The Value of a Technical College Education

I have been with Composure since graduating from Waukesha County Technical College in 2005.

I was a somewhat lazy student. In high school, I did exactly enough to get decent grades. I used art classes to fill the majority of my extra curriculars until graduation. I enjoyed creating but, as far as school was concerned, never more than was absolutely necessary.

I didn’t have time at night because I was working one to two part-time jobs throughout my high school career. I was in the AP portfolio class my senior year. While the majority of the class was excited, preparing for college and getting scholarships to amazing art schools, I was awarded the smallest space to showcase my art on portfolio night.

One of my teachers was actually shocked I had enough to fill the space. It didn’t matter. I was going to attend cosmetology school and work in a salon. I thought it was a quick education, and I could get to the work world sooner. A 4-year college education was not appealing to me. I was not interested in the price tag that accompanied it, and scholarships were not happening due to my lack of trying. Against my teachers’ best efforts, I was set in my path. I still loved art, and I was good at it. However, at the time, art school didn’t seem like a reasonable option.

Why does that matter? After a summer of being an apprentice in a salon, I decided it was the worst. I needed a new plan. Graphic Design was still out there as an obvious fit given the small but decent art portfolio I had. A family friend suggested Technical College for graphic design. He even set me up with my first Mac complete with Photoshop and Illustrator. I am not going to share which versions but they were old.

I signed up for school, and the rest is history. This was the perfect solution to my not wanting the “college experience”. I was able to work during the day, take classes at night and receive a great, hands-on education. I was still in the habit of procrastinating and going the least miles possible, but I made sure to get the most of my education.

While I didn’t much care for school and had a less-is-more attitude towards homework, I am a hard worker. I have always succeeded in any job position I held… from my part-time high school jobs to my current position as a Creative Director. I enjoy my job. Doing extra or going above and beyond at work comes naturally. My strong work ethic and love for the job give me with the drive I need to stay excited and motivated. I understand the value of a good education. I am completely aware that education and training are important and necessary.

All of these interesting personal facts I’ve shared point to this: technical college saved me. Not everyone is meant for a 4-year college. Not everyone can afford even one semester of general education classes. Not everyone is sure of where they are going after high school. There are many vocational careers that are in need of qualified individuals. A 4-year college education is not mandatory. And, if it is a bachelor’s degree you are after, many technical colleges are being accredited so that you can transfer after receiving an Associate’s Degree.

On a personal level I value the education and real-world preparation that came from my experience at WCTC. Transferring into the workforce and being an adult is terrifying. WCTC prepares students by requiring internships and classes for resumé writing and interviewing skills.

As a mentor, I have participated in a Speed Interviewing and Resumé Review Event put on by the school to help the graduating class hone their skills before trying to land that dream job. This practice is invaluable. As someone who has been an interviewer for a little while now, I can tell you, there are many students graduating who we find to be very unprepared.

Everyone has to find their own path and decide what is best for them and the road they are traveling. I am not suggesting a technical college experience is for everyone, but I do like to see that it is becoming a more acceptable option. A technical college education offers a hands-on, career-focused approach that costs less and gets you out into the working world to make your mark.

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Kristin Resch