Success Stories
Eric Taylor has been fascinated by science since he was a child. As a student at Irmo High School, Eric set the school’s record for the highest grade point average in chemistry by scoring a total of 110 points on a 100-point scale. Not only did Eric achieve perfect scores on all of his tests and required assignments, but he also completed several extra projects, experiments and papers, as well as assisting other student, which allowed him to earn 10 additional points.
While in high school, Eric worked with his teacher to develop an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP), allowing him to tailor his coursework to his interests and to major in chemical engineering. Eric also began researching what careers would correlate with his interest in science. He used the Internet to research different careers with science and engineering backgrounds and discovered the field of chemical engineering. Through his research and with guidance from his teacher, Eric learned that finding a job as a chemical engineer would require not only the proper education and certificates but also hands-on training and experience. Armed with this information, Eric laid out a career path that would lead him to the future he wanted.
After high school graduation, Eric enrolled in Midlands Technical College’s chemical engineering transfer program. He is currently in his third year at Midlands Technical College and well on his way to achieving a certificate degree in chemical engineering as well as an associate’s degree in science. Eric also recently completed a chemical engineering internship with the United States Department of Energy in Chicago, allowing him to spend several months immersed in the world of work and gaining valuable hands-on experience. After two more years at Midlands Technical College, Eric will transfer to the University of South Carolina for one additional year where he will earn his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.
Because of Eric’s focused and tailored high school education – development of an IGP, career cluster program, major selection, thoughtful research, and guidance from his teacher – he believes he is well positioned to secure the career of his choice. “Being able to focus my coursework and major in chemical engineering while still in high school really helped me learn more about the field and to make certain that it was the direction I wanted my life to take,” explains Eric. “I was able to learn so much about chemical engineering and what I needed to do to make my career goals happen.”
Eric says one of the most important things he has been able to do is to gain hands-on experience. Having learned from his research that it was important not only to have a degree, but to also obtain real world experience, Eric decided that beginning his post-secondary educational journey at Midlands Technical College was the best option for him. “By attending Midlands Tech first, I knew I would get the certification and hands-on experience that would give me an edge in the field,” says Eric. “The internship with the Department of Energy this summer was also a big plus, and I know it will really benefit me in the future.”
When asked what he recommends students do to better prepare for their future careers, Eric strongly encourages students to do as much research as possible. “Look at all the careers that relate to your interests and narrow your focus that way,” says Eric. “Use the resources and connections that are available through the Midlands Regional Education Center website to learn all you can about your particular field. It’s also a plus to have hands-on experience, so take advantage of the connections offered and participate in job-shadowing, co-op and internship opportunities.”
After completing his education, Eric plans to work as a chemical engineer working to help innovate and research products that are already on the market or approaching the market in terms of a product’s impact on the environment, use of solar energy, fuel cells and batteries.
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Lexington Medical Center has directly benefited from Personal Pathways to Success. In terms of the healthcare career shortage, Lexington Medical Center credits their connection with local schools and students as having a significant positive impact. Lexington Medical Center consistently hires 40 percent of those students who have participated in one of their programs that bring students onto the worksite. Lexington Medical Center also has seen an increase in the number of high school graduates who are going into hard-to-fill areas such as nursing and respiratory therapy because of exposure to these career choices.
In addition, Lexington Medical Center is able to connect with an even greater number of students through Teacher Field Studies. According to Kama Staton, Workforce Development Coordinator for Lexington Medical Center, the experience and information one teacher is able to gain through a field study can potentially impact hundreds of students. Educators can take what they learn back to their classrooms, helping to make the curriculum more relevant and the students more aware of the career opportunities available to them.
“We are definitely reaping the benefits of our investment,” says Staton. “By helping to expose students to careers in healthcare, we are increasing our potential applicant pool and improving our workforce.”
Lexington Medical Center has implemented a variety of student programs including shadowing opportunities, service learning, speaking engagements, tours, internships and Co-ops in order to encourage students to explore the career opportunities in healthcare. Lexington Medical Center is also an active participant in educational reform and career clusters.
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