Student combines baking, writing for a tasty career
Julie Havelka knows a good opportunity when she sees one. After years of working as a packaging line operator for “JIFFY” Mix, she decided to start looking into how she could move up within the organization.
“When I learned of the R&D technician position I was excited, but it required an associate’s degree,” said Havelka. “I knew I didn’t want to stay in my current job forever so I decided to go back to school.”
Havelka did some research and decided on Washtenaw Community College for her training after hearing about the excellent reputation of the school and its Culinary Arts program.
Getting her chance
As luck would have it, soon after she started at the college, a spot opened up for the very position Havelka had her eye on.
“I got the position with the understanding that I would keep going to school,” she said. “My company is great and they really encourage me to keep going.”
She did keep going and now, at 52, she’s on track to graduate in December from Washtenaw Community College with her Associate in Occupational Studies for Baking and Pastry as well as a Certification in Technical Communication.
It’s an interesting marriage of education that molds perfectly into Havelka’s job.
“I have to write lab notes and I’m on our recipe book team. The writing certification helps with both of those,” said Havelka of her technical communications training. “I also write recommendation reports, recipes and work on our standard operating procedures.”
Making her own path
With a promotion under her belt and a degree in the works, Havelka is proud of herself.
“I didn’t apply myself in high school like I should have, “ she said. “WCC has given me the confidence that I didn’t have before. It’s been empowering to learn that I can do so well. I love it at WCC, I feel so at home when I’m on campus.”
Technical Communication
In this program, students explore the technical communication process in detail and
develop skills in audience analysis, project management, technical writing and editing,
document design and usability testing. Using tools of the technical communication
profession, students prepare content for print and online delivery, develop screencast
training modules, learn how to conduct a formal job search, and create professional
portfolios to showcase their skills. The Technical Communication Associate in Arts
Degree is designed for students transferring to a four-year university.
Learn more at wccnet.edu