Campus Blog

By Michael Pawlusiak

I had a unique and exciting opportunity as a Macomb Media and Communications Arts (MACA) student to help create the torch for the Macomb County Bicentennial Torch Relay.

My contribution was to provide the Macomb County logo in vector format (used to create crisper images), since the original logo was a pixelated image. The logo needed to be redrawn to vector format in order for the Computer Numerical Control machine to create the metal emblem for the torch.  The logo needed to fit in the cutout of the torch, so it was resized to 5” x 2”. I also had to redesign the ribbon on the logo. The ribbon had a consistent blue color, with a different bright blue stroke to emphasize the front. I made a small change by making the front of the ribbon the same bright blue, and placing the darker blue at the back half of the banner, creating a better illusion of depth. The font for the logo was unknown. I had to search through fonts to find one that matched.

Also, in the original logo there were two instances of the year “1818,” (when the county and Mount Clemens were both founded.) One was on the center emblem and the other on the banner itself. I removed the “1818” on the center emblem to eliminate the redundancy and ensure everything was visible on the final emblem.

I had to draw out each shape and pull everything together to get the new vectorized logo. I made a couple variations: a grayscale version and a black and white version. The black and white version became the source logo for the machine to etch onto the torch itself.

This was a great project to test my MACA skills and to have the experience of working with other areas (climate control and machining), and I thank the faculty for making it possible.  And when the torch is used on June 22 to light the fireworks in Mount Clemens, I will be proud of the part I played in making it happen!

Read more about the project here.

By Rochelle Zaranek, Social Science Professor

I have watched with incredible interest and admiration as the young people from Parkland, Florida, have turned tragedy and sorrow into a rallying cry for change. While debate continues on how best to achieve their aims, no one can deny that the commitment and genuine passion these students bring to their cause is inspiring.  They are, in fact, the type of students we had in mind when we developed Macomb’s Community Leadership Certificate program.

You won’t sit at a desk or memorize a textbook in this program. You will be out learning the ropes from the people and the organizations that are transforming their communities one thoughtful deed at a time. You will visit shelters and food banks, intern with the likes of Focus Hope, United Way and Care, and have meaningful conversations with community leaders, some of whom you may agree with and some of whom you may not.

Your takeaway from all of this will be practical experience in building consensus while making progress toward positive change.  These are skills that will benefit you regardless of your major, giving you the knowledge and confidence it takes to solve problems, understand different viewpoints and organize efforts aimed at a common goal.  After successfully completing four core courses and two of five specified electives, you will receive a Certificate in Community Leadership – telling the world that you are ready to make a difference.

Please give me a call at 586.286.2273 or email me at zaranekr@macomb.edu to learn more about this opportunity to add community leadership skills to your life and your resume.  I look forward to hearing from you.

By Shandana Shah

I can honestly say that one of the best things I could have done was to get out of my comfort zone with this trip, because if I hadn’t, I would have missed out on one of the best experiences of my life. It all started on March 4^th, when my group and I embarked on our journey. After ten hours of anticipation and travel, it was mesmerizing to finally be in the exuberant New York City that most of us had only seen in movies and TV shows. The high rise buildings, yellow cabs, and the bustling streets were lit with charm. The focal and most fulfilling point of it all was being able to volunteer at “God’s Love We Deliver,” a non-profit organization that works to prepare and deliver nutritious meals to the people that need them most.

We were given the privilege to not only help prepare the meals, but also to deliver them to some of the many deserving people that are helped by this organization. Being able to see the gratitude in their eyes when we exchanged the meals was incredibly rewarding. Amidst all this, we created some unforgettable memories and built friendships that will last beyond those four days. I am very lucky I got to know the amazing people I went with, especially our site leaders, Daniel and Lindsey, who could not have been more supportive and did a splendid job of tying our whole experience together. We were all brought together by the want to make a difference, and the wonderment of it all was that we did.

For more information on upcoming volunteer opportunities, contact Student Life and Leadership.

By Brooklyn Frontiera, Career Services Coordinator

Career Services is hosting its annual Job Fair on Wednesday, April 18^th, from 4-7pm at the Sports and Expo Center, but are you prepared?

More than 200 employers are already registered for the fair, and with each of them bringing several job openings, we are talking at least 500 open positions – and one of them could be yours!

With all these wonderful prospects in our own backyard, as a job seeker you need to come ready to talk. So, here are a few of our best tips to help you be your best:

• Research the employers that are going to be there. Here are the companies currently registered to attend: https://bit.ly/2GYAclD. Target who you want to talk with, look at their websites and take notes to bring with you.
• Dress to impress. We have seen it all, from pajama pants to bathing suits. Treat the job fair as if it is an interview, because it really is. For men, wear a suit or at least dress pants and a button-up shirt with a tie. Ladies, a pant or dress suit. Let them see you for you.
• Update your resume and bring several copies. Stop into Career Services and we can help you freshen up your resume. We’re at South Campus, G309 and Center Campus, H109.
• Practice your elevator speech. If you don’t know what that is, check out this great video to help you create one: https://youtu.be/Lb0Yz_5ZYzI
• Attend our Job Fair Success Seminar! We have a one-hour presentation with question and answer opportunities, checklists and giveaways. Check us out April 10, 2pm at Center H219, or April 11, 2pm at South G309.

Even if you aren’t exactly sure what you want to do, the Job Fair is a great way to make connections, build your network and research your career field. Arrive early, prepared and organized, and you’ll already be ahead of the pack. We hope to see you there!

By Keith Hill and Erin Fortuna, Counselors

• Are you undecided on your major?
• Are you nervous about which classes to register for next?
• Are you anxious to get on a path to career success?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may benefit from meeting with one of Macomb’s counselors! We provide many services and resources that are available to you as a student.

 

 

Career Assessments – Learn more about your interests, personality, values and abilities to help you make decisions about your future.

Explore Macomb’s Areas of Interest – Macomb has developed 10 Areas of Interest to help you narrow down your options. Every Macomb certificate and degree program fits into one of these pathways.

Resource Experts – There are many opportunities for undecided students to explore their interests. Whether it’s a career workshop, employer panel or other networking event, Macomb’s counselors are here to help you find resources that will benefit you regardless of where you are in your educational journey.

LIFE 1010 (Career Development & Decision Making) – This is a fun and interactive 3-credit course taught by counselors. Students in this course will match their interests and personality with career options, visit and tour worksites in Macomb County, and network with local employers. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about yourself while making informed decisions and developing future contacts in the world of work.

We know that students are more likely to complete a degree if they develop an academic plan, have a clear road map, and receive guidance and support along the way. That’s why we’re here! To get started, call Counseling at 586.445.7999 and select option 2 to schedule an appointment and start exploring your options.

Greetings! My name is Andrew Montano, President of The Macombers, and this is my second year attending Macomb Community College. For those who may not know, The Macombers are a traveling show choir group that performs all across Michigan, from local community events to elementary schools. If you’d like to see us perform, our Spring Extravaganza is coming up April 28^th at 7:30 p.m. at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts.

And if you’ve ever had an interest in auditioning, you’re in luck! Auditions for the 2018-2019 season are coming up on Sunday, March 25 or Tuesday, March 27 at 6 p.m.

If you want to audition, here’s some tips about what to expect:

• There will be a dance audition where an entire routine is taught to the full group, and then you will perform it with a smaller group. If you forget a step or your mind goes blank on what comes next, just keep going! It’s better to keep dancing and just smile away rather than standing still. 😊
• You will also sing a prepared song (this part of auditions will be private). Be sure to bring a karaoke track on CD or phone, or sheet music that includes piano accompaniment. If you have a karaoke track, try your best not to play it off the internet – there have been moments where either the WiFi or the cellular data have stopped working and the song had to buffer!
• After you perform your song, you will establish your pitch and harmony skills with our director, Todd Moses. For example, a note may be played on the piano and you will have to match that pitch.
• Lastly, just have fun! Take slow, deep breaths. An audition is just like a job interview. If you’re one of the few people that didn’t make the cut, the best thing you can say to yourself is that you gave it your best.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact our director, Todd Moses, at  mosest098@macomb.edu or 586.226.4734. Also, if you want to keep track of what The Macombers are accomplishing, please visit our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/TheMacombersOfficial/

Thank you for taking the time to read about Macomber auditions!

By Stacey Frankovich, Director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Are you a “Gigster?”

What we once considered to be consulting, contracting, freelancing and self-employment are now all rolled into the Gig Economy – the latest trend in employment allowing workers to leverage their skills, experiences and passions into a diverse portfolio of freelance jobs. Not only does this provide more options to take the jobs you want, it gives the flexibility to work remotely and to design a work schedule and environment that fits you.

So what does this have to do with you as a Macomb student? It means that your experiences and the skills you are learning in school have value. It means that you don’t have to wait to graduate to begin supplementing your income. You can make a little money and build your portfolio while you’re in school, which can also help you get a great job after graduation. And we can help you!

At Macomb’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE), we help students and community members launch their own business ideas through coaching, strategic planning and connecting people to resources.

But even if that’s not your ambition, we also work with many entrepreneurs in high-tech sectors who are looking for “gig” workers. If you can transform drawings into CAD or create renderings for promotional materials or patent applications, we know entrepreneurs who could use your help. If you can design logos or websites, we know people who would like to meet you. If you have a passion for jewelry making, floral design or photography, there are opportunities for you too. I encourage you to think outside of the box and think like an entrepreneur – blaze your own path!

Come by and see us at the CIE – let’s continue the discussion on how you can start your own business or become a “Gigster!”

By Kevin Chandler, Dean of University Relations

Have you thought about what it would take to transfer from Macomb to the next college of your choice? Ever wonder how many of your Macomb credits can transfer to a four-year college or university? And have you decided when you should approach the school you want to transfer to? Guess what – you can do all these things easily, and we have events on campus that help answer all these questions!

At the Macomb Pathways and Transfer Hub (M-PATH) event on Feb. 27, you can find out about transfer plans and articulation agreements – we have over 300 of them, some of which allow you to transfer 90 credits! You’ll also learn about scholarships and the colleges we have transfer partnerships with, including the 12 colleges and universities offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programs at Macomb’s University Center (UC) on Center Campus. Bring your friends and family and attend the M-PATH event on:

Tuesday, February 27, 4–5:30pm at the University Center, Lecture Hall A (Registration link)

You can also attend our College Transfer Day event on March 14 to meet with Macomb counselors and advisors, our University Center partners and other organizations in the community. Specifically, you can find out what your transfer path could look like, get help deciding what classes to take, and understand how to maximize your credits at Macomb for transfer toward your bachelor’s degree. Plus, learn about transfer scholarships that might be available to you. Bring your friends and family to College Transfer Day on:

Wednesday, March 14, 4-7pm at the John Lewis Student Center (K Building) on South Campus (Registration link)

Remember – we’re here to help you on your transfer journey!

Discover Macomb is Saturday, Feb. 17 at South Campus, a chance to explore the campus, hear from faculty and staff, and get questions answered. We asked our helpful recruiters – Mary, Teri and Sarah – to share their advice for making it as useful an experience as possible.

 

 

 

1. Figure out your questions now! – Don’t wait until the day of the event to think about what you want to know. Write your questions down now and bring them with you. “Future you” will thank “past you” for looking clever.
2. Take notes – You’ll probably have a few “aha” moments while you’re listening to various campus leaders speak, but those insights won’t do you much good if you don’t remember them later. Bring a pen and paper to preserve them for when you need them!
3. Put on your walking shoes – With tours covering some of our most popular programs, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress warm to get a look at your potential future.
4. Bring a friend to cover more ground – You can go to the session on Media & Communication Arts and send your friend (or a parent) to the session on Financial Aid.
5. Any time is a great time – Even if you just started high school, Discover Macomb has something to offer you. You’ll learn about the foundation of preparing for college and how to earn college credit while still in high school.
6. Know your Social Security Number – You can submit your application right at Discover Macomb; just have your SSN with you. Multi-task like a champion!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more and register here!

By Angela McLean, Business Professor

Studying business at Macomb is exciting. There are countless opportunities today, and even more we have yet to discover. Your career may not even exist yet! Something else that’s exciting? Today’s employment scene. It looks strong. Area employers are hiring. You came to Macomb to pursue a career, and the timing is good!

So, what does that mean for you? Specifically, what does your path look like? Sometimes this is an overwhelming thought. You can study in so many different areas of business – how do you decide where your passion lies? How will you maximize your educational experience to learn the skills you need? What else should you be doing to be the ideal candidate for your next job?

I think the key lies in taking charge. Take charge of your program, and take charge of your experience.  Attend the Business Degree Basics event scheduled for Thursday, January 25^th at South Campus, and the same business professors who lead your classes will help you focus on your future and becoming that ideal candidate. See the link for details – and space is limited, so register early!