33free-times.com | March 30-April 5, 2011

By Allison Caldwell

So, you want a new career — or, in this so-called recovering but

still sluggish economy, any career at all — but you can’t afford four years or more in school. Or maybe, like 13.7 million other Americans right now, you’re unemployed and just desperate for a job.

Take a deep breath. There are still jobs to be had, even some in demand right now, that won’t send you over the financial edge when it comes to time, tuition and student loans.

Here’s the scoop on several careers you can enter in a year or less. Do your research before you enroll: You can find the projected outlook for many careers on the website of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website at www.bls.gov/oco. Also, check local job listings fre-quently — they’re a real-time, practical snap-

Taking the Fast TrackCareers You Can Enter in 12 Months or Less

shot of which way the economy is heading.

Business AdministrationThere are several options for those

interested in the field of business and office administration. Entry-level programs typically cover word processing and other office soft-ware; workplace communication; and office management skills. As businesses grow, so should administrative job openings. Midlands Technical College (MTC) offers four related programs with timeframes ranging from six weeks to six months: accounting and payroll specialist, customer relations specialist, office administrator and project manager.

In fact, MTC and the Midlands Workforce Development Board have partnered to create about 40 QuickJobs programs designed to help job seekers enter the workforce quickly.

“Despite the current economy, there is still a demand for skilled workers in South Caro-lina,” says Dr. Barrie Kirk, vice president for corporate and continuing education at MTC. “Industry experts agree that 70 percent of jobs projected through 2012 will require specific or occupational training, not a four-year degree. Many of our QuickJobs programs can be com-pleted in less than three months, and some

have annual earning potentials over $60,000.”MTC also offers several programs that

award academic credits toward a traditional degree. Among them are the Office Support Specialist Certificate (33 credit hours, ideal for those who want to enter an administrative support position without an associate degree) and the Entrepreneurship Certificate (18 credit hours, providing students and working professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to successfully start and run a business).

CosmetologyAs long as we have mirrors and shows on

TLC, there will be jobs in cosmetology. Much more than just a shampoo and style (or a shave and a haircut), the cosmetology industry has evolved to include hair, skin and nail care with an aesthetic, artistic flair. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employ-ment in the field of cosmetology is expected to increase by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Since 1981, Kenneth Shuler Schools of Cosmetology (with seven campuses state-wide and two in Columbia) has trained and certified thousands of students in basic and continuing education courses. Cosmetology students are required to complete 1,500 hours before taking a state licensing exam. Kenneth Shuler students typically graduate in 10 to 20 months depending on which schedule they choose (day or evening classes). About 75 per-cent complete the program in less than a year.

“All daytime students at Kenneth Shuler

Schools are contracted to complete the cosmetology program in less than 12 months, depending on attendance” says public rela-tions specialist Mackenzie Taylor. “Daytime students are contracted for 30 hours a week for a total of 50 weeks. Nighttime students take a bit longer to complete the program.”

Remington College in Columbia also offers a cosmetology program where students can train for certification in as little as 12 months. The Salon at Remington provides an oppor-tunity to work with real clients in a real world setting.

Dental AssistantFrom sterilizing instruments and equip-

ment; assisting with various procedures; applying topical anesthetics; and perhaps even taking on office duties like scheduling appointments and billing, dental assistants help keep busy practices running smoothly. One of several in-demand medical careers, dental assistant certificate programs generally include classroom, laboratory and pre-clinical instruction.

MTC students can earn an Expanded Duty Dental Assisting (EDDA) diploma as part of the school’s Academic Credit program. This 48-hour course runs from August to August. Graduates are recognized by the S.C. State Board of Dentistry and eligible to be creden-tialed as Certified Dental Assistants upon satisfactory completion of three examinations administered by the Dental Assisting National Board. Fortis College in Columbia also offers a Dental Assisting program.

ElectricianIn today’s technology-powered world,

knowledgeable electricians are an integral part of almost any industrial or manufacturing fa-cility. From reading blueprints and consulting with engineers to repairing motors, transform-ers, generators and other electronic devices, electricians are essential to keeping all systems on go. Entry-level positions are available with electrical contractors, industrial plants, hospi-tals, power companies, government agencies and other related businesses.

As part of its QuickJobs program, MTC of-fers an Industrial Electrician diploma program designed for completion in about 10 months. The program emphasizes theory and hands-on training in electrical wiring, including residen-tial, commercial and industrial applications including programmable logic controllers. Students can also earn a Basic Electrical Wir-ing Certificate with 29 credit hours.

Home InspectorAccording to the Real Estate School of

South Carolina, home inspection is “one of the newest and most rewarding careers currently available” in the real estate field, and one of the few real estate licenses that does not require an apprenticeship. Most real estate companies require that listed homes be inspected by a licensed home inspector. From HVAC systems to electrical, plumbing and more, licensed home inspectors help ensure quality and de-

get ahead

34 March 30-April 5, 2011 | free-times.comfree-times.com | March 30-April 5, 2011get ahead

termine the value of new and resale homes.The Real Estate School’s licensing course

includes Home Inspection Principles and Practice (a 40-hour state-required course), textbook and classroom materials and a Home Inspection Lab, with hands-on field activities and report writing exercises. The course covers the responsibilities of the home inspector as set forth by the S.C. Residential Builders Commission.

HVAC and Refrigeration Technician

If you’ve ever endured a Carolina summer or survived a sudden cold snap like the one that brought extra snow days to the Midlands earlier this year, you probably have an even greater appreciation for central heating and air. In residential or commercial settings, well-maintained HVAC systems (the V stands for “ventilation”) are critical in provid-ing comfort as well as total air quality in a variety of settings.

Centura College in Columbia offers a 12-month day or evening certificate program to prepare graduates for entry-level posi-tions within the HVAC industry. Hands-on instruction includes air conditioning, heating systems, residential and commercial refrig-eration, heat pumps, hydronics (water-based heating and cooling systems) and more. Prior to graduation, students are given an opportu-nity to complete the Environmental Protec-tion Agency certification and the Industry Competency Examination.

MTC also offers an HVAC Technology program with classes that can be taken sepa-rately or as part of a 10-month QuickJobs program. A certificate in HVAC/Refrigera-tion is composed of the first-year technical courses of the Associate degree in HVAC Technology, and provides graduates with the theory, practice and basic technical skills needed to enter the industry.

Information TechnologyFrom computer technicians to database

managers to network administrators, Infor-mation Technology (IT) jobs are on the rise and likely to continue their upward trend. On the BLS list of occupations with the largest

projected job growth from 2008 to 2018, two IT-related categories made the cut: computer software engineers, with a projected 34 per-cent growth; and network systems and data communications analysts, with 53 percent projected growth over the same 10-year period.

An eight-month Network Technician certificate program at Centura College provides the training and skills required for a job in the corporate network environment, including repair and preventative mainte-nance of various computer components, knowledge and usage of popular application software and even a chance to build your own personal computer.

MTC also offers half a dozen IT-related programs with completion time in as little as three weeks (Computer Technician) up to six months (Certified IT Professional). Ad-ditional certificate courses include Database Manager, Desktop Publisher/Document Specialist, Desktop Support and Network Administration, and Web Designer.

Medical AssistantMedical assistant jobs are also expected to

grow 34 percent from 2008 to 2018. Doctors and patients alike depend on medical assis-tants to record vital signs, explain treatment procedures and assist during examinations, maintain records and schedule appointments.

Centura College offers an eight-month Medical Assistant program that covers anatomy and physiology, CPR and first aid training, injections, urinalysis and more, including basic front office procedures. Day and evening classes and a Medical Billing and Coding program are also available.

MTC students can enroll in a variety of healthcare QuickJobs programs designed to prepare them for entry-level positions, from Emergency Medical Technician to Clinical Massage Therapist. Only two of the 10 healthcare programs available — Health Information Technician and Medical Office Billing and Coding Specialist — require more than a year from start to finish (15 months for both).

Let us know what you think: Email editor@free-times.com.

Fast Track Career Resources

South Carolina Virtual OnestopJob listings, workshops and online tools for job seekers and employerswww.sconestop.org737-0035

Midlands Technical Collegewww.mtctraining.com/quickjobs732-0432

Centura Collegewww.centuracollege.edu754-7544

Kenneth Shuler Schools of Cosmetologywww.kennethshuler.com798-8515

Real Estate School of South Carolina www.realestateschoolofsc.com791-3800

Remington Collegewww.remingtoncollege.edu803-214-9000

Fortis Collegewww.fortis.edu/columbia803-678-4800

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36 37March 30-April 5, 2011 | free-times.com free-times.com | March 30-April 5, 2011

38 March 30-April 5, 2011 | free-times.comfree-times.com | March 30-April 5, 2011get ahead

If you’re considering going back to gradu-ate school after a few years in the work-place, it often makes the most financial

sense to take a light course load and remain in your full-time job or move toward a part-time job so you can continue to make some money while you’re taking classes. Let’s face it, student loans are costly, and if you’re able to avoid loans and the interest that comes with them, you’ll end up with a degree and a potentially better paying job with no worries about high monthly payments. And if you do need to take out loans, working at least part-time while you go back to school will at least help lower your overall debt burden.

Before you take the plunge, think through your goals. What job are you aiming for? How will a particular degree program help you get there? Ask yourself whether your current job is simply a means to getting a paycheck — no harm in that — or if you’re

Getting Your Degree … in Your Spare TimeClear Goals, Time Management Key to Success of Returning StudentsBy Katie Alice Walker

on a career path you want to advance in. The last thing you want to do is head back to school without a clear goal on mind: Make sure the degree you’re pursuing will actually help you get where you want to go.

Locally, the University of South Carolina (gradschool.sc.edu) offers more than 100 graduate programs ranging from a Master of Accounting, where part-time study is an option, to a Master of Public Administra-tion, which requires a minimum of 39 hours for graduation. Depending on the degree you’re pursuing, many graduate programs offer relatively flexible schedules, with online coursework, weekend classes and night courses, which may allow at least part-time work.

Columbia College (www.columbiacolleg-esc.edu/graduate) offers a Master of Educa-tion in Divergent Learning and a Master of Arts in Organizational Change and Leader-

Resources

usa.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtmlFederal government website with links to numerous educational resources.

back2college.comAnswers frequently asked questions about returning to school, from degree programs to loan programs.

learn.sc.eduInformation on evening, weekend and distance programs at the University of South Carolina.

ship. Both programs are designed for stu-dents also working full time and offer classes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from August to August. Additionally, Columbia College offers plenty of evening courses, with a variety of class times from early morning to Saturday classes for finishing your BA in everything from Business Administration and Communication to Public Affairs and Behavioral Science.

Read on for a few ideas on making the most of working while pursuing a graduate degree.

Before You ApplyFirst things first: Notify your employer of

your intentions to go back to school if you’re at all interested in staying in your job while you’re in school. If your employer is accom-modating, they might offer a flexible work schedule, and sometimes —though these benefits rare — your employer might even pay for a portion of your tuition, particularly if an advanced degree will help you fulfill a need of the business or organization you’re working for.

Additionally, give yourself plenty of time so you can explore and apply for grants and scholarships. Try to speak with someone from the program you’re applying for about funding options they may offer.

You’ll also want to give yourself plenty of time to talk to graduate school advisors, take the GRE or another required standardized test, complete your grad school application and send in required recommendation let-ters.

After the Acceptance LetterOnce you’ve been accepted to a program,

be candid with your employer about working out a schedule that allows you to complete your duties at work but also gives you plenty of time to attend class, study, research and write. Letting your employer know of your plans as far in advance as possible will give your employer time to make arrangements for the hours you’ll be away from the office.

This the time to work on your time management skills so that you can remain committed to your job while maximizing time you’ve designated for school. Don’t kid yourself: Going back to school won’t be easy, and your schedule will be taxing, especially if you also have family responsibilities in addi-tion to school and work.

Back to SchoolAs you begin coursework for your

program, show your employer that the time away from work is worth it. Be sure to take a look at your course syllabi and decide when you think your grad schoolwork will be busiest. If your course work is going to affect your availability at your job, make every effort to keep your employer in the loop. Re-member that while your employer might be supportive of you returning to school, their primary goal is still running the business or organization they run — not helping you get your degree.

If possible, apply skills and theories you’re learning in class at work. Employing industry best practices you’ve learned in class one evening in your job the next day is nothing but beneficial to you and your employer.

Let us know what you think: Email editor@free-times.com.

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March 30-April 5, 2011 | free-times.com 39free-times.com | March 30-April 5, 2011

QuickJobs! Pick up a paycheck sooner than you think4 Start a new career or move up to a better one.4 Fast-paced Continuing Education programs offer Career Training.4 Despite the current economy, there is still a demand for skilled workers in SC.4 Industry experts agree that 70% of jobs projected through 2012 will require specific or

occupational training, not a four-year degree.4 QuickJobs programs have been developed for fields where job growth is expected.4 Many programs can be completed in less than three months.4 Some programs have annual earning potentials over $60,000.4 You may be eligible for tuition assistance.

Learn to be competitiveMake yourself employable fast

Take a look at the QuickJobs training MTC offers:

Interested in something else?There are hundreds of other certificates, programs, and even online courses offered by MTC. Check them out at mtctraining.com/quickjobs.

Start now. Don’t wait.To begin, go to mtctraining.com/quickjobs or call (803) 732-0432 for more information.

Working Together for Tomorrow’s Workforce

Additional assistance for those receiving unemployment benefits or eligible for WIAThe Midlands Workforce Development Board works in partnership with Midlands Technical College to help job seekers build the skills they need for jobs that are in demand. Call yournearest Midlands Workforce Center in Columbia, Lexington or Winnsboro and ask about the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and tuition assistance for QuickJobs training as well asother training available at MTC. In Columbia, call 737-5627. If you live closer to the Lexington One Stop, call 359-6131 or go by and ask to speak to a WIA case manager. In Winnsboro,call 635-2812 and ask about WIA.

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40 March 30-April 5, 2011 | free-times.com