 3 collaborating? best career solving? path for you!

WHAT IS MECHATRONICS? Mechatronics is the manufacturing of today. It synthesizes mechanical and electric engineering, robotics and computer programming to produce and maintain cutting edge systems and processes. After just 2 years of study, you can join this high-tech, high demand field.

THE WORK THE PAY

Operating /YR unmanned $33,260 machinery such as... SUBMARINES AIRCRAFTS OIL RIGS BOTTOM 10%

Assisting engineers with robotics /YR equipment... TESTING MAINTAINING DESIGNING $53,070 ON AVERAGE

Working on specialized equipment used in... /YR SCHOOLS AND PRODUCTION $82,700 UNIVERSITIES HOSPITALS FACILITIES TOP 10%

THE EDUCATION

Entry level jobs in the mechatronics industry require a 2-year associate degree in Mechatronics. These two HYDRAULICS years will require hands-on classes ROBOTICS AND AND ELECTRONICS in subjects such as: COMPUTER FLUID AND PROGRAMMING MECHANICS PNEUMATICS

4 I Winter/Spring 2017 I CareerFocus Spartanburg Community College I sccsc.edu I (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 FEATURE

Cutting-Edge Skills For High-Demand Jobs In Manufacturing

By Michael Nilsson with contributions from Naomi Sheehan When Henry Ford implemented assembly line techniques to automobile production in 1913, he revolutionized the skills needed in manufacturing. Factories became filled with low- or semi-skilled workers, who performed repetitive tasks for low pay, often in dirty, dark and noisy conditions. Yesterday’s factories have evolved into automated, advanced manufacturing, where workers with a high level of technical skills are needed to run and maintain complex machines, robots and computer systems. These new technology-based jobs require and opportunities for people who have skills [in specific training in mechanics, electrical circuitry Mechatronics] is high now and will continue to and technology. To help train workers for these grow in the future.” too few technical workers. “Eighty percent of careers of the future, Spartanburg Community manufacturers report they cannot find individuals College combined these studies into a new The U.S. Department of Labor reports Advanced with the skills required,” notes AJ Jorgenson Mechatronics program, based at the Centers Manufacturing occupations grew by 99.4 percent of the Manufacturing Institute. “Today’s for Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial between 2007 and 2012, and the demand for manufacturing is about advanced technologies, Technologies (CAMIT) on the Spartanburg central workers is expected to continue. Economic state-of-the-art facilities, and fast-paced work campus and the Cherokee County Campus. Modeling Specialists International projects the American manufacturing sector will add 2.5 environments,” states Jorgenson. Manufacturing “The dirty, dangerous, labor intensive million new jobs by 2017. medical devices is “lab coat work.” environment of American manufacturing is To meet this new demand for trained employees, being replaced by clean, safe, automated However, because the public’s perception is that the SCC Mechatronics program educates production systems,” says Jay Coffer, manufacturing is still a dirty, dark and dangerous students to become “electro-mechanical Mechanics Department Chair. “The demand career, employers are finding a “skills gap,” with technicians,” who will be able to install, repair, upgrade and test computer-controlled “The dirty, dangerous, labor intensive mechanical systems, often dealing with robotic machinery. In South Carolina, the mean annual environment of American manufacturing is salary for an “electro-mechanical technician” is being replaced by clean, safe, automated $49,200 (BLS). Students who take advantage of SCC’s CAMIT production systems.” programs are able to receive hands-on training and work with the same equipment found in the manufacturing and industrial fields. The Myth: goal is to provide an ideal learning environment for mastering the fundamentals required for Manufacturing in the Mechatronics. To obtain an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) U.S. is dead. degree in Mechatronics a student must complete Against an economic backdrop of the “rise of China,” 72 credits, which includes courses in industrial it’s easy to forget that the U.S. continues to be far mechanics, electrical systems, logic controllers, and away the largest overall producer of goods robotics and electrical machines. Overall and services in the world. If the U.S. manufacturing program emphasis is on predictive maintenance, sector were its own country, it would still rank as troubleshooting and quality assurance. the eighth largest economy in the world – producing Because this program can be hard to find in the more than the entire gross domestic product of United States, Coffer urges students to look into India, a well-known export giant! the field of Mechatronics and see what exciting U.S. manufacturing production is expected to rise possibilities lie ahead. He also invites those who 3.1 percent in 2017, and 5.3 percent in 2018, are interested in the program to visit CAMIT to according to the MAPI Foundation. see the latest equipment available for student use.

(864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 5 FEATURE

No Limit to Artists aren’t theCreativity only ones using imagination and innovation at work

By James Militzer It’s the classic career dilemma for creative people. You love creative work, but aren’t sure you have what it takes to make a career out of it–and the “starving artist” lifestyle doesn’t appeal to you. How can you find a career that nurtures your creative side, but also lets you make a living?

“Don’t define creativity so narrowly,” says Margaret the performance skills programs are developed Lobenstine, career coach and author of The needed to present it. And to address specific Renaissance Soul. “If you think that creativity is just you’ll use these skills business needs whether you can paint, sing or act, then you’re not even if you don’t teach a or organizational going to get anywhere unless you have talent in creative art. As challenges. But some painting, singing or acting. But if you are a creative Lobenstine puts it, “A software, like video person, you’re a problem solver, because you see third grade teacher might games, can require as the world in a new way–and that applies to many not be able to draw or sing on key, but she can be much aesthetic creativity as any fine art. fields.” one of the most creative people in the world.” Education: Here are five careers that offer good salaries, Education: A bachelor’s degree is required for most jobs, abundant jobs–and boundless opportunities to put Most teaching positions require a bachelor’s with graduate degrees preferred for more your creative talents to work. degree plus licensure. complex positions. Outlook: Outlook: DESIGN The BLS predicts steady growth in the The BLS projects that employment of If you’ve got aesthetic demand for kindergarten, elementary, middle computer software engineers will increase skills, magazines and and secondary school teachers, with average by 17% from 2014-2024 wages from $85,430 to factories might be salaries ranging from $51,640 to $57,200. $92,420. better venues for your work than museums CONSULTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP and art galleries. As Eikleberry puts it, Besides letting you Careers in applied arts “Work that involves build a career around like graphic or industrial design are plentiful, synthesizing complex your creative interests, well-paid, and just as creative as their fine- information tends to be running your own arts counterparts, says Carol Eikleberry, career highly creative, and it business can involve a counselor and author of The Career Guide for offers a great opportunity vast array of creative Creative and Unconventional People. “You need to for self expression.” secondary tasks. As be practical as well as aesthetic, but you still get Whether it involves designing clients’ business Lobenstine puts it, “I ran a bed and breakfast to be creative with visual information and three plans or budgets, or advising them on how to for ten years. That required me to be a chef, a dimensional thinking.” improve worker productivity, consulting fits that gardener, a storyteller, an interior decorator, a Education: description. The BLS also projects it to be this publicist–there were so many pieces to it that Most design-related fields require anywhere decade’s fastest-growing industry. required creativity. We tend to think that a job from an associate’s to a bachelor’s degree, Education: requires one label, but if your work includes though a master’s will make you more Entry-level positions require a bachelor’s at many ways to be creative, it can be more employable. minimum, and higher positions often require satisfying.” Outlook: an MBA. Education: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts Outlook: A degree in a relevant field may not be that jobs in graphic design and commercial/ Employment in management, scientific and necessary for all businesses–but it can’t hurt. industrial design will experience steady technical consulting services is projected to Business management classes are also a plus. growth this decade, while interior design jobs grow by 83 percent Between 2014 and 2024. Outlook: will grow faster than average. Median annual Annual pay for salaried workers averages Pay and job opportunities vary wildly wages are $42,400 for graphic designers, almost $80,000 – with self-employed for entrepreneurs. But with hard work, $44,950 for interior designers, and $57,350 for consultants often earning much more. persistence and an active market for their commercial and industrial designers. products or services, business owners can COMPUTER SOFTWARE earn far more than practically any other job TEACHING ENGINEERING holder. Teaching offers plenty of opportunities to Like consulting, software engineering often flex your creative muscles, from the problem- involves creative problem solving as many solving abilities required to plan a lesson, to

6 I Winter/Spring 2017 I CareerFocus Spartanburg Community College I sccsc.edu I (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 College, How Much is Enough? Two years? Four years? More?

By James Militzer For years, “going to college” typically meant pursuing a bachelor’s degree. But with today’s hyper- competitive job market and the variety of post-secondary programs available, choosing a degree may no longer be so simple. How can you decide how much education is right for you?

The case for four years capable of doing the work. “If you haven’t done particularly well in high school, you should According to many experts, a bachelor’s probably consider going to community college degree is still the standard entry point to most first. Then, if you do well there, you can move professional careers. “With the economy the up to a four-year school. Because if you’re not way it is, companies are hiring fewer and fewer prepared to deal with the rigors of college and people, and they’re expecting more out of their you wash out, then you could have a bunch employees,” says Jason Rich, author of The of loans, with no degree and little prospect of Everything College Survival Book. “So a job that paying them back.” did not require a four-year degree five years ago may now require it, just because employers can What’s right for you? demand it. If you can’t afford it, or logistically it’s not possible, then getting a community college Rich counsels a similarly practical approach to degree is the next best thing. But if there’s any graduate school. “Don’t just keep getting degrees way you can do a four-year college degree, do it,” for the sake of getting degrees, unless it’s he says. actually going to help you land the job you want,” he says. “It depends on the type of career you’re Laurence Shatkin, career consultant and author, looking for, and the type of company you want to agrees. He cites a U.S. Census Bureau study work with. showing that bachelor’s degree holders average almost $1 million more in lifetime earnings than Some companies will only promote you to high school graduates. What’s more, he says, a certain level unless you have a graduate “The kind of high-tech, fast-moving, global degree. Others don’t care so much about the economy we have now requires that people degrees, and are more concerned about your learn throughout their careers-new skills, new performance. So you’ve got to focus on what the technologies, new business environments. And real world wants, and kind of mold yourself to a bachelor’s degree teaches you learning skills, that.” like reading comprehension, self-discipline, and If you’re having trouble deciding between independent, critical thinking. And that’s one different degree options, Shatkin says, don’t be reason employers value it as much as they do. afraid to take it slow. “You might start out with Of course, it also represents a commitment of a two-year degree. Then if you want to continue four years, which represents a kind of maturing getting more academic skills, go onto the process that employers respect.” bachelor’s. When two years is enough You might even be able to work in that However, that doesn’t mean a four-year degree “You have a higher occupation while taking night courses to finish is the right choice for everyone, says Lynn the bachelor’s degree, then work for a while O’Shaughnessy, author of The College Solution likelihood of doing before deciding if you want to go to grad school. and college blogger for U.S. News and World It may be advisable to go in and out of careers Report online and CBS moneywatch.com “You well if you find that way, rather than deciding what your ultimate can’t just say, ‘To get a good job, you need something you career goal is at the very beginning.” a bachelor’s degree, so everyone should go But regardless of the degree you pursue, Shatkin get one.’ Frankly, I think people succeed best really enjoy, and believes that higher education is a necessity. in their careers if they find something they’re “Everybody needs some sort of post-secondary really passionate about. And for some students, go for it. And that training,” he says. “The options for people with vocational careers would be best. You have a high school diploma are eroding constantly. a higher likelihood of doing well if you find might be working This last recession took the low-skilled jobs that something you really enjoy, and go for it. And people could do with a high school diploma, that might be working on a Mercedes, or it could on a Mercedes, or and shipped them overseas or replaced them be studying philosophy.” with robots. And it looks like those jobs are not But if you do opt for a bachelor’s program, it could be studying coming back.” O’Shaughnessy says, make sure you’re philosophy.” (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 7 QUIZ

Which Degree is Right for You? These questions will help you decide

Does your dream career Do your life circumstances YES require highly specialized YES require you to launch your knowledge and strong 3 career quickly? 6 research or teaching skills? NO NO

If you’re in a hurry to start working, a community If so, says Shatkin, a graduate degree could be college or trade school might be preferable for you. “Basically, unless it’s a professionally to a longer program. “Because they’re so oriented school where you learn the tools and occupationally targeted, community colleges techniques of a particular occupation, most are a good way to learn a highly saleable skill graduate degrees teach you how to do research. in a fairly short amount of time,” says Laurence If you’re going into college teaching, those Shatkin. “And they usually have a good rapport research skills are useful, and the demand for with the local industrial base, who encourage college teaching will be huge. But there are a them to offer programs that will provide the limited number of occupations for which those workforce that employers are going to need. So are useful skills.” they’re not likely to offer programs that lead to unemployability.” Are you willing to spend significant time and YES money in the short term Do you want a professional 7 to improve your career YES career, but are unsure prospects in the long term? NO By James Militzer 4 about which profession? NO Graduate-level classes are considerably more expensive than undergraduate classes-and they If so (and if you can handle the tuition bills) the require a lot more work. But in Rich’s view, “That Did you have less than a YES flexible structure of a four-year degree could help relatively short commitment will pay off big later 3.0 GPA in high school? 1 you find your calling. “Spend the first two years on, when you get the degree and it translates into NO learning as much as you can about what’s out a much higher-paying job. You’ve really got to there,” Rich says. “Take electives that go out in think long-term, and focus on what your career If so, says Lynn O’Shaughnessy, you might totally different directions, pursue internships in goals are, both immediately and in the next five have trouble tackling a bachelor’s program. “To different industries, just to figure out what your or ten years. Ultimately I really recommend you evaluate whether you’re ready to handle a four- interests are. Then when you find something you get as much education as you can, as long as it’s year school, the main criteria you should use is like, spend the next two years building up your relevant to the work you want to pursue.” your GPA. And there’s just something about that skill set by focusing on the classes you need for 3.0 mark that’s important-studies suggest that your major.” people who get a 3.0 or higher in high school do better in college.” Scoring: Do you want to acquire Questions 1-3: If you answered yes to diverse skills that will YES two or more of these questions, an prepare you for a variety of associate’s or trade school degree might Are you willing to practice 5 YES job opportunities? be your best bet. a specific trade for your NO 2 entire career? Questions 4-5: If you answered yes to NO According to Shatkin, a bachelor’s can provide both of these questions, you probably the general knowledge and thinking skills that should start with a bachelor’s degree. If you are, an associate or trade school degree will help you continually evolve in your career. should be sufficient. “If there’s something very “Lifelong learning is becoming more and more Questions 6-7: If you answered yes to specific you want to do, the vocational route important, because technology and market both of these questions, a graduate works,” says Jason Rich. “But your career path conditions are going to change. For example, degree could help you achieve your is going to be very focused. If you go to school if your company starts dealing with a foreign goals. to become an electrician or a plumber, that’s market they haven’t dealt with before, language what you’re going to do for the rest of your skills will suddenly become really important. professional life. Whereas if you go to a four-year And if a new technology or computer application school and pursue business, for example, you comes along, you need the critical thinking and could learn as you go and mold that into a lot of self-discipline to learn it. You might not get those different things.” things with a two-year degree.”

8 I Winter/Spring 2017 I CareerFocus Spartanburg Community College I sccsc.edu I (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 SCC TRANSFER

Smart Start to Your Career Transfer students from 2-year colleges get the same education and spend a lot less

By Laura Lyjak Crawford Nationally about 45 percent of all students get their education at community colleges. While starting at SCC has always been a smart move, in today’s uncertain economy, it makes even more sense.

Consider this: Tuition at SCC for two years is $8,400. Those same two years would cost $30,000 at a four-year public college such as Clemson, or $90,000 at a private college such as Furman. That means if you spend two years at SCC and transfer to a four-year university for the rest of your education, you can expect to save anywhere from $21,600 to $81,600. Wow! Is the value of a college education related to its cost? the applicant in their choices of classes and Undecided students might want to discuss the Transfer students earn exactly the same degrees possibly help choose a transfer institution too. transfer agreements SCC has with many of the as students who spent four years-and a lot more It’s a good idea to develop an educational plan in four-year colleges and universities in South money-at four-year institutions. Classes are the beginning and reassess it once a semester.” Carolina. These agreements make it easy for small, the faculty is committed to teaching, and students to complete basics at SCC and add SCC’s University Transfer program is a good higher-level courses at a transfer institution. SCC credits transfer to universities all over the option for students who want to explore their country. However, it’s a wise move to contact the four- interests before committing to a major. It’s year school you want to attend for a transfer designed to provide a broad foundation in the guide - or find it on SCC’s website. Transferring is easy humanities and social sciences, allowing you to One of the reasons community colleges were choose from a menu of courses in art, science, created was to provide the first two years of a language and music among others. four-year degree at low cost and close to home. So naturally, we do it well. Our Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees are designed Start here. Go there. to transfer; our academic counselors can assist If your desire is to earn a bachelor’s degree, then SCC is a great place to start because of our in researching four-year programs; and our quality programs and low tuition. SCC works directly with many four-year schools in South instructors will inspire you to do your best. Carolina to ensure the college credit you earn here will transfer easily to those schools. What if I don’t have a plan or SCC has formal transfer agreements with these colleges and universities, which means these a major? schools accept college credit earned at SCC toward the requirements for identified degrees: You’re certainly not alone if you want to explore • Clemson University • Spartanburg Methodist College your interests before you declare a major. • Coastal Carolina University • University of South Carolina - Columbia According to the website MyMajors.com, as • Columbia College (finish your Bachelor’s • University of South Carolina - Lancaster many as 80 percent of incoming freshmen Degree on SCC campus!) • University of South Carolina - Salkehatchie haven’t settled on a program of study yet. • Francis Marion University • University of South Carolina - Sumter SCC Associate VP of Enrollment Management • Lander University • University of South Carolina - Union and Retention, Academic Affairs Lynn Dale • Limestone College • University of South Carolina - Upstate recommends all students take time to meet with • Sherman College of Chiropractic an advisor. “We have assessments available to help students understand their interests and For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu/transfer or call the SCC Admissions Center at talents,” she says. “These assessment will guide (864) 592-4800.

(864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 9 FEATURE

What do Drones, Spanish, and Web Development have in common?

By Pamela Sutphin Spartanburg Community College is a great choice for job training or education toward a degree, but it’s also a lot more. We believe in lifelong learning, from early adulthood through the golden years. Whether you need training for professional certification or want to learn a new hobby, our Corporate & Community Education division probably has what you’re looking for. Corporate & Community Education (CCE) creates classes based on the needs and interests of adults. Some courses are offered on a continuing basis, while others begin as a result of specific requests by individuals or professional or civic groups. Courses can be developed on or off campus, day or night, or whenever there is an interest expressed by a sufficient number of people. Robert Leslie, Dean of CCE, has led the division Take Web Development, for example. The college since January 2015. His goal has been to offers Web Development as part of the Computer “We offer 100 to recharge the program and infuse it with new and Technologies Associate Degree. CCE tailors its improved offerings. offerings into a focused program for Front End 150 classes each Web Development. The program is aimed at individual with no previous experience with web term. Some are development or programming. purely for fun, The courses in the series include CSS, HTML, Javascript, Photoshop, PhP, Ruby on Rails, while others focus Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Basics, Visual Studio and a Web Production Lab. By on professional the end of the program, the student will have tools and practical knowledge necessary to build certification visually rich single page web applications and kickstart a career as a Front End Web Developer. and continuing A unique aspect of this program is that the education credits, student can customize their training to suit their needs by taking all of the series or just the like our series of classes they want. The Front End Web Developer Series starts on January 26 and meets Tuesdays, real estate classes.” Thursday, and Fridays, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm through June 13. individuals who want to enter the healthcare field and classes are offered each term. Classes from A-Z “My door is always open,” Leslie says. “If “We offer 100 to 150 classes each term,” Leslie members of the community have a special need explains. “Some are purely for fun, while others for training or are interested in learning about a focus on professional certification and continuing particular topic, I welcome their input. After all, education credits, like our series of real estate ‘community’ is our middle name!” classes.” The class schedule can be browsed and downloaded at Courses like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) www.sccsc.edu/cce or Phlebotomy Technician are available for 10 I Winter/Spring 2017 I CareerFocus Spartanburg Community College I sccsc.edu I (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 GUIDE TO CAREERS

Spartanburg Community College Guide to Careers

Choosing a career path is an important decision and Spartanburg Community College is dedicated to providing an education to fit a wide variety of career goals. Choose from diplomas, certificates, associate degrees and transfer studies to prepare you for careers that support your unique interests and ambitions. For more information on career opportunities, contact the SCC Career Services office at (864) 592-4808 or [email protected].

Enterprising

Business and Financial Possible National Career Paths Median Salary Careers Information Technology Supervisor/Manager $127,640 Can you see yourself starting a business, managing an organization or working with the Project Manager $83,410 public? Thrive on order and accountability? Then Data Analyst $83,410 business studies just might be the place for you. Salesperson $51,670 Accounting Office Manager $50,780 Administrative Office Technology (Legal, Medical) Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant $47,500 Business Retail Manager $37,860 Entrepreneurship Human Resources Assistant $37,510 Human resources Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerk $35,170 Management (Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Medical)

Median salaries are midpoint earnings for all workers in the profession, Starting salaries will be lower and more experienced workers can expect higher levels of pay. All salaries from Onetonline.org 2013.

Creative

Art, Design and Possible National Career Paths Median Salary Communication Careers Web Designer $62,500 Are you bursting with ideas and looking for ways to bring them to life? Whether in the kitchen, Graphic Designer $44,150 behind the drawing board or at a desk, you can Interpreter $43,590 turn your active imagination into a career. Chef and Head Cook $42,480 ASL (American Sign Language) and Interpreting Baker $23,600 Culinary Graphic Design

Hospitality Median salaries are midpoint earnings for all workers in the profession, Web Design Starting salaries will be lower and more experienced workers can expect higher levels of pay. All salaries from Onetonline.org 2013.

(864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 11 Healthcare

Health, Science Possible National Career Paths Median Salary and Medical Careers Radiation Technologist $80,090 Are you always ready to help? Fascinated with Sales Person, Medical Supply Company $75,140 the science and technology of health? Whether it’s about promoting health or treating disease, Hospital Medical Lab Assistant $59,430 careers in healthcare require a combination of Respiratory Therapist $56,730 skill and compassion. Surgical Technologist $43,350 Dental Radiographer $41,420 Massage Therapists $35,970 Health Unit Coordinating Patient Care Technician $35,900 Nursing and Patient Care Dental Assistant $34,500 Medical Assisting Hospital Floor/Department Secretary $32,240 Massage Therapy Physicians’ Office Receptionist $32,240 Medical Lab Technologies Emergency Medical Technician $31,700 Radiation Protection Technology Paramedic $31,980 Radiologic Technology Pharmacy Technician $30,410 Respiratory Care Surgical Technology Paramedic and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Median salaries are midpoint earnings for all workers in the profession, Pharmacy Technician Starting salaries will be lower and more experienced workers can expect higher levels of pay. All salaries from Onetonline.org 2013. Pre-Chiropractic Institute

Computers Information Technology (IT) Possible National Career Paths Median Salary and Computer Careers Software Developer $102,880 Are you happiest when you’re dissecting code or developing a database? Are you intrigued Information Security Analyst $86,170 by computer problems? Choose from a range Web Administrator $81,140 of IT careers creating, maintaining and trouble Database Administrator $77,080 shooting in the digital world. Computer Programmer $74,280 Computer Support Cisco Certified Network Associate $61,830 Database Security Network Technician $61,830 Hardware Computer Network Support Specialist $59,090 Networking System Support Technician $47,610 Programming Computer User Support Specialist $46,420 Software Median salaries are midpoint earnings for all workers in the profession, Starting salaries will be lower and more experienced workers can expect higher levels of pay. All salaries from Onetonline.org 2013.

Education Education Careers Possible National Career Paths Median Salary Do you love working with people? Are you happiest when you’re making a positive Preschool Teacher $27,130 contribution to the welfare of others? Then Teacher’s Aid $24,430 consider making your career in education or community service. Childcare Early Childhood Median salaries are midpoint earnings for all workers in the profession, Teaching Starting salaries will be lower and more experienced workers can expect higher levels of pay. All salaries from Onetonline.org 2013.

12 I Winter/Spring 2017 I CareerFocus Spartanburg Community College I sccsc.edu I (864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 Hands On or Technical

Possible National Advanced Manufacturing Career Paths Median Salary Do you love making things and making things work better? Would you rather get your hands First-line Supervisors of Construction Trade $59,700 dirty than work at a computer? Then be sure to Electrician $49,840 choose a career that keeps you busy building, repairing and improving. HVAC Controls Technician $44,630 Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning Mechanic $43,640 Electrical Automotive Master Mechanic $36,610 HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Welder, Cutter, Fitter and Fabricator $36,300

Mechanical Median salaries are midpoint earnings for all workers in the profession, Welding Starting salaries will be lower and more experienced workers can expect higher levels of pay. All salaries from Onetonline.org 2013.

Natural World

Possible National Horticulture Career Paths Median Salary Choose a career that puts you close to the natural world. Whether it’s working outside, improving Nursery and Greenhouse Manager $69,300 the environment, tending to or caring for plants, Landscape Manager $43,160 these active careers are for people who would rather not sit at a desk all day. First-line Supervisors of Landscaping Workers $42,160

Landscaping

Bachelors and Beyond

Possible National Transfer Study Career Paths Median Salary Career Paths Physician—Family and General Practice $172,020 No matter what your skills and interests, starting your education at a community college means Computer Scientist $102,190 getting a foundation of basic classes in an Physicians’ Assistant $90,930 attentive environment all while spending less on Mechanical Engineer $80,580 tuition. Chemist $71,770 Art and Design Biologist $69,850 Business and Finance Technical Writer $65,500 Communication Accountant $63,550 Education Marketing Analyst $63,000 Engineering Writer and Author $55,950 Healthcare and Medical Social Worker $54,560 Humanities Elementary School Teacher $53,400 IT (Information Technology) Historian $52,480 Science Fine Artist $44,850 Social Sciences

(864) 592-4404 or Toll Free (877) 592-4404 I sccsc.edu I Spartanburg Community College CareerFocus I Winter/Spring 2017 I 13 The Numbers EASY STEPS TO ENROLL AT SPARTANBURG Speak for COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Themselves… APPLY TO SCC • Complete an SCC application: ApplyNow.sccsc.edu

* In your first two years … REQUEST FINANCIAL AID • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after you file your A Private University IRS tax return: www.fafsa.ed.gov could cost as much as • For assistance, call (864) 592-4810 or visit any SCC $90,0000 campus near you. SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS • Submit your official high school, GED or college A Public University transcripts to the SCC Admissions Center: could cost as much as PO Box 4386, Spartanburg, SC 29305. Unofficial $30,000 transcripts will not be accepted. TAKE ENTRANCE TEST At Spartanburg Community • Visit the Admissions Center and complete the College your first two years Accuplacer placement test, unless you have would cost you only already taken one of the following – ACT and scored a minimum of 19 in Math $8,400 and 19 in Verbal *Tuition only SAT and scored a minimum of 480 in Math and 480 in Critical Reading A QUALITY education doesn’t CONFIRM ACCEPTANCE, SEE ADVISOR have to mean higher costs. & REGISTER • Contact the SCC Admissions Center to confirm your acceptance, then an academic advisor will What could YOU do with all that assist you with registering for classes. extra cash? PAY TUITION & FEES • Follow up with the Financial Aid Office and the Business Office to confirm your tuition and fees are paid.

COMPLETE NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION • We highly encourage you to attend an orientation to make the most of your experience at SCC. Please register for a session that fits into your schedule at www.sccsc.edu/nso. ENROLL NOW! SCC CONNECT (864) 592.4404 or toll free (877) 592-4404 www.sccsc.edu/admissions I [email protected]