Alumni Profile
Hannah McGhee, 2nd time around
Hannah McGhee earned a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious liberal arts college in 1995. But it took a second degree from SMCC for her to develop the skills to launch her own business.
After graduating from Middlebury College in Political Science with German and French, Hannah wasn’t sure how to transfer her learning into a career. Later, after a 10-year career in social work, she enrolled in SMCC’s Communications and New Media program, learning graphic design, website design and photography skills that enabled her to start a home-based business, Hermit Thrush Design, after her 2013 graduation.
Hannah’s classes also taught her about contracts, billing and other business necessities to successfully run a business of her own. Today, out of her home in Newcastle, she provides design services for print and the web.
“From day one at SMCC, you’re actually creating things. There was a big focus on what you’re going to do when you graduate. They made sure your assignments would be something that you would be doing in the working world. “
Student Profile
Corey Ramsey, IT calling
Seeking a new career direction, Corey Ramsey came to SMCC nearly 20 years after graduating high school. Even before he graduates, he has a job in his field of Information Technology.
After high school, Corey worked for years in restaurants and a retail store. But with a wife and young daughter, he decided it was time to learn the skills for a career that would allow him to spend more time with his family while tapping into his knack for electronics.
He’ll graduate this spring with a degree in Computer Technology. Through connections he developed at SMCC, he landed at a job at Workgroup Technology Partners.
He credits SMCC with giving him the skills for a challenging new career.
“The growth potential is phenomenal. IT is integrated into everything. You can’t have a business that doesn’t have an IT component. It’s like health care, there’s a constant needs for people in this industry. There’s not lack of opportunity.”