Seth Gabriel

I didn’t really want to go to college, but I did so I’d have something to fall back on—and it really worked out…they go out of their way to help you job search in that field.

Catawba Valley Community College Grad

Programming Analyst at Lee Industries

When two members of your immediate family have careers in IT, you might think it only makes sense for you to go into that field too. And if you’re Seth Gabriel, you’d be right. That’s why no one was surprised when he chose to study computer programming at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC). After all, Seth knew demand for developers is high—and he could apply those skills to just about any industry.

While in school, Seth also completed a certificate in database technologies, for good measure. In his final project, Seth created a ‘Go Fish’ computer game, then had to present and explain his work to guests from local companies. Once he graduated, Seth felt confident he would land a job.

After getting two job offers, he accepted a position with Lee Industries, a long-standing furniture manufacturer in Seth’s area. “CVCC was a big part of that. They helped me build my résumé and pushed me to apply for this job.” Seth is now responsible for generating reports showing various data, working on programming projects that help the company run, fixing software bugs and helping with technical difficulties.

Eventually though, Seth might explore building software for customers, like his dad and brother. He likes the idea of traveling for work to go to conferences and thinks working from home sounds pretty great too. As an experienced programmer, Seth could be eligible for these benefits at many jobs.

“I didn’t really want to go to college, but I did so I’d have something to fall back on—and it really worked
out. CVCC helps you be the best in that field or technology. Then they go out of their way to help you job search in that field,” Seth shared. “It was just a great experience and it went way better than I imagined.”

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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