Alexander Blanco

The opportunities are always there. But it’s up to you to take them… You can definitely improve yourself from where you are now.

Central Carolina Community College Grad

Dental Hygienist at Triangle Family Dentistry

Alexander always imagined he’d go to college. Of course, that didn’t mean he had money to pay for it. But his parents, who had only been able to go as far as the fifth grade, made sure he knew the importance of education. They didn’t want him to just settle for whatever he could find right out of high school. They wanted him to get a higher education, so he could have a good-paying job he actually enjoyed. And so did he.

Even before college, Alexander realized, “in the real world, the college or university name doesn’t really have as much impact as you would think. It’s not worth paying a higher price for.” That, along with the fact he could keep his part-time job—and would be working in the medical field in just two years—played a big part in Alexander’s decision to go to Central Carolina Community College.

There, his training included an entire community-based class where students visited different sites to treat patients who live in underserved areas or were without access to dental care. It was his favorite class. He enjoyed connecting with patients, seeing them smile, feeling their appreciation and helping boost their self-esteem. The course was so gratifying, Alexander took on more volunteer opportunities he discovered through the college.

Now, he works as a hygienist at a local dental practice. Alexander has good benefits, a regular schedule and less stress. He’s no longer living paycheck to paycheck and has more time for himself. But most of all, Alexander feels valued—like a critical part of a team. And even though it’s just the beginning of Alexander’s career, he’s already accomplished everything his parents dreamed of.

Let’s find the right path for you.

Answer a few questions to see what your best route to getting hired might be.

Have you completed high school or an equivalent?

Nope. I’ve got a few years left.

Do you want to work toward earning a degree?

Yep.

All signs point to you getting a head start on your higher education while you’re still in high school.

That’s because the Career & College Promise program allows you to have duel enrollment, so you can work on both at the same time. And since this program is also tuition free, it’s a real money-saver.

Maybe.

All signs point to you getting a head start on your higher education while you’re still in high school.

Nope.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

This type of training combines hands-on learning with related classroom instruction. Apprentices earn money while learning a highly-skilled trade from an employer. State and federal certificates as well as other credentials can also be completed through an apprenticeship.

No.

How do you see community college benefitting you?

By helping me grow my skills.

Looks like your top priority is getting the skills you need fast—so you can land a good job quickly.

Short-term training, sometimes called continuing education, comes in various forms and are all focused on helping you gain the real-world skills you need to get into—or move up in—a number of fields. These courses often lead to state licensure or a certificate upon completion.

By preparing me to start a new career.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Yes. (Or at least, I will soon.)

Are you interested in earning college credit?

Yes, definitely.

Which way do you prefer to learn?

Virtually or physically, being part of a class works for me.

How much time are you willing to spend getting an education?

Two years, tops. I’m trying to get done and get a job ASAP.

Seems like you want the opportunities that come with a degree, but in half the time of a bachelor’s.

Associate degrees are perfect for that. They can give you a big advantage over many non-degree holders in the job market—and open up even more potential positions that were previously out of reach. You’ll have relevant skills employers want in about two years.

I could do four—or more.

Great! Sounds like you plan on using community college as a stepping stone to a four-year university.

Like any associate degree, transfer degrees take about two years to complete—but this one includes general education credits that are easily transferable. It counts the same as having completed two years toward a bachelor’s degree.

I learn best by being hands-on. Just show me how to do it.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Nope, I don’t need it.

How do you see community college benefitting you?

By helping me grow my skills.

Looks like your top priority is getting the skills you need fast—so you can land a good job quickly.

By preparing me to start a new career.

Looks like your top priority is gaining real-world skills—either through on-the-job learning or continuing education.

Short-term training or an apprenticeship can help you gain the specific skills you need to get into—or move up in—a number of fields. Certificates, licensure and other credentials can be completed through these programs via hands-on learning and/or classroom instruction.

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