Shantal Grullon

I was able to do this. I went to school. I worked. I was able to help my family… The flexibility of it is something that can’t be beat.

Wake Tech Community College Grad

Business Transformation Specialist at Lenovo

As the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Shantal knew she owed it to her parents—and herself—to take advantage of every possible opportunity, especially when it came to education. So, when she found out about the NC Career & College Promise program, which would allow her to get a head start on college courses (tuition free) while still in high school, Shantal jumped at the chance.

The dual enrollment program led her to pursue her associate degree in information technology (IT) from Wake Tech Community College, despite being accepted to several 4-year universities. Shantal’s hard work and ambition, along with a partnership between Wake Tech and Lenovo, helped her land an internship with the global tech leader.

Between the experience she gained there and the hands-on nature of her classes—many taught by professionals in the field—Shantal felt fully prepared to start her career. Lenovo agreed, offering her a job in software engineering even before she graduated. “I was only supposed to be there for three or four weeks, but I’ve now been there for two years,” Shantal reflected about her time at Lenovo.

By attending community college, Shantal was able to knock out her associate degree at night while working full time during the day. She now has a job she didn’t even know existed in a field she loves. And because so many of her classmates also got jobs in the area, Shantal already has a built-in professional network. “I feel a sigh of relief. I’m not in debt. I’m 20 years old and I’ve already graduated from school. And I already have a full-time job in my field,” Shantal explained proudly. “I can’t believe I’m so young and doing all these things.”

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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