The missing link between schooling and education

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Trade

by Brielle Valyntín Alexander
Staff Writer

 

When asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Most students might have answered that question with “I just want to be successful.” But now here you are, struggling with a part-time job that barely pays enough for ramen, and a ton of student loans to pay back. But where can students find a promising career that will keep you employed in a questionable economy in the years to come?

 

The trade programs at UVU can offer those searching for a career a chance to get a degree in anything from Aviation Sciences, Construction Management and even Mechatronics Technology. Many of the trade careers offered at UVU can provide students with a steady job and lead them to a life of financial stability that students go to school for, in less time than expected.

 

Don Wilson, Department Chair of the Automotive Program, specializing in everything from Collision Repair, Diesel Mechanics Technology and Street Rod Technology, has sent students off to work in good paying jobs the second they graduate, if not sooner.

 

“We have training here to be what’s called a Journeyman Technician,” Wilson said. “In which you train here for two years and go out on the field for 2 years. These students can start off earning upwards of $50,000 annually. Of course this all depends on your skill level and how you apply yourself.”

 

Even aspiring designers can find their career in the automotive department. They can start here and earn an associates or bachelors degree and connect with some of the most popular car companies, as some of Wilson’s former students have done.

 

“Students have come to me saying they want to go to Detroit and build a better car for Ford or GM, and we help get them there.”

 

Most internships in this department are paid, giving you a financial, as well as educational advantage over most students, no matter what your focus is. Sherwin Williams hires UVU students in the Tech Management program, who will be potential managers in the automotive field.

 

Students don’t necessarily have to to get their hands dirty in order to be in this industry. Wilson and his capable staff will teach them how to be in management positions in every way possible. Former students in the collision repair program have gone on to work online for Brent Brown, earning $100,000 annually, working typical 9-5 business hours from Monday to Friday.

 

For additional information on how to get your automotive engineering carer off the ground, head up to the GT building . Also be sure to check out the upcoming Technology Career Fair on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2012 held in Centre Stage from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to bring a resume, dress professionally and get ready to network for what could easily be their next job.

 

And ladies shouldn’t be intimidated by a predominantly male driven industry. The Student Stories section under the Department of Technology Management website details the story of a female graduate who is now a Construction Facilitator with the help of UVU’s Automotive Department.

 

Internship

By Kari Harbath
Staff Writer

 

On billboards throughout the valley, this university claims a focus on the future after school and not stopping with just a piece of paper. Many people wonder how they can take advantage of UVU and its “graduate with a degree and resume” philosophy.

 

A dream career can start at UVU, but it does not stop there. From the expertise of professors who have had real-life experience in their subjects to the support of staff from the Career Development Center (CDC), UVU provides a great jumpstart for future careers.

 

The best way to get started is to meet with a counselor, keep academic standards high and set up an internship. Every department in the school has an internship coordinator who can mentor, help establish goals and get a student started on planning the path to a career.

 

An under-utilized resource for many students is the Internship Services and student employment center. At the internship center, students can get help with internship applications and can even setup a mock job interview with a counselor to improve  interviewing skills.

 

“We want students to grow and succeed in the workplace, and that is why we are here,” said Marsha Haynes, director of Internship Services at the CDC.

 

Haynes went on to talk about how the center accepts students from all different areas of study.

 

“It doesn’t matter your major, we speak with all students,” Haynes said. “There are currently 100 active internships on the job board, and we want to match a student’s skills with the perfect internship.”

 

Haynes stressed the importance of graduating with a resume as well as a degree, saying that it would give students an edge above the competition. According to an annual survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Haynes said, it pays to have both.

 

“Close to 63 percent of all college hires had an internship experience, and 67 percent of those college hires were offered a job
at the company they interned with,” Haynes said, saving the best part of the survey for last, “and 42 percent started at a higher salary than the average college graduate.”

 

The CDC is another resource that few students use. There are counselors available at the CDC, whose job it is to help students map out their careers, before and after education.

 

The CDC hosts many career fairs, the next of which is a Technology Career Fair which will be hosted Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Center Stage. The fair will be geared towards students interested in a career in technology, offering opportunities to start
networking with those already in the field.

 

At the CDC students will find people willing to help achieve their lifelong job-related dreams by accessing job postings and getting help building a resume. For information on job listings and resume advice visit www.uvu.edu/cdc or call (801) 863-6364. For more information on student employment, internships and mock interviews visit www.uvu.edu/internships or call (801) 863-6589.

 

 

 

Student testimonials

 

Nate Bagley

Because of this internship, I have found my passion in life and am currently starting my own consulting business to put me through the rest of school. I have made connections with some of the most renowned leaders and experts in my field and have been offered jobs and internships in many major cities, including Seattle, Toronto and New York City.

 

Darlene Candice Backus

While interning I feel like I’ve gained new insight, experience and understanding of how the American political process works.

 

In the past couple months I have sat in on committee meetings, floor time and understand in depth the process of how a bill becomes a law.

 

Brittany Buckhannon

My internship was exactly what I am looking for in a career.  It was a fun atmosphere and I honestly learned something new every day.  I got to work with the media which is a huge aspect of public relations.  My writings were sent out to thousands of people and my work actually made a difference.

 

Krissi Cook

The internship program has by far been one of the best choices I have ever made.

I 110% recommend doing an internship.  Now that I’ve done it, I can honestly testify that hands-on experience will far exceed one’s learning curve in any classroom. I learned more in one week of work, than in a whole
semester at school.