Persistence pays off for WPCC Graduate
2015 was an important year for Alex Miguel. Nine years ago he enrolled at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) seeking to earn a college degree. He tirelessly worked towards this goal by taking one class at a time and maintaining full-time employment in local industry. His dedication and persistence paid off this year.
“It’s been a long journey but I’ve made it and I can’t wait to receive my degree,” said Miguel who finished classes on December 16 and has now graduated with an associate in applied science degree in computer engineering technology.
With the combination of his newly acquired college degree and his years of work experience, Miguel has gained the necessary engineering and programming skills to move forward in his career. However, he remembers a time after high school graduation when he was working in the fast food industry with an uncertain future. Then he found employment at Leviton, a local manufacturer willing to give him a chance at a new career.
“I had never even picked up a wrench but they gave me a shot and I found I really liked it,” he explained.
Miguel quickly realized he had an affinity for working with automated machinery and electronics. He also found support and mentorship from a Leviton employee who supervised the company’s apprenticeship program which was offered through Western Piedmont Community College. Miguel’s coworker encouraged him to enter into the apprenticeship program and pushed him to keep taking classes.
While it was challenging to balance his work and schools schedules, Miguel connected with his classes and ultimately received his industrial technology certification from the college. He knew that he wanted to move forward in his career so he decided to continue his education and training by enrolling in WPCC’s computer engineering technology program.
The schedule was grueling but he made steady progress toward his goal. He would typically work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and then head to WPCC for an evening class. He continued this pace for eight years while working at Leviton but eventually set aside his employment so he could take day-time classes and accelerate completion of his degree. Because of his skills and training, he was able find employment at Continental in Morganton working a second-shift schedule so he continue taking classes.
Miguel acknowledged that Continental has been supportive of his career goals. At one point, he even worked a month on third shift just to ensure he didn’t miss a class he needed. He said that the combination of working in industry while taking classes strengthened his trouble shooting skills “I’m pretty good at it now,” he said. “Something that might take someone else an hour, I can trouble shoot in 15 minutes”.
Miguel’s new goal is to become a Level II Technician at Continental.
When thinking back on his journey, Miguel offers this advice to people interested in furthering their education,
“It doesn’t matter how long it takes, how old you are or what you want to do,” he said. “The students in my classes have ranged from 17 years to 50 years old. If you stay focused and committed, there’s a place for everyone at Western Piedmont”.
The computer engineering technology program prepares students to use basic engineering principles and technical skills for installing, servicing, and maintaining computers, peripherals, networks, and microprocessor and computer controlled equipment. Graduates should qualify for employment opportunities in maintenance, programming, and other areas requiring knowledge of electronic and computer systems. Graduates may also qualify for certification in electronics, computer, or networks. To learn more about WPCC’s computer engineering technology program, contact Gregory Buchanan, program instructor at 828-448-3560 or gbuchanan@wpcc.edu.