Contributed by Lori Smith,
NMCC student support career specialist
Did you know that only two percent of women are employed as carpenters? Or that approximately nine 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’s no wonder carpenters are predominately 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 nontraditional careers, or careers in which less than 25 percent of the workforce is of one gender.
Angela DeCambra of Caribou is a senior in the computer electronics program at Northern Maine Community College. DeCambra decided to attend NMCC after losing her job at Atlantic Custom Processors, a local manufacturing plant. During the three years DeCambra worked at the plant, she wore several hats, holding positions as a line worker, crane operator, forklift operator, and dock supervisor. When the plant closed, DeCambra saw this as an opportunity to go to college and pursue a different career.
DeCambra developed an interest in computers after experiencing difficulties with her own. Rather than take her computer to an IT specialist to have it serviced, DeCambra decided to tackle this project on her own and fix her computer herself. “I like to tinker. I like to use my hands and see how things work.” At home, DeCambra enjoys taking apart old computers and fixing them. “It’s interesting to see how they are built.”
DeCambra is currently the only female senior in the computer electronics program. This has not been a concern for her though, as DeCambra states that everyone in the class is treated fairly. “I haven’t had any negative experiences. The guys in class are very helpful and are quite respectful.” She also notes that her instructor is “fantastic” and treats everyone equally. “It’s easier to learn when you feel comfortable in class and when you know it’s okay to ask for help.”
DeCambra chose NMCC because it was affordable and highly recommended by others. She reports that her experience at NMCC has been very educational. There are several aspects of the program that DeCambra enjoys, including the camaraderie between classmates, the opportunity to work with her hands, and the element of problem solving that the program entails. “I enjoy rebuilding computer towers and learning how to fix the problem.”
DeCambra is still thinking about what she wants to do with her degree when she graduates in May. She is interested in continuing her education and pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Diesel Hydraulics at NMCC. She has a passion for avionics and is considering the possibility of moving out of state to pursue that interest. DeCambra doesn’t want to limit herself to one field. In fact, when she was in high school, DeCambra attended the Caribou Technology Center and studied auto mechanics and learned how to weld. “I like diversity. I like keeping busy and I love to learn.” DeCambra shares words of wisdom for achieving academic success: “Set realistic goals for yourself, always ask for help, and learn from your mistakes and try to do better the next time. You have to want to learn and you have to enjoy what you’re doing.” DeCambra also offers advice for females considering a career in computer electronics, a typically male-dominated career. “Don’t let it intimidate you. If you want to do it, go for it.”
