SUCCESS STORIES
Cindy Hopp
East Jordan
Hi. My name is Cindy Hopp and I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate the Learning Lab for my success in my college career.
I came to the learning Lab around 2009 because I needed help with my language, some math, and computer skills.
I was able to start my college in that summer. I went to get my certificate in the Medical Assistant Program. I’m happy to say that I should be graduating this May and doing my clinical this summer. I also should be getting my certificate in the CNA Program as well.
While at the Learning Lab, I took the Study Skills class and I want to say, that was a big help for me as I learned how to organize all my classes. I can say that I know where all my work is at all times. The study skills is a great class. I’m sure that if I had not had this class I would of never been so organized, and I have to say that it helped me get the grades that I deserved.
I just wanted to say thank-you so much for the help that I was given; it really helped me with my studies. Patti was so great in showing me how to set up, arrange and study for my test. You see I have a fear of test taking and she was so helpful on training me how to stay calm and breath! Well I've survived AND I can say that it helped me tremendously. You see when I graduated way back in 1978, I had a around about 2.35 grade average and right know I ‘m holding a 3.89 average. I also want to say that I made the President's list last semester!!! I was so thrilled to receive my letter from the college that I’m having it framed. I had been on the dean list up to that point.
I also want to say that if I had not had the Learning Lab I don’t think I would of done as well as I did. Please keep up the good work that you are doing at the Learning Lab. It really does make a difference --especially to people who have been out of school a long time and need to have the refreshers of learning all over again.
I’m getting nervous that I’m almost through with all my studies and will soon be out looking for a job with the skills that I have learned from the college and the Learning Lab.
Again, I just want to thank all of you who so helped me with my career.
Thanks,
Cindy Hopp
The New Economy
Also known as "The Knowledge Economy," The New Economy gets a lot of press. You've probably heard about it before, but what does it really mean? The New Economy is about how things are changing in business and jobs. (Click here to see Michigan's place in global competitiveness.) Every type of job now calls for new skills. For instance, a job in manufacturing used to involve routine work - snapping two parts together on an assembly line or pushing buttons on a machine. Now, to work in manufacturing, you have to work on a team, solve problems and make decisions quickly and your math skills have to be much higher than they used to be. For even more information, watch the video at the end of this page from Elaine Wood, CEO of Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
To learn about working in the new world of manufacturing, view the Career Spotlight* produced by Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.
You can also click here to learn about working in healthcare.
Click here to see the trends in Michigan job opportunities and what education is required.
Why is work changing? (click to see more)
Because business is changing. Companies have to make money to survive . They have to create new products that people want to buy, and they have to create them in the most efficient way. That means demanding more of their workers. It also means that workers get to be more involved in the process, decision-making, and quality assurance. Work is more fulfilling than ever before. Click here to see Michigan's top 50 jobs!
Click here to see the top 5 future trends in the workplace.
What skills do I need? (click to see local workshops)
You will definitely need the skills that are related to your job. If you work as a nurse, you'll need to know how to start an IV. If you build computers, you'll need to know the difference between RAM and a hard drive.
There are also skills that are universal - skills that everyone needs, no matter which job they have. The Career Skills for the New Economy* series, also produced by Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, describes these skills.
Click here to do a Skills Inventory and how your skills relate to different careers.
Click here to do quick quizzes for job skills, job tests and even your dream job.
* Career Spotlight and Career Skills for the New Economy are products of the Education Advisory Group, an advisory committee to the Northwest Michigan Workforce Development Board.