Welcome from the President

It’s hard to know what the future may bring. But there is one thing you can know for certain. Your future will be better with a college education. And that goes for everyone - whether you are in high school exploring your options or are older looking to improve your life and that of your family. Just look at me, for example. I started working at General Motors in Michigan right after high...

Community College Facts

Average income for top individuals in some jobs that require an Associate Degree can be more than the average income for some positions requiring a Bachelor’s Degree, according to Georgetown University researchers. For every dollar students invest in their education, they earn $4.80 annually in the workforce, according to Economic Modeling Specialists International. Community colleges...

Choosing the Right College for Your Career Goals

In an era of ever-increasing college costs, mounting student debt and an uncertain job market, students and parents are compelled to consider a college degree as a serious investment. Measures like price, post-graduation employability and pay outlook must all be weighed in deciding on the quality of a school. How can you make a wise choice? Posing the following questions can help you chart your...

Paying for College

So, you’re ready to begin the college journey. You’ve worked hard to get the necessary grades, you have a good idea of what career you want to pursue and you’ve even been accepted by a few good colleges that you can imagine calling home for the next few years. But now comes the daunting part: figuring out how you’re going to pay for that education. For those that aren’t familiar with...

Liberal Arts and Sciences: Four-Year Pathway to a Dream Career

For those whose chosen career requires four years of higher education or more, starting these studies at a community college can provide a definite edge. There are many reasons why it makes sense to earn a two-year associate degree from a community college and then transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Lifelong Learning Through a combination of courses in art,...

Technical Education: Career-Ready Options Abound

Many technical careers require two years of college or even less, but that short-term investment can make a big difference in earning potential. The focus of technical and professional education is ensuring students are equipped with the skills they need to immediately begin a rewarding career in their chosen field. Several recent economic studies shed light on the outlook for national and local...

Advanced Manufacturing: Next Generation Industrial Careers Need High-Tech Skills

What do many people think of when they imagine a shift change at a factory? Unless they work inside one, they may think of the assembly line of Henry Ford’s day. But within the industry, vast changes in technology and global trade have transformed the way we design and produce things. We live in the era of Advanced Manufacturing, where workers with a high level of technical skills are needed to...

Agribusiness: A Wide-Open Field  

Agribusiness is one of Minnesota’s most important industries and southern Minnesota is a busy hub of agricultural activity. With all of this productivity going on, ag jobs in this area abound. And the bounty of ag-centered jobs extends beyond the crop management and livestock production people may think of when they hear “ag.”  Today, the business of agriculture provides a wide variety...
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Allied Health and Nursing: Healthcare Careers On the Rise

Everyone knows that career opportunities in healthcare are booming. With 15 million healthcare workers, more than one in every ten jobs in the U.S. today are in the healthcare industry and according to the U.S. Department of Labor, hospitals, ambulatory centers and physicians’ offices are leading hiring. From technicians to those on the front line of patient care, opportunities in healthcare...

Arts & Communications: Career Paths Merge Creativity with Technology

For those passionate about finding a career where creativity and ingenuity will be valued and rewarded, there are definitely career paths that make the most of these talents. Graphic design, print production, photography and videography are areas in which creative skills are not only appreciated, but highly sought after. However, it is important to prepare appropriately for working in these...

Building & Design: Construction Industry Needs New, Skilled Workers

If you’re ready to make your mark on the world, but are not really sure just how you’re going to accomplish that, consider a job in building and design. Building and design is big business these days and current market conditions make this a great time to get in on the ground floor of this industry as it struggles to keep up with high demand for skilled builders and technicians. Top to...

Business Degrees: The Flexible Career Choice

Business is by far one of the most diverse and far-reaching career areas. Specialization of skills abound and hard work and dedication are routinely rewarded with upward promotion and greater earnings. The World of Business There’s a niche for practically everyone in the business world, so it’s up to you to decide which business career fits you best. If you think you might like to work for...
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Human Services: Careers in Caring

Some individuals just seem to connect with people, are sociable, responsible and concerned with the welfare of others. These traits are the perfect fit for a career in human services. Reasons to Pursue Individuals first start their education in human services for a wide variety of reasons. Some find themselves drawn to a human services career and start their education in a field of interest...
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Transportation: Gear Up for A Great Career

For those interested in vehicles, there are many career options that will satisfy even the most extreme gearhead. From automotive service to auto body and collision, these careers require more knowledge than ever before. Obviously, the goal of an auto repair is to return the car to “like new” condition so it will drive and look the same (or better) than it did before. With computers being...
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