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Non-Traditional Careers for Men and Women Non-Traditional Careers | Professional Organizations | Testimonials | FAQs | Spotlights | Did you know? | Events Spotlights
Program of Study: Radiology Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2012 Favorite Class: Radiology Internship How did your interest in your career choice begin? I was always interested in the medical field. I like the idea that I can utilize my skills outside of work. It's a good feeling knowing that you have the potential to save a life. After switching majors a couple of times and having no idea what I wanted to do, I went through several appointments with counselors and advisors at the college to help me decide what career to pursue. They connected all the dots and pointed me in the right direction to speak with the program coordinators for the programs I was interested in. Why did you decide to choose this major? The Radiology program at Moraine Valley is phenomenal to say the least! The program involves both classes and internships at some of our area's biggest hospitals, including Christ Hospital and Palos Hospital. Many other programs only involve classes and require students to find their own clinical sites. By the time I graduate, I will have two years experience at actual hospitals doing actual work. Did you know your career choice was considered non-traditional for your gender when you began? I knew there would be more females in the program, but I saw that as an opportunity to shine. Have you ever received any negative feedback from pursuing this career choice? If so, how did you handle the negative feedback? Positive attracts negative. As long as you're doing something right, there will always be someone out there trying to bring you down. Be your own motivation! What advice would you give to individuals who are currently thinking about being enrolled in a non-traditional career program? Do your research. Before enrolling in a program, speak to the program coordinator and ask if you can shadow someone who works in the field. This will give you real experience and help you decide if this is something you would consider pursuing as a career. Best advice you’ve ever received? If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got. What are your three greatest skills/abilities that will benefit you in this career? God-fearing, self-motivated, and optimistic about change! Do you have a mentor within your career field? If so, how has that relationship helped you in school? Work? Mike Gatto is the program director and has worked numerous years in the field. He provides us with excellent advice on how to become health professionals and exceed in our schooling and career path. Future professional goals: After a few years of working in the field, I hope to become a clinical instructor at the hospital. Biggest challenge you’ve been faced with in pursuing a non-traditional career: I had no problems as far as being one of the only guys in the class. I get a lot of respect from the faculty and everyone in the hospital. I honestly can't ask for anything more. Best part of pursuing a non-traditional career: If you’re a hard-working non-traditional student, everything you do will be remembered and will help your reputation when applying for jobs.
Education: EMT School, Paramedic school, FF academy, some college courses Certificates: many Current employment and job responsibilities: Full-time engineer and paramedic at Roberts Park Fire Protection District Work history: 21 years at Jewel Food Stores, 8 years at RPFPD How did your interest in your career choice begin? I wanted to be a paramedic, became a FF to better my full-time changes Describe the path you took to get to where you are today? EMT school, Paramedic School, FF2 Academy, FF3 Academy Did you know your career choice was considered non-traditional for your gender when you began? Yes Have you ever received any negative feedback from pursuing this career choice? If so, how did you handle the negative feedback? Definitely, I try my hardest and prove them wrong. Within your line of work, do you think people are more receptive and welcoming of individuals working in a non-traditional career field? Some departments are beginning to. It will always be considered a man's job. Biggest challenge you have been faced with in your field: Physically, not as much upper body strength as men. What advice would you give to individuals who are currently enrolled or contemplating a non-traditional career program? Think long and hard, be sure this is what you want. Must have thick skin and not care about others' opinions. What was most surprising to you when you began your career? The way men gossip more than women. Do you have a mentor within your career field? Did you have one while in school? How did you benefit from your mentor? Not really, but I do have female friends in Fire Service to talk to. Professional publications/books/magazines/organizations that you follow: Illinois Fire Inspectors, Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Job search advice for students in non-traditional careers: Take every full-time test available. Get your Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) as soon as possible. Best advice you've ever received? Don't listen to what others say, do your best and have confidence in yourself. Future professional goals: To become a lieutenant. Best part of working in a non-traditional career: It's a very exciting and non-predictable job. There's so much more to it that just fire fighting.
Education: Graduate of Mother McAuley High School; some college Certificates: Firefighter II and III, Paramedic, Fire Officer I and II, CPR Instructor, Car Seat Technician, Open Water Diver. Current employment and job responsibilities: Orland Fire Protection District-Firefighter/Paramedic Work
history: 1981-1993 (Palos Community Hospital-Nursing Assistant) How did your interest in your career choice begin? When I graduated high school, my plan was to go to nursing school. After working in the hospital for a couple of years, my interests changed to the paramedic field. Describe the path you took to get to where you are today? After finishing my paramedic certifications, I started testing for fire departments. I passed the entrance tests and my name was put on a list to be hired. Did you know your career choice was considered non-traditional for your gender when you began? I knew it was going to be challenging but was very determined. Have you ever received any negative feedback from pursuing this career choice? If so, how did you handle the negative feedback? I think no matter what you do in life there are always going to be individuals giving you both negative and positive feedback. You have to decide what is important to you and what your goals are and not let the opinions of others decide your future. Within your line of work, do you think people are more receptive and welcoming of individuals working in a non-traditional career field? I think you definitely have to prove that you are capable of doing the job. Once you do that I think you are received as "one of the guys." Biggest challenge you have been faced with in your field: When I started, my career my three children were small. It was difficult to be away from them for a 24-hour shift. What advice would you give to individuals who are currently enrolled or contemplating a non-traditional career program? Follow your heart. Don't let your gender determine your career choice. What was most surprising to you when you began your career? I thought I would never be strong enough to do the job. What surprised me was the realization that anyone can do this job if they have the desire. Everyone has something to offer and you just need to figure out your strengths. Job search advice for students in non-traditional careers: Follow your heart. To be successful in anything, you have to like what you are doing. Best advice you've ever received? Never quit educating yourself. It makes you a better person in your professional and your personal life. Future professional goals: Once again I am going back to school. Within a few years I will be able to retire from the fire department. I cannot imagine not going to work, so my plan is to finish my associate's degree and go back to nursing school. Best part of working in a non-traditional career: My fire department family.
Program of Study: Office Systems and Applications (Administrative Assistant and Legal Office Assistant) Expected Graduation Date: May 2010 Favorite Class: Business Writing How did your interest in your career choice begin? I've always been good with computers and figuring out applications. Why did you decide to choose this major? Actually, I changed majors twice and I felt like I lost a lot of time and I noticed that I had a lot of classes toward this degree. Also, I was always good at the computer classes and I feel capable of doing this job. I plan to pursue another degree when I'm finished with this one. What advice would you give to individuals who are currently or thinking about being enrolled in a non-traditional career program? Don't let the stereotypes bother you. It does not make you less/more of a man/woman to do it. Best advice you've ever received? Every job is worthy and deserves respect What
are your 3 greatest skills/abilities you have that will benefit you in this
career? Future professional goals: Obtain a job as an administrative assistant, then pursue a degree in accounting or criminal justice. Biggest challenge you've been faced with in pursuing a non-traditional career: Everything has been going smooth so far. I'm starting to look for jobs. Best
part of pursuing a non-traditional career: I think it's the same as any job.
Doing something you like and that you're good at.
Anticipated graduation date and degree: spring 2012, A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology
Certificates: Heating and Air Conditioning,
Automotive Climate Control Technician, Phlebotomy, Brake and Chassis Technician,
and Welding
My philosophy on life: If you don't like it, don't do it! |
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Tariq Elkhatib
Cindy Byrd
Pamela
Exline
Erik
Moreno
Lisa
Moran
