Curtis Carter knows the true value of a technical education. At the young age of 19, he has already achieved one very important life goal. Because of the education he is receiving at Middle Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins, he is now gainfully employed by the United States Air Force Space Command in Hawkinsville.

While it is true that over 98 percent of MGTC students find jobs upon completion of their diploma or degree, Carter’s fortune is a little different than most. He still has two quarters left to complete his Electronics Technology diploma, but has secured a job where he will be making over $30 per hour—with full federal benefits.

Carter realizes that this is no small feat.

“I am so excited to have this opportunity,” Carter said. “It feels so good to be successful in my career field so early.”

Now that Carter is employed full-time, he will complete his program of study through evening classes. He plans to graduate with his Electronics Technology diploma in March 2009. However, Carter says he won’t be finished.

“I also plan to complete my associate’s degree at MGTC,” he said. “After that, I plan on attending Georgia Tech and eventually earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Electronics Engineering. My employers have already indicated that they would work with me when the time comes.”

Carter is a native of Warner Robins and is the son of Curt and Maria Carter. He graduated from Northside High School in 2007. As a senior, Carter had already completed most of his core course work so he was able to take six hours of Electronics courses. He graduated with both a college prep and technical seal on his diploma.

As a youngster, Carter knew that electronics was his passion. His grandfather, John Wayne Carter of Warner Robins, was his inspiration and encouraged his love of this field. As a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, the elder Carter had worked in the Electronics field his whole life. He passed his knowledge on to his grandson.

“I wouldn’t be here now with such a great future ahead of me had it not been for my grandfather,” Carter said. “He pushed me to pursue electronics and I am so glad that I did. It has opened up a world of opportunity for me.”

Carter’s high school Electronics teacher, Walter Walker, also recognized his talent and suggested he pursue the course at Middle Georgia Technical College to further his education. Carter said it was one of the best decisions he could have made for his future.

“The instructors at Middle Georgia Tech really give you extra attention and push you to do your best,” said Carter. “I am learning so many new things here about broader areas of the Electronics field that I have never even heard of.”

Carter’s enrollment at MGTC gave him a leg up when it was time for him to start his job search. Employers often contact instructors, or the MGTC Career Services department, to find the right employees. In this case, officials from the U.S. Space Command contacted Electronics Technology Program Chair Bob Dunbar to ask for a list of potential employees.

“Space Command contacted us to help them find an employee for their Hawkinsville facility,” Dunbar said. “We submitted a list of names and resumes and they interviewed several of our students. Curtis happened to be the right fit for them.”

After his first interview, Carter was advised that he was at the top of the list. After a second interview with the regional supervisor, Carter was notified that he had gotten the job.

“It was great to hear those words—‘You’re Hired!’” he said.

Although the commute for Carter will be about 45 minutes, he is ready for the opportunity and the challenges that will come with his first job in his chosen career field. His instructors at MGTC will work with him to get his class schedule arranged to coincide with his work schedule.

“Curtis is a smart young man and he has a bright future ahead of him,” said Dunbar. “We are committed to helping all of our students be this successful.”

Middle Georgia Technical College offers career services to all MGTC students. Through the Career Services department, students can learn about employment opportunities with local companies, get assistance with resume writing, and learn interview skills.