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I don't have any background in technology. Can I still work in a tech career? |
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Absolutely. Even if you have never touched a computer or participated in hands-on lab activities you can be successful in technology classes. NHMCCD offers certificate and degree courses for all skill levels. Taking an assessment test is an important step in evaluating your skill level to see where you need to start. You may have work harder to learn basic technology skills, but a lack of background in technology is not a barrier to pursuing a technology degree. Visit your guidance counselor for some help on planning your program. |
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| Q: |
How much math do I really need? I was never good at math and I'm worried I'll fail the prerequisite math courses.
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Many students have a fear of math or math anxiety. The amount of math needed depends on the technology program. Some programs require pre-algebra, others require none. The math required for the technology programs is "hands-on" and is very different from classroom algebra. Most students find math more interesting when they actually use it in the classroom. You have several options to get help with math: |
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- Take a math placement test: NHMCCD offers math courses at all different skill levels to serve the varied needs of students. You may need a refresher course to sharpen rusty skills, or you may be much better at math than you thought. Taking a placement test is a crucial step in assessing your skill level, and is also required by NHMCCD as a part of enrollment procedures. To view the testing schedule of your college, click here:
Get Started
- The Learning Assistance Center offers tutoring in Math. Appointments are free and arranged on an individual basis. For more information on Math Tutoring at Tomball college, click here:
Math Lab
For more information on Math Tutoring at North Harris College, click here:
Math Tutoring
- You can find lots of math tutorials for all different levels of skill on the Internet. To get started on some math tutorials, click here:
Online zMath Tutoring
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| Q: | Technology is mostly male. Is it a tough field for a woman to break into? |
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| A: | Many NHMCCD graduates are female - see our role model profiles for some inspiring stories. It can be more difficult for a woman to prove herself, but there are lots of places you can turn to for support: |
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- You can join one of many women in technology associations that exist on-line and in real time. Click here for information on the WomenTech On-line Community (URL).
- Look into W.I.N.G.S. (Women's Information Network for Growth and Support) for support from women with interests similar to yours. For more information on W.I.N.G.S., click here:
W.I.N.G.S. here
You can surf links to women in technology Web sites (links page URL).
- Be prepared for your job search to give yourself a more competitive edge. Visit the Career Center on your campus to take advantage of numerous services including career counseling and testing, job placement assistance, and career planning and jobsearch workshops covering topics from resume writing to assertive job search techniques. The Career Center can also help students get internships and Co-ops while still enrolled in classes to give you a competitive advantage during your job search after graduation. For more information on the North Harris Career Center, click here:
Career Center
For more information on the Tomball College Career Center, click here:
Tomball College Center
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| Q: | Am I too old for a tech career? I understand it's a young field and if you're over 30 you can't get employed. |
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| A: | Many NHMCCD graduates are over 30 and have gone on to have successful careers in technology. You may have to work harder to prove yourself initially but it can be done!!! |
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- See our WomenTech role model profiles for some inspiring stories. Click here to see role models (URL).
- Look into W.I.N.G.S. (Women's Information Network for Growth and Support) for peer support from other women returning to school to pursue new life directions and enhance their marketable skills. For more information on W.I.N.G.S, click here:
W.I.N.G.S. here
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| Q: | I'm not sure what courses I need to take for the tech program I'm interested in. Where can I go for help? |
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| A: | You have several options to get more information: |
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- The programs pages of the NHMCCD WomenTech Web site
(http://members.aol.com/donmilgram/WomenTech/) (change link when live) links to the course requirements for each program. Just click on the name of the program you're interested in to view its requirements. Each program page also lists an e-mail contact for more information.
- Make an appointment with a counselor at your campus for guidance in planning your academic program. To view the North Harris College counseling page, click here:
NHC Counseling
- To view the Tomball College counseling page, click here:
Tomball Counseling
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| Q: | I want more information about technology careers and what the field is like for women. Where can I get more information? |
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| A: | Networking with women in technology careers and students in technology programs is a good way to learn about the field. You have several options: |
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- Join the WomenTech On-line Community (hotlink) for female students in tech programs in Community Colleges and women working in these fields.
- Visit the Web sites of national Women in Technology Associations, many of which have female role models and career information as well as local chapters (URL to links page).
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| Q: | How long will it take for me to complete a technology program? I can't afford to do anything long term, I need to earn money as quickly as possible.
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| A: | Certificate programs can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete, depending on your attendance while an Associate Degree usually takes up to two years of full time attendance. Here are some ways to make your community college experience more efficient: |
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- Look into the CareerStart program offered at North Harris College, a fast-track training program that can be completed in one week or up to 30 weeks, depending on your career choice. The program offers some technical options including Automotive Technology, Computer-Aided Design, Electronics, Welding and more! For more information on the CareerStart program, click here:
Career Start
- Visit the Web sites of national Women in Technology Associations, many of which have female role models and career information as well as local chapters (URL to links page).
- Consider a certificate. Many of the technology programs have certificates - if you attend full-time you can often complete a certificate in only six months. Many employers will hire employees with a technology certificate and then provide tuition reimbursement for courses towards an Associate in Science degree in the same field.
- Co-op (Cooperative Education) is also a good idea for those in a hurry and many Co-op learning experiences are paid. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and possibly earn income as well as make employer contacts, which will help you get a job much faster after graduation. Visit the Career Center on your campus for more information. To visit the Tomball College Career Center web page, click here:
Tomball Career Center
- Consider a student loan. Student loans are easy to get and offer very reasonable interest rates and manageable monthly payments after graduation. Borrowing money to attend school full-time will earn your degree in significantly less time than attending part-time. Make an appointment with the financial aid office to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or click on the following links to view the Tomball College and North Harris College financial aid web pages: For Tomball College, click here:
Tomball College
For North Harris College, click here:
NHC Financial Aid
- Look into Fast-track Scheduling and Minicourses. Fast-Track Scheduling offers certificate courses in a condensed timeframe, while Minicourses offer credit courses towards a degree in a condensed timeframe. See your guidance counselor for more information.
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| Q: | I'd like to complete a technology program, but I'll need some help. Where can I get information about financial aid and childcare?
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Many resources are available to assist with financial aid: |
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- Visit the Financial Aid office on your campus. There you can find information on all forms of financial aid including Grants, Scholarships, Loans and Work-Study Programs. To view the Tomball College Financial Aid web page, click here:
Tomball Financial Aid
To view the North Harris College Financial Aid web page, click here:
NHC Financial Aid
- Look into the North Harris Child Development Lab School. The facility is a state-of -the-art childcare center serving as a national model for quality caregiver training. It offers progressive, high-quality childcare services with a flexible schedule designed to accommodate parents attending college or working part-time. For more information on the North Harris Child Development Lab School, click here:
NHC Child Development
- Distance Learning allows students to take credit courses over the Internet, teleweb, video or print-based materials with no visits to the campus. This may be a good option for those students having trouble finding childcare. To find out more about Distance Learning, click here:
Distance learning
- Look for resources on the Internet. The Foundation Center lists scholarships for individuals in the scholarship files and would be an excellent place to start. To view the Foundation Center Web site, click here:
The Foundation Center
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