Hinds Community College Blog

What do you want to be when you grow up? Like any important decision, you must first decide whether or not a career field it is the right choice for you. You must learn more about yourself and find out if you are capable of fulfilling the tasks of a job. Often time, creative people never really grow up; there is always a little part of them that likes to dream that anything is possible. Creative people insist on doing something fascinating, meaningful, challenging and enjoyable for a living. Let’s do some research on graphic design and see if we can learn a little more about what they do.  

• Do you enjoy being creative?  The designs you create must be original, imaginative and appeal to your clients. 
   
• Can you think on your feet? You must be able to discuss your designs with clients and customers.
   
• Are you pop-culture savvy?  This will be a must in producing publications, websites and other products.

• Are you a self-starter? Whether self-employed or employed by a graphic design firm, it is important that you possess time-management skills.
   
• Can you work with others as well as yourself? Teamwork is a must in this profession whether it is with other graphic designers, marketers etc.

If you answered yes to these questions, then the Graphic Design Technology program at Hinds Community College might just be the program for you! The program is designed to prepare individuals to engage in entry-level employment and advancement in the field of graphic design, emphasizing digital technology. Students receive instruction including the design and execution of typography, layouts, professional illustration, color theory, industry specific production, digital imaging, and logo design. Also covered are design principles necessary for publication design, mass distribution and other forms of visual communications such as ads in magazines and newspapers, book cover designs, posters, billboards, brochures, letterhead and newsletters.

The Graphic Design Technology’s Macintosh computer lab supports the Adobe Creative Suite software and dedicates many class hours to the learning and use of these creative programs which includeL InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, Dreamweaver and Flash. 

What Graphic Designers Do?

• Meet with art director or clients to determine the project

• Advise clients on strategies to reach a target group

• Determine the message the design should portray

• Create images that identify a product or convey a message

• Develop graphics and visual or audio images for product illustrations, logos, and websites

• Create designs using computer software packages or by hand

• Select colors, images, text style, and layout

• Present the design

• Incorporate recommended changes into the final design

• Review designs for errors

Are The Jobs Out There?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment for graphic designers in computer systems design and related services is expected to grow by 61% through 2020. The median wage for persons employed in this field is $16.60 per hour according to Career Coach. Designers will need to be able to create images and designs for print, portable devices, websites and electronic publications with the continuing increase of the use of the Internet for marketing purposes. Employment of graphic designers in more traditional realms is expected to increase by 13% from 2010 to 2020. As technology continues to evolve, graphic designers will need to continually update with the latest software to remain competitive. 

Graphic design jobs cover all ends of the creative spectrum but included among the typical jobs filled by students who have completed this program are production artist, junior designer, Photoshop artist, Illustrator artist, t-shirt artist and web designer. All of these positions could include: brand identity design, logo design, cd design, billboard design, ad design and or package design. 

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College. For more information on the GDT program, please contact Beth Messina at 601.857.3318 and/or BKMessina@hindscc.edu.

Also, check out the Hinds Graphic Design on social media:
Graphic Design Technology on Facebook
Graphic Design Technology on Twitter

Geographic Information Systems Technology

Nearly a quarter of your life is spent at work! Choosing a career isn’t easy but it certainly is one of the most important choices you will make. You need to make sure you understand the skills required for the career path you choose so your career choice will be as close to your “dream job” as possible. Are you detail oriented? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Do you work well with others? Are you always interested in learning new skills? Do you possess excellent oral and written communication skills? These are the skills and characteristics possessed by most successful Geographic information systems techs. 

You might want to explore the Geographic Systems Technology program at Hinds Community College. This program prepares a person for entry-level positions in the geographical information systems field. A geographic information system, or GIS is a combination of map-making and data base technology. A GIS stores, analyzes and manages location-linked data. In perhaps overly simplistic terms, a GIS is a spatial mash-up of data. A GIS uses mapping software along with remote sensing, surveying, aerial photography, and ground truth data. A good GIS allows informative displays of geographic information that may relate to any type of information: medical, socio-economic, demographic, or any other type of information that can be put on a map. GPS navigation programs that people have in their cars or on their cell phones are a GIS application. The wide applications of GIS in dozens of industries has made the position of GIS technician increasingly important.

What Do GIS Technicians Do?

• Research and test new data sources, software, and organizational tools.
   
• Create and implement standards for quality of geographic data.
   
• Design, develop, and implement systems and databases for storing and accessing geospatial data.
   
• Standardize and define metadata for geographic data, and track need for data format conversion.

The curriculum includes computer-assisted drafting, map making, database management, surveying, and applications of geographical information systems. GIS technicians work under the supervision of GIS engineers, managers, cartographers, surveyors, and other professionals to store, organize, retrieve, and analyze resource data for planning and decision making. The need for technicians in this area continues to grow with the rapid development and implementation of GIS technology.

Will I Be Able To Find Employment?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs related to and including GIS Technicians is expected to experience a 21% increase through 2016. According to Simply Hired, an entry level GIS technician earns, on average, an annual salary of $32,000. More generally, a GIS tech can earn anywhere from $25,000 to $60,000, depending upon education level, experience, and work location. Recent advancements in mapping technology have led to new uses for maps and a need for more of the data used to build maps. The digital revolution in mapmaking has created a need to make maps based on data fed into a geographic information system (GIS).

Municipalities are finding that putting all the information about wires, pipes and other underground infrastructure onto one map is crucial in implementing systems integration.  This enables them to upgrade the entire infrastructure under a street at the same time, and thus have all needed construction done as one project. This coordination of all such construction projects results in savings for the local government.

Students will find the Geographic Information Systems Technology program at Hinds Community College a reliable and thorough training ground for employment in a wide range of fields. . A typical sampling of positions filled by students who have completed this program include.  GIS specialist, GIS technician, GIS data specialist, GIS data analyst, and GIS assistant.

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Jackson ATC campus of Hinds Community College. For more information, contact Tony Howard at TCHoward@hindscc.edu or 601.987.8111.   

Engineering Drafting and Design Technology

Choosing a career is stressful! What if you make a mistake?  Don’t worry; pick a path that feels right for you now and know that most people don’t stick with the same line of work for their entire life.  Make the smartest decision you can today and make plans to re-evaluate down the road as your goals and objectives change.  With that being said, let’s explore some possibilities! 

Are you detail oriented and pay close attention to accuracy? Do you like to identify and solve problems? Do you have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy working independently as well as with a team?  Are you able to work efficiently under strict deadlines? If these qualities describe you, then a career in engineering drafting might be a great choice for you!

The Engineering Drafting and Design Technology program at Hinds Community College is an instructional program designed to educate students in the design of projects in the field of technical graphic representation. Engineering drafters have strong interests in creating drawings for a variety of mechanical and civil projects. They must also possess excellent mechanical skills, mathematical skills, knowledge of design materials, and fluency in computer-aided design software and have visual aptitude in addition to having a solid knowledge of construction procedures. 

What Do Engineering CAD Technicians Do?

• Design plans using computer aided design software

• Work from rough drafts created by engineers to produce detailed drawings

• Use their knowledge to add details to plans

• Pay attention to scale

• Proof drawings

• Prepare multiple versions of design plans for review

• Work under the supervision of engineers

What Are My Career Path Options In This Field?

There are multiple specialties within the engineering drafting and design occupation. Aeronautical drafters prepare drawings and plans for aeronautic devices such as aircraft and missiles. Civil drafters prepare drawings and maps used in civil engineering and infrastructure design. Electrical drafters design plans and drawings detailing the layout and wiring diagrams used to repair and install electric equipment. Electronics drafters draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, schematics, and layout drawings used in the manufacture, installation, and repair of electronic devices and components. Mechanical drafters prepare drawings showing the detail and method of assembly of a wide variety of machinery and mechanical devices, indicating dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements. Process piping or pipeline drafters prepare drawings used in the layout, construction, and operation of oil and gas fields, refineries, chemical plants, and process piping systems.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary wages for detailed drafting occupations in May 2012 were as follows:

• $55,700 for electrical and electronics drafters

• $50,360 for mechanical drafters

• $47,870 for civil drafters

• $46,110 for drafters, all other

Need More Information?

This program is located on the Raymond and Jackson ATC campuses of Hinds Community College.  For more information on Engineering Drafting and Design Technology program, contact Phil Cockrell (Raymond Campus) at pcockrell@hindscc.edu or 601.857.3422 and/or Shawn Stiff (Jackson-ATC Campus) at Shawn.Stiff@hindscc.edu) or 601.987.8146.

Diesel Equipment Technology - Career training, credentials and a paycheck in your pocket!

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s been said that people spend more time planning their vacations than their careers. Since a big part of your life is what you do for a living, career planning is something everyone should do. Vacations are “special” but shouldn’t your career be special too? Let's start planning your career! Are you customer service oriented? Do you possess mechanical and trouble shooting skills? Do you like knowing how things operate? All of these are characteristics of a diesel equipment technician. Let's take a look at the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Hinds Community College's Raymond Campus.

The Diesel Equipment Technology program provides students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment including agricultural tractors, commercial trucks, and construction equipment. The program includes instruction in inspection, repair, and maintenance of engines, power trains, hydraulic systems, and other components.  The curriculum is based upon the ASE Certification for Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Training Programs, which serves as a national standard for certification of technicians.

What Diesel Mechanics/Technicians Do?

Diesel service technicians inspect and repair equipment such as trucks, dozers, cranes and commercial boats as well as medium duty vehicles powered by diesel engines. They may work on everything from a vehicle’s electrical system to the power train.

As engines and other components use more electronic systems which rely on microprocessors technicians often use hand-held or laptop computers to diagnose problems and adjust engine functions. In addition, diesel mechanics use a variety of power and machine tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, grinding machines, and welding equipment. Hand tools, including pliers, socket and ratchets, and screwdrivers, are commonly used.

Diesel service technicians and mechanics typically do the following:

• Follow a checklist of inspection procedures

• Diagnose malfunctions

• Read and interpret diagnostic test results

• Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, transmissions, engines, and other parts of vehicles

• Do routine maintenance, such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and parts

• Adjust and align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and attach system components

• Repair or replace malfunctioning components, parts, and other mechanical or electrical equipment

• Test-drive vehicles to ensure that they run smoothly

What About Job Opportunities?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 9% through 2022. Demand for new workers in the freight trucking and automotive repair and maintenance industries is expected to drive overall diesel mechanic job growth.

Students will find the Diesel Equipment Technology program has an excellent reputation with local industries looking for skilled workers and placement of students who complete the program is a top priority. Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program are typically employed at a variety of repair facilities that service the trucking and heavy equipment industry with an entry-level salary range of $12 to $16 hourly. 

This Diesel Equipment Technology program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College. For more information, Brent Johnson at (ABJohnson@hindscc.edu) or 601.857.3478 and Christopher Woodard at (Christopher.Woodard@hindscc.edu ) or 601.857.3424. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? Are you detail oriented and a good listener? Do you have excellent written and verbal communication skills? Are you able to concentrate for long periods? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to consider one of the options in the Court Reporting Technology program at Hinds Community College!

A career is a life plan that you will need to study for while a job is a temporary position to earn income. You don't have to decide today on your lifelong career but hopefully the information below will help you narrow down your choices and get you on the road to discovery. Take your time. Study your options and find a career that is tailored to your interests!   

What are some common characteristics of successful realtime reporting students? 

Court Reporting requires intelligence, dexterity and interest in a broad range of subjects. A good realtime reporter must be well versed in fields such as medicine, business, communications and technology, as well aslaw.  A broadcast captioner must be able to write and perform in environments that can be quiet and controlled as well as chaotic and ever changing.

What are my career path options? 

Realtime reporters are classified as Judicial Reporters, CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) providers and Broadcast Captioners.

 The following are types of career paths students with a degree from Hinds Community College Court Reporting Technology department will be qualified to explore:

• Judicial Reporters work in depositions, the courtroom and other legal proceedings providing verbatim transcription of all communication of the proceedings. They work with many lawyers and judges providing services to the criminal and civil justice system.

• Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) providers and Broadcast Captioners provide services to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. CART providers primarily assist deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in classroom, business meeting and convention settings. The services of CART providers and Broadcast Captioners may be performed remotely from a home office or at an on-site location.

• Broadcast captioners provide open captions for places such as television screens and sports arenas for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. 

What kind of classes are offered in the Realtime Reporting program? 

• Shorthand writing principles (theory)
• Law
• Judicial
• CART and Captioning procedures
• Medical terminology
• Realtime reporting technology
• Complete internships prior to certification testing and entering the workforce  

Employment potential, salaries and quick facts: 

Embark on a career that’s in demand, vital, exciting and rewarding, with coast-to-coast opportunities at your fingertips. Realtime reporters can work in the legal community, provide communications access for people with hearing loss – such as providing CART or being a broadcast captioner – become an independent contractor or run their own agency.

• The U.S. Department of Labor has projected an income of $47,700 annually with 14 percent job growth through 2020.
• There are an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 court, deposition, CART and captioning reporters in the United States.
• The National Court Reporters Association reports income of $35,000 to $65,000 for these services. Spanish captioning is opening the door for more and more jobs every day to fulfill the federal mandates provided by the Telecommunications ACT of 1996.

Need More Information? This program is located on the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College. For more information on the Court Reporting Technology program, please contact Geanell Adams at 601.857.3417.