CHLOE O. FOLSOM

     My primary reasons for attending college are personal edification and qualification for a broader range of technical career paths.  More specifically, I am currently attending Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) because of the financial benefit, more convenient location, opportunity to earn an Associate degree, and provision for smooth transfer into a senior institution.  My program of study at CCC&TI is the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree.  It suits me because I am interested in a career that applies math and science.  In addition, it gives me the structure I need to make sure I am taking the correct transferable courses.  Also, it will both make the transfer less complicated and allow me to transfer into a senior institution as a junior.  Earning a transferrable A.S. degree from CCC&TI is the most adaptable, cost-effective, and “packaged-to-go” option for me.

​

     My ultimate academic goal is to transfer to a university and earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) degree.  Transfer to a university is a huge process in one’s academic journey.  However, I can keep my transfer relatively streamlined using the resources provided by CCC&TI and the transfer university.  Adhering to the A.S. course curriculum will ensure that my credit hours earned at CCC&TI are transferrable according to the CAA (Comprehensive Articulation Agreement).  Also, I will verify that both my additional required hours and electives are compatible with my academic program at the university.  I have and will continue to use the helpful CAA baccalaureate degree plans and university transfer guides.

​

     The Holland Code and CFNC (College Foundation of North Carolina) website are the self-assessment aids I used to evaluate my interests.  My Holland Code is investigative, artistic, and conventional, which matched the interests determined by CFNC.  I believe my interests align well with my academic program.  The A.S. and B.S.M.E. will require devotion to science and mathematics, both of which require investigative and conventional left-brained traits.  I’ve always enjoyed science, and mathematics has been my anchor subject.  My top work values from CFNC are achievement, relationships and support.  It is important that I use my abilities and skill set (particularly college degree) within my career.  I know that colleagues and leaders can either lighten or weigh-down the task of work.  Therefore, their influence and my relationship with them are important to me.  Fortunately, engineering is a career that matched both my work values and my interests.  My hope is that I will be able to find an engineering position which best aligns with my work values and interests, while understanding that, realistically, not all of them will be met according to my expectations.  I believe having a job which goes against one’s work values can, in some cases, be more discouraging than a job which does not hold one’s interests.

​

     I am interested in mechanical engineering as a career because it is such a fascinating field.  The development of new designs and products can have a positive impact on civilization.  Some of the most awe-inspiring moments I have ever experienced were in the presence of some engineering feat.  Furthermore, I have always desired to understand the how and why behind these enterprises.  Although the optimism of these inspirations will likely result in the repair of existing designs and the rudimentary production of ordinary parts, having a part in either the advancement or sustainability of technology will give me pride in the pursuit of improving and maintaining the structure of our manmade systems.  Receiving the credential of B.S.M.E. and being a professional within engineering will give me the satisfaction of knowing that I have set and achieved both my academic and career goals.

​

     I first learned about my future career from my father, who is currently a mechanical engineer, but has also had a teaching career.  Knowing him and understanding his career exploration and decisions has greatly influenced my choice of career.  His career began in mechanical engineering, then during mid-career turned toward teaching.  After teaching for fifteen years, he went back into engineering.  I know that teaching is his real passion and natural talent, but I also know that having a B.S.M.E. has given him greater flexibility and opportunities—including teaching—than a more restrictive credential would have.

​

     I believe a career in mechanical engineering is tailored to my learning style and interests.  I also believe it is fairly optimistic that my work values will be met within my career choice.