Donald Bryans, 2012

I may have the degree from this decade but I started in the mid 90’s in a NAEC apprenticeship program that the state shutdown before I could finish it.

Donald Bryans’ Story

Graduated with a Associates in Applied Science Computer Aid Mechanical Design in May of 2012. I may have the degree from this decade but I started in the mid 90s in a NAEC apprenticeship program that the state shut down before I could finish it. I took a brief hiatus but knew I had to come back and get a degree. It was a slow process; work 6 days a week balancing a family life. I was one of the students who had to dodge the Canada geese and the presents they left. But it was enjoyable watching them chase people when I would be sitting on the benches between classes. I was relieved at the number of night classes and was ecstatic when Schoolcraft started online classes. The nice thing about taking the longer timeframe is I got to see the College grow. Several buildings later it has grown to the excellent facility we see now.

Being a tooling designer in the automotive field, I knew when the Big 3 got in trouble I needed to make myself more attractive to employers and my current employer. Many of my friends in the field lost their jobs and were having trouble finding work. Regardless of experience, big companies like that paper and will pay good money for it. That beautiful paper is a foot in the door, not just bragging rights. So I did my best and focused on completing the classes I needed. With the guidance of my counselor, Stan and one of my favorite instructors, Gene Keyes, I was able to substitute classes to get the job done. I got my degree in 2012 and in 2013 I landed a better paying job that was closer to home and I know that AAS degree helped secure that.

One more thing I would like to mention is Schoolcraft has a great manufacturing division and if what I hear is right, it will grow and nurture the field. Right now my employer is struggling to find good CNC programmers and operators to fill the void that the recession created. The business is also lacking die designers and basically has to romance already employed workers and competitors. Not enough young talent out there.

That’s all for now so good luck, stay focused and GET THAT DEGREE.