"I'm just here to do my generals."
We've been writing and speaking about this statement quite often since the beginning of the 100 Days of Career Exploration campaign. It's an important conversation to have because what does it really mean to "just do your generals?" My belief is we're dealing with a fall back statement. What if we take that statement and raise you one? What associate's degree are you wanting to complete and what is the value of that degree? To me, that would boost the stakes so now we're looking at two different pathways.
The first is the transfer road leading to a university and a Bachelor's degree. The University of Utah is the largest feeder school for Salt Lake Community College students where 59.2% of those who transfer from SLCC go to the UofU. Some statistics coming from the UofU also indicate the SLCC transfer students tend to be more successful in completing coursework and a degree because of their Associate's degree background. The value of an Associate's degree for transfer students can save students time and money as long as they are working toward the desired end goal. This brings in the topic of major and career exploration. Knowing your major and career path will allow you to take the appropriate classes, obtain the correct Associate's degree, then transfer to a university prepared to continue in your program of study. For example, a student who wants to go into a Business Bachelor's degree can complete a Business Associate of Science or Art degree at SLCC. All of their general education and pre-Business courses will be complete and students will be prepared to enter the Business college without worrying about taking classes that were possibly missed. The value of a transfer Associate's degree not only helps students save time and money before moving on to a university but offers smaller class sizes, flexibility with work schedules, and many of the same opportunities for involvement and research.
The second pathway is an Associate of Applied Science program where students are preparing themselves for the workplace. The general education requirements only make up about twenty-five percent of their program (fifty percent for transfer AS or AA) and the rest of the requirements give students the knowledge and training to be able to find a job in a specific field. There are quite a few programs that allow students to get into good paying jobs with a two-year degree as stated in http://www.businessinsider.com/high-paying-jobs-with-associates-degree-2013-12?op=1. Many of the programs listed on this website are offered at SLCC. SLCC's Electronics Engineering Tech program offers students a hands on experience where they build computer programs or circuit boards AND those students are being hired by companies such as IM Flash (starting salaries around $54,000 per year), L3, Rocky Mountain Power, and Kennecott. Many of SLCC's AAS programs have similar job outcomes as companies are seeking highly skilled workers with very specific skill sets.
So which Associate's degree is right for you? That's where career assessments can help with your exploration process. Start with TypeFocus and move on to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (http://www.slcc.edu/academicadvising/career-advising/assessments.aspx). Follow the MCDS course online, do your research, and decide on your Associate's pathway. Either way, you'll be fulfilling your "generals" and preparing yourself for some great opportunities ahead!
The first is the transfer road leading to a university and a Bachelor's degree. The University of Utah is the largest feeder school for Salt Lake Community College students where 59.2% of those who transfer from SLCC go to the UofU. Some statistics coming from the UofU also indicate the SLCC transfer students tend to be more successful in completing coursework and a degree because of their Associate's degree background. The value of an Associate's degree for transfer students can save students time and money as long as they are working toward the desired end goal. This brings in the topic of major and career exploration. Knowing your major and career path will allow you to take the appropriate classes, obtain the correct Associate's degree, then transfer to a university prepared to continue in your program of study. For example, a student who wants to go into a Business Bachelor's degree can complete a Business Associate of Science or Art degree at SLCC. All of their general education and pre-Business courses will be complete and students will be prepared to enter the Business college without worrying about taking classes that were possibly missed. The value of a transfer Associate's degree not only helps students save time and money before moving on to a university but offers smaller class sizes, flexibility with work schedules, and many of the same opportunities for involvement and research.
The second pathway is an Associate of Applied Science program where students are preparing themselves for the workplace. The general education requirements only make up about twenty-five percent of their program (fifty percent for transfer AS or AA) and the rest of the requirements give students the knowledge and training to be able to find a job in a specific field. There are quite a few programs that allow students to get into good paying jobs with a two-year degree as stated in http://www.businessinsider.com/high-paying-jobs-with-associates-degree-2013-12?op=1. Many of the programs listed on this website are offered at SLCC. SLCC's Electronics Engineering Tech program offers students a hands on experience where they build computer programs or circuit boards AND those students are being hired by companies such as IM Flash (starting salaries around $54,000 per year), L3, Rocky Mountain Power, and Kennecott. Many of SLCC's AAS programs have similar job outcomes as companies are seeking highly skilled workers with very specific skill sets.
So which Associate's degree is right for you? That's where career assessments can help with your exploration process. Start with TypeFocus and move on to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (http://www.slcc.edu/academicadvising/career-advising/assessments.aspx). Follow the MCDS course online, do your research, and decide on your Associate's pathway. Either way, you'll be fulfilling your "generals" and preparing yourself for some great opportunities ahead!
There are different degrees and programs for academic and professional goals, and it is always difficult to choose one from the other. In this respect, SLCC’s Career Assessment and Type Focus can be the best option to explore the pathway because it gives you an opportunity to matches your natural strengths.
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