WCC Student Turns Hobby into Second Career
When Michigan’s ailing economy hit Carolyn McCarthy in 2009, she suddenly found herself out of a job.
Having worked in the auto industry for the past 16 years as a program manager, McCarthy knew it was time to make a change. “Changing careers at 48 and during a time when our economy was down, I knew it was a chance to recreate myself professionally.”
Doing What You Love
McCarthy always had a profound passion for photography, enjoying the technical and creative elements photography offers. After researching a variety of schools and programs, she decided to turn her passion into a profession at WCC.
“I looked into a lot of photography programs and I was very impressed with what WCC had to offer in terms of classes, technology and labs. It is also conveniently located for me,” she said.
McCarthy enrolled at WCC in the winter of 2009 and in summer of 2012 graduated with not only an associate’s degree in Photographic Technology, but also a Liberal Arts degree. She now owns and operates her own photo studio and is also employed as a full- time medical photographer at the University of Michigan Plastic Surgery Clinic and Cosmetic Surgery Center.
Getting A Fresh Start
While starting over in a brand new career later in life may seem intimidating, McCarthy took it all in stride.
“I was intimidated after having been out of school for a number of years, but also very excited to have a new beginning and to be learning about something I was interested it. I was able to show my kids that you can work hard and you can recreate and find something to do with your life. It’s been a good life lesson.”
The photography program at WCC program prepares individuals for work in a variety of photographic settings including working as a photographer’s assistant, working in a photo lab, starting your own business, and transferring to a four- year art school. Students can tailor the program to their own interests by choosing specialized electives.