Graduate puts multiple degrees to work in college Tech Services roles
–By Tom Garland, Kirkwood News Service
Breaking an arm may be one of the most instantaneously painful occurrences one can experience. For Donna Hubbard, the experience led to just the opposite.
“It forced me to change my career,” Hubbard explains, “At the time I was a custodian, but I had to return to California for two years because my insurance there made it impossible to cover here. The company I worked with from California recommended I go back to school. They did a search, found Kirkwood [Community College], and it turned out to be a quality school.”
As an adult, Hubbard realized going back to school would be difficult at first, but with time she found herself fitting right in.
“I was kind of on the uncomfortable side when I got here because I had never finished my education,” Hubbard said, “Once I got here, I got started and it felt like I was flying right through it.”
Hubbard points to staff support as one of the main reasons she felt at home.
“My teachers had a lot confidence in me,” Hubbard added, “I love it here. I now have two AAS degrees, two diplomas, and a certificate from Kirkwood. I feel like I’ve just been in the right place at the right time.”
Hubbard was also definitely in the right place and time when she graduated. She landed a job at Kirkwood almost immediately after receiving her degree.
“I started out as a work study for seven instructors in Business and IT. Just before graduating with my second degree, I asked if they needed an unpaid intern. Instead, they hired me as part-time. The woman who trained me left her job, so when it finally came time for me to look for that big career, it was open,” Hubbard said, “Two days before I graduated with my second degree I was hired full time and have been working here since.”
Not only did Kirkwood give Hubbard a job right out of school, they paid for extra training as well. “They paid for the training, the class, and the testing I needed to advance. I was willing to do all of that on my own, but I talked to my supervisor, and Kirkwood took care of it,” Hubbard said.
As Hubbard continues her career at Kirkwood, she claims she couldn’t picture herself any where else.
“As I stayed here and took my classes, I realized what I wanted to do. This is my perfect job. This is my dream job.”