Students, parents, career changers, educators, counselors and those advising students with technical interests are encouraged to attend the event.
"With today's technology, young people can easily get a great deal of career information," said Dave McNeilly, division counselor for engineering and technology at HACC. "What's lacking is the opportunity to hear actual people talk about their career - to hear someone say why a career works for them, what they like and dislike. It puts a human face on the career and offers networking opportunities. Students need to be proactive about career opportunities like this - rub shoulders with engineers and technicians. Get part-time work in a field if at all possible. The dividends are enormous."
Area engineering professionals, as well as HACC faculty, will be on hand to discuss opportunities and careers in mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. The event also will include discussion on geospatial technology - geographic information systems or GIS - and how it impacts the future as well as its applications in resource and environmental management, business and marketing, urban and regional planning, map production and research.
In response to the dramatic growth of GIS and as more organizations adopt GIS as a standard business decision-making tool, HACC has established a geospatial technology program and a GIS Resource Center. Through the center, HACC assists government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private businesses with training and technical needs. Participants at the Exploring Careers event will have the opportunity to learn more about this emerging occupation.
"We just finished our first GIS Map Contest open to the community and saw some great entries. We awarded the top submissions and will display them at the Capitol on GIS Day November 15," said Nicole Ernst, GIS instructor. "We've also done a good deal of work for area organizations through the GIS Resource Center. HACC's GIS program is very comprehensive."
For additional information or to register for the event, please call HACC at 717-780-2558 or send an email to David McNeily at the email address below. Those registering may leave a phone number and the number of people planning to attend. Directions can be found at the college Website below.