Special
Features / September 2007
Education Breaks Barriers In The Workplace
 Dr. Jo Harris, President of the Community
and Technical College of the
WV Institute of Technology
|
Dr. Jo Harris, President of the Community and Technical College of the WV Institute of Technology, believes that “education is more critical today than ever before. It is essential that our citizens have access not only to secondary education but also to post-secondary education. Having a solid background of general education, such as English, mathematics, and the sciences, allows individuals to think critically and solve problems”.
“One of the most important changes I have seen during my career is the thought that a woman can enter a non-traditional career and be very successful. Jobs are prevalent for women who are goal-oriented and attain the education they need for the career they seek. The market is strong, and employment possibilities are limitless”, she said.
According to Dr. Harris, “Change is the only constant in our lives. The most obvious change is the rapid pace of technological advancements—computer ‘savvy’ has replaced computer ‘literacy’ as a necessity for survival in the workplace. Globalization is changing the way our businesses operate. Being able to speak multiple languages and work in a diverse culture is prevalent in job vacancy announcements today. Women will continue to break barriers in the workplace, achieving positions or careers that seemed out of reach only a few years ago—even in the political arena!”
“My advice to any woman is to love what you do. You must be happy in your work. You spend the majority of your waking hours at work—if you are unhappy at work, you are unhappy a majority of your time. Be a life-long learner—whether you are getting a GED, your associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degree, or attending a personal enrichment course!”
Obviously your chosen major should be a top reason in choosing a university. Deciding to go to college is a landmark change in anyone’s life. The process of attending college frequently makes us aware of subjects and fields we wouldn’t have otherwise considered opening doors for lucrative, rewarding careers. Today, the number of jobs that require a college degree is increasing. Some jobs require a specialized college degree and some employers simply value college degrees because of the development of skills and knowledge.
Attending college presents amazing opportunities to meet new people, develop new skills, and explore your areas of interest. College is also a great setting in which to grow personally, culturally, and intellectually. You may have the opportunity to study abroad or to participate in other exciting learning experiences. All of these activities prepare you to be a productive citizen in today’s world. With grants, scholarships, and financial aid available, college is accessible to nearly anyone.
Federal education grants, known as Pell grants, are available for those that have need. One of the first things to do is to file a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). In doing so, you will automatically be considered for a Pell grant. Whether you qualify and how much you qualify for will depend on a variety of factors. Income and the number of dependents you have being two of them. Don’t consider not applying because even a little grant money can save you money in the long run. Filing the FAFSA is also the first step in applying for student loans. Consider filing a FAFSA regardless of your financial situation.
College scholarships are not simply for those just out of high school. Adults generally have more life experience, have joined a variety of social groups or have participated in more community service.
Social groups and community service go a long way in qualifying you for scholarships.
After looking into grants and scholarships, then you may want to explore student loans. Apply for every possible scholarship you might be eligible before taking out a student loan. However, if scholarships are not available for you, then don’t let the fact that you may have to take out student loans stop you. Subsidized student loans do not accrue interest until you finish your degree. The interest on the loans is usually reasonable and your student loans do not have to be repaid until after you graduate. The difference in your income because you have a degree vs. not having a degree will more than make up the cost of you student loan.
College education is an investment that returns much more than any wall street investment. College education will ensure the continuing success of the great American Dream.
Dr. Jo Harris was appointed President of the Community and Technical College at WVU Tech in 2004 after serving as Provost and Interim Provost of the college since 1999. She received her bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Concord College, her master’s degree in Vocational-Technical Education from Marshall University, and her doctoral degree in Educational Administration from West Virginia University.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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