Student Lands on Right Path with Automation Technology
Tim Turner has been a photographer, a videographer, a gunsmith, a retail manager, a restaurant manager and more. Last year he realized he had “become redundant” at his job and knew it was time to find something that would finally lead to a fulfilling career.
Doing Research
Instead of jumping into yet another job, Turner made appointments to talk to instructors, counselors, and the Career Services staff at Washtenaw Community College.
“I made a list of questions to ask each person I spoke with: ‘Tell me the state of the industry. What is the pay like? What does it take to get into this field?’ I ended up with Automation Technology, which is a rapidly growing field,” says Turner. “I like to look at an object and know that I made it.”
Through the WCC Career Services department, Turner learned about a grant sponsored by the Department of Defense that the college received. It covered his tuition for a full semester. He has also received WCC Foundation scholarships that covered additional semesters.
The Right Path
Turner, a resident of Clinton, has enjoyed the experience of coming back to school at this point in his life.
“I wasn’t nervous at all about sitting in a college classroom at 48. At WCC there are students of all ages and it is extremely rare that there aren’t other students my age in my classes,” he says. “I try and show my enthusiasm for learning and hope it rubs off.”
Turner quickly got a job, while still in school, at Hines Industries building and balancing machines.
“At 48 I have completely reinvented myself. It feels good and I know I am on the right path,” says Turner.