By Lori Smith
Student Support Career Specialist
HODGDON, Maine — As children, we dream about what we want to be when we grow up. As adults, we are faced with the reality of making important decisions regarding our career. With a wide array of career paths to choose from, this can be a daunting decision to make. This dilemma is amplified by the social norms and gender stereotypes in our society that often influence career choice.
Gender roles are instilled in children at a young age, when children develop beliefs about what is considered “appropriate” behavior based on being male or female. For example, most children are taught that boys use tools and girls play with dolls. It’s no wonder occupations such as carpentry are predominately male and a majority of nurses are female. Carpentry and welding are examples of non-traditional careers, or careers in which less than 25 percent of the workforce is of one gender. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 9 percent of all nurses are men and less than 2 percent of all carpenters are women. Despite these statistics, several students at Northern Maine Community College are defying the norm and breaking the mold, pursuing non-traditional careers.
Enthusiastic and driven are two words that describe Hodgdon native Harley Wiggins, an automotive technology and diesel hydraulics student at NMCC. Prior to being a dual major student, Wiggins attended NMCC in 2012 and earned a certificate in welding and metal fabrication.
Wiggins’ interest in the trades began at an early age. As a child, Harley enjoyed bonding with her father while helping him fix his motorcycle. In high school, she attended the welding program at Region Two School of Applied Technology in Sherman, Maine. Wiggins’ mother suggested she try welding because she studied welding in school and thought Harley would like it. Growing up, Wiggins’ parents encouraged her to explore different hobbies and interests.
In regards to career choice, Wiggins states, “My parents have always told me that I can do whatever I want.”
Wiggins decided to pursue automotive technology because she wanted to learn how to fix her own vehicle. “I’m independent. I don’t want to rely on others. I want to learn how to fix things myself.” Her true passion is diesel hydraulics, where she plans on pursuing a career in the field. Next May, she will be receiving two associates in applied science degrees; one in diesel hydraulics technology and the other in automotive technology. She would like to find employment in Aroostook County, however, she may move to Bangor if opportunities arise. Her interests include heavy equipment mechanics, working for a company such as Caterpillar, or working in construction as an equipment operator.
There are several reasons why Wiggins enjoys working in the trades. “I like being in the shop and doing something different every day. It’s just fun.” She also likes the feeling of accomplishment she experiences after she fixes something and it works, stating that it’s the “greatest feeling.”
When discussing her time spent at NMCC, Harley reports that it has been a wonderful learning experience for her. Although she strongly feels that more female instructors are needed in these programs, Wiggins states, “My instructors are great. They explain things to me if needed. They also give me challenging jobs to do so I can learn and grow.” Although she is the only female in her classes, Wiggins doesn’t feel outnumbered. In fact, she sees it as a challenge. “I like to show that I can do more than them.” she reports that she has a lot of fun in class and that she feels like she fits in.
Wiggins notes the advantages of being a female in diesel hydraulics and automotive technology, especially when it comes to problem solving.
“Women think differently than men,” she said. “They tend to think outside the box.”
Her size, however, can be viewed as both an advantage and a disadvantage.
“Because I am shorter than the boys and I have smaller hands, I can get into smaller places than they can. However, I’m not as strong and I can’t lift as much. I can’t always reach things.”
Despite these limitations, her ability to learn is not affected. Her peers are always willing to help and her instructors make accommodations if needed to ensure that she is able to complete the task and get the most out of the experience.
Wiggins chose NMCC for different reasons. “When I visited the campus, I really liked it. NMCC seemed more open to women in the trades than other schools that I considered,” she said. “I was accepted to another college, but I chose to attend NMCC.”
Her father pursued nursing at NMCC several years ago, which also influenced her decision to attend the college. The small class size and the fact that NMCC was close to home were also appealing to her.
Wiggins offers advice for females considering a career in diesel hydraulics or automotive technology. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your boundaries and try something new. Don’t feel you have to follow stereotypes and don’t worry about what other people think. Girls can do anything guys can do, and guys can do anything girls can do.” She also offers tips for success at NMCC. “Don’t stress over the little things. If you put your mind to it and know what you want, then you will reach your goal.”
