Beatrice Daily Sun Editorial

September 2006 Run in October 2006

Submitted By:  Terri L. Dageford, Director of Business and Industry

  Gage County Economic Development, Inc.

 

Area Colleges Offer Graduates Many Choices

 

It’s that time of year when summer begins to fade away and fall descends on us with vibrant colors, crisp air, and change.   I reacquaint myself with the more structured days as the 2006-2007 school year begins.  I think of the seniors and my own children who have since graduated.  The senior year was a time of holding on to friends and memories, but it was also the time to establish new goals and finalize plans for the future. It was an emotional time with many cherish moments. 

 

I look forward to senior graduation day.  I am ready for their new burst of energy, their talent, and their knowledge.  Are they ready to open the door – a door with endless possibilities?  Oh, the opportunities of today.  Where were they when I graduated?  Now that I think about it –they were waiting for the future seniors to graduate, those that brought us the new emerging science and technology of today.  How did I survive without a laptop, a wireless phone or text messaging?  At least I learned how to type 120 words per minute before the computer hit my desk or this article would be much shorter or a month later.

 

What might I consider if I were a senior looking for a fast evolving career?  With strong math and science skills and the love for adventure I would definitely consider Non Destructive Testing, an 18 month course at Southeast Community College – Milford Campus.  This course prepares students for careers in product testing, consulting, and inspection careers in engineering and quality assurance areas of industry.  These jobs are in demand and out of a class of 14, there were over 167 companies competing for their skills with salaries to entice even the four-year engineer graduate. Imagine working on the island of St. Croix for two years.  I could do this.

 

Welding would be another career choice.  Did you know that the average age of welders is 54?  Today, skilled welders are in demand and companies cannot find enough of them. Welding is a job that isn’t easy to automate including repairs on the nation’s aging infrastructure such as bridges, numerous manufacturing companies, new building structures, oil fields and on and on.  If you like to scuba dive, then underwater welding may be an option to consider.

 

The recent ACT test scores revealed high science and communication skills.  Something in the medical field: a nurse, a radiologist, a pharmacist, a scientist/researcher, perhaps a surgeon? Do you like to travel?  With the current nursing shortage, one of the up and coming businesses today are placement companies, that contract for “traveling nurses”.  Let’s say I want to be close to the ski slopes November through March and then by the ocean April through October.  Perfect! I would consider Southeast Community College – Beatrice Campus or perhaps the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and then transfer to Bryan School of Nursing or maybe Creighton University.

 

Which career is right for you? Only you can decide.  Nebraska offers community colleges with associate degrees, community colleges with academic transfer, four-year state colleges, and universities. 

 

In the coming months I will provide yet more career information as Nebraska launches the “Dream It.

Do It.” Career Campaign in response to the skilled worker shortage.

 

Whatever you do… “Live with intention. Keep your family and friends close.  Do what you love.  Prepare for future tomorrows.”