Demetrius Deloatch

Attending a community college prepared me to enter my four-year institution. I was able to become acclimated with college work, gain professional development and transfer my credits...

Attended Halifax Community College

Consultant

As the first person in his family to have the chance to attend college and a real standout in his rural northeastern North Carolina community, Demetrius Deloatch had a strong desire to do everything in his power to do something big. “You have to take advantage to every opportunity. It’s not very hard to find trouble to get into. But if you choose the right path and do what you’re supposed to, there’s no limit to how far you can go,” Demetrius asserts.

After graduating high school a semester early, Demetrius was faced with two options: to start earning college credit or get a job until school started in the fall. So, at the age of 16, he opted to get a head start taking courses at Halifax Community College (HCC). It didn’t take long at HCC to confirm that this step had been just what Demetrius needed. There, he was able to develop strong relationships with his professors and receive one-on-one time with them. “As a first-generation college student, attending a community college prepared me to enter my four-year institution,” Demetrius said. “I was able to become acclimated with college work, gain professional development and transfer my credits from HCC to Elizabeth City State University.”

Before graduating with his bachelor’s degree early, in true Demetrius style, Demetrius got an internship working for Senator Gladys Robinson from Guilford County in the General Assembly. That’s when he decided to pursue his master’s degree at UNCG. During that time, Demetrius interned for Representative Ed Hanes from Forsyth County, which meant driving 86 miles one way every day, so he could work in Raleigh while taking classes in Greensboro. The farther Demetrius pushed himself (both literally and figuratively) the closer he was to the career he wanted as a lobbyist.

After spending one year lobbying at a private law firm and two year lobbying for the 552 cities and towns across the state, Demetrius recently took on a new role as a consultant at a global advisory and advocacy communications firm in their Raleigh office. He regularly visits his hometown of Conway, NC where he enjoys spending time with his family and speaking to individuals and groups about the power of community college—both as a stepping stone and a destination. As a mentor for small-town students and students of color, Demetrius says, “Whatever wisdom you gain, pass it on to others” and reminds students and adults that “Their current situation does not have to be their final destination. You can always strive to do better and be better”.

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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