Breaking the mold: Northern Maine Community College recognizes students in non-traditional programs

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Did you know that approximately 2 percent of electricians are women? Or that 9 percent of nurses are men? Gender stereotypes created by society and gender roles that are instilled in children at a young age have a significant impact on career choice. It is no wonder electricians are predominantly male and a majority of nurses are female.    Contrary to these statistics, several students at Northern Maine Community College are defying the norm and breaking the mold, pursuing non-traditional careers, or careers in which less than 25 percent of the workforce is of one gender.
Julie Carney, of Ashland, is a senior in the electrical construction and maintenance program at NMCC. Carney developed an interest in the electrical field when she was a teenager. Her father, an inspector and former business owner, taught her and her four sisters how to do small repairs and install lights.
Carney’s curiosity grew as she wondered how certain devices worked, and quickly excelled at hooking up televisions, fixing radios, and working with computers. She later considered joining the military to study electrical construction. However, her plans were put on hold when she became a mother. During this time, Carney raised her children while working as a disc jockey and holding jobs in banking and office management. Although she enjoyed the customer service aspect of her jobs, Carney later realized that it was time for a career change.
“I wanted something challenging that I wouldn’t get bored with,” she said. “I wanted variety.” After much thought and consideration, Carney decided to trade in her dress clothes and high heels for a tool belt and a pair of work boots.
In the beginning, Carney had reservations about attending college because of her gender and age. Having support from her family motivated her to follow her dreams.
“My husband has been my cheerleader,” she said. “He encouraged me to go back to school.” Carney also decided to attend college for her two daughters. “I want to be a role model to my children.”
She chose NMCC because she has friends who completed the program and they spoke highly of the instructors. The affordable tuition was also a deciding factor. In fact, Carney has received scholarships for being a female in a non-traditional program. She is very appreciative of the financial assistance she received.
When Carney started the program, she admits that being the only female was somewhat intimidating.
“At first, I felt alone,” she said. “But being on my own helped me stay focused.” Getting to know her classmates was a challenge, but as she progressed through the program, she built friendships with her peers and relationships with her instructors. Carney is comfortable being in a program that is predominantly male because she has several male friends. “I get along well with males. I’m not a tomboy. I like to wear makeup and do my hair. But I’m also not afraid to get my hands dirty.”
Carney notes that working in a trade or technical career may not be for some females.
“If you’re easily offended, you won’t make it far. You have to be tough and speak up,” she said. If an inappropriate comment is made by a peer, she says something. “I remind them that it’s not OK and that they need to watch what they say. They need to get used to the fact that females are in this field, and that a female may be their co-worker or boss someday.”
Carney has a strong desire to learn. To increase her knowledge and help prepare her for more advanced courses, she took additional math classes that were not required for her degree. Her computer knowledge and past experiences working with technology have also helped her succeed in her classes.
She is confident in her abilities. However, because gender stereotypes still exist, female electricians are often faced with challenges. For example, Carney recently applied for a job with a local contractor. A male friend with the same amount of education as Carney, but less experience, applied for the same position. She later found out that her friend got the job. “What most people don’t realize is that hiring women is good for business.”
In addition, when she submitted her application, an employee asked her personal information, including her age and the ages of her children. Although she was disappointed that she didn’t get the job, this experience will not stop her from applying for jobs in the future.
Another concern is the availability of personal protective equipment for women. “Women’s work boots are difficult to find and men’s boots are too big,” Carney said. Also, the size and weight of some of the tools puts a strain on her wrists and hands.
Being an electrician requires physical strength and being in optimal health. Therefore, Carney quit smoking, maintains a healthy diet, and exercises regularly. She has found that by living a healthier lifestyle, her sleeping habits and organizational skills have improved, which has contributed to her success as a student.
She plans to graduate in May of 2015. In regards to employment, Carney is keeping her options open, stating that there is a lot one can do in the electrical field. “The possibilities are endless. I am open to any opportunity that comes my way, whether it’s working in a factory or at a mill. I want to get a lot of experience and get my hands on everything.”
Within the next three years, she hopes to earn her journeymen’s license. Carney has a strong interest in programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, which are used in most industries. She has already started putting her skills to good use, replacing receptacles and faulty wiring at her own house. By practicing at home, she has been able to apply what she has learned at NMCC in a real-world setting.
Carney offers strategies for success at NMCC, including building relationships with instructors and utilizing resources on campus such as the Academic Success Center. She has found that participating in a study group has been very helpful, and advises students to form a study group when classes start. Carney also urges students not to give up if they don’t understand a subject right away. “Just keep going, don’t quit after one poor grade. It’s OK to make mistakes. I had my struggles, but I made it through. Go to class, do your work, and try.” If a student is undecided about a career, she recommends job shadowing to get a better understanding of what the job entails.
Carney offers advice for females considering a career in electrical construction and maintenance.
“Just go for it. If you have an interest, why not do what you like rather than what is expected of you?” she said. Carney warns that it may not be easy at first. “Be prepared for a challenge. You will definitely surprise yourself. When you fix something and make it work, it is very rewarding. This is the only field I can see myself working in.”