Recession-Proof Careers for Community College Students

As more employers are seeking diverse candidates with global experience, community colleges across the country are now providing students with the opportunity to study abroad. Abroad programs allow students to take courses overseas so students can explore the world while still maintaining a focus on their degree program.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

While each community college offers different programs, the Institute of International Education (IIE) is an organization that currently works with community colleges to promote diverse program offerings for students. As the IIE describes, “the role of study abroad revolves predominately around a) providing opportunities for learning, cultural development, and career education; b) fostering understanding and building global partnerships, and c) preparing students to take their place in an increasingly global community and world citizenship.”

Also, according to Transitions Abroad, students not only benefit academically and professionally but also personally as well. According to survey results, “97 percent said studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity, 96 percent reported increased self-confidence, 89 percent said that it enabled them to tolerate ambiguity, and 95 percent stated that it has had a lasting impact on their worldview.”

Paired with this, students reported that studying abroad led to long-lasting friendships with both United States and global students, as “more than half the respondents are still in contact with U.S. friends met while studying abroad, and 73 percent said the experience continues to influence the decisions they make in their family life.”

While academic grades are essential for job applications and career success, many employers also seek well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated participation in extracurricular activities. Community colleges nationwide provide students with academic and non-academic clubs, organizations, and sports teams to promote personal and professional development.

As Scottsdale Community College describes,

Participation in the work of various clubs and organizations on campus provides students an opportunity to acquire leadership, planning, and social skills that are important for successful living.

The Benefits of Clubs and Extra-Curricular Involvement

Students interested in creating a well-developed resume for job and career applications know that community college clubs and activity opportunities are essential. In addition to professional development opportunities, community college clubs also provide students with personal, social, and community service venues, enhancing the overall collegiate experience.

As the Associated Press describes, clubs and extra-curricular activities are “extremely important in helping students develop lifelong good working habits […] Students involved in extra-curricular activities learn how to work as part of a team towards a common goal […] Students also learn valuable character traits such as pride, productivity, and organization.”

In addition to helping foster practical skills such as time management, leadership, and responsibility, extra-curricular activities allow students to test the waters and explore new areas of interest. Additionally, balancing the time commitments involved in participating in clubs with those necessary to maintain good grades helps prepare students to balance the demands of a career, family, and other life obligations.

There are

As a whole, the community college system is a major training ground for the nation's workforce and serves as a career-development incubator for today's jobs and future industries. The Green California Community College Summit, taking place October 8 – 9, 2008 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, will address the issues of building green campuses, creating a green curriculum based on technology that is being developed at lightning speed to meet the needs of tomorrow’s green economy.

We are participating in the Summit to share our experience and learn from other community college districts and experts in the fields of green building, curriculum, and technology. As we march into a more sustainable and technology-based culture, the community college system needs to continue to develop innovative teaching methods, academic programs, courses, and content that address the needs of 21st-century students - especially as it relates to green technology. Alternative energy solutions and renewable technology are in high demand and the need for green innovation is having a tremendous impact on how community colleges formulate policies, initiatives, and programs to stay ahead of the curve.

This TEDTalk discusses sustainable schools.

A significant number of all U.S. undergraduates pass through community colleges seeking training and education in a variety of fields. With emerging green technology and the industries that support it rising steadily, training workers who understand these new standards and are skilled in applying them will

While community colleges are known to provide opportunities for young and adult learners, new programs are gearing courses and venues to focus more strongly on senior and retired community members. Paired with this, many community colleges offer substantial education discounts. For example, Terra Community College in Fremont, Ohio, offers individuals 60 and older free tuition. Here, older students are able to participate in courses under non-credit agreements, and they are only responsible for the costs of lab fees, books, and any other course supplies.

Are Community College Programs the Right Fit for Older Students?

While beginning any new course of study, regardless of age, can be nerve-wracking, studies show that more retired community members are taking courses. According to a Washington State Community College interview, a student asserted that seeing people aged 40 to 60 or older in various courses is not unusual. On average, this interviewed student claims to have at least one to three older students in her classes.

As Janienne Jennrich further supports in her article “Senior Citizens Going to College,” “quite often, older students are rather popular. It all depends on personality and willingness to join discussions and events.” As most staff members and instructors are also often older, mature students bring different experiences and potential to a college course. With this, seniors are not only welcome to take community college courses but are also strongly encouraged, as many seniors’ intelligence and skills help assist the younger students, creating a