What do you do?  "It doesn't matter what it is, the whole [commercial construction] project starts with a shop drawing," says Courtney. She works with architectural plans to create production drawings for windows and door framing. As project manager, she's also responsible for tracking the project, submitting project data, scheduling, ordering material and overseeing fabrication and installation.

What drew you to this career?  Courtney graduated from high school in 1998, but didn't find her direction right away. "I waited a bit before I knew what I wanted," she says. "I was always interested in construction, but it was really hard for women then. In 1998, I didn't know about any women in construction programs to help you get started in the field." She found her niche at age 22, after her father suggested she check into programs at Clinton Community College.

How was your community college experience?  "They were really helpful. They made me feel good about what I was doing and supported me," she says. The program's flexible schedule also worked well with her life as a single mother.

What's the best thing about working in this field?  "I really like who I work for. I go into work everyday, and I'm so busy with stuff I enjoy doing. It's not the same thing everyday." Part of the appeal is "seeing how stuff goes together."

What's your experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry?  As the project manager for glasswork at the Davenport Skybridge, Jefferson Elementary in Clinton and the new Davenport police headquarters, Buikema has spent a lot of time on construction sites. "Once you're on the job, you just blend in. You don't think about being one of only three women," she says. While it's "not for everyone," she also adds that "it's not as scary as a lot would think. They show respect and are decent to work with. If it's something you really want to do, find a way to get in. It's great. I love it."

What's your advice?  "Go talk to the community college. It's the quickest and easiest way to get into it. At a university, it would have taken me four years. At the community college, I spent two years, and I did AutoCAD everyday." As for opportunity, she says, "It's a great field. There's lots of opportunity. You could go anywhere with this position," noting that East Moline Glass called her back the same day she interviewed.

What is the job outlook for this field?  According to the American Design Drafting Association, there are more than 500,000 highly skilled designers and drafters employed nationwide. Students who are trained in CAD and advanced design principles will be in demand for many years to come. Entry level drafting technicians can expect to earn between $20,000 to $30,000 annually. Experienced technicians may earn more.

What industries employ drafting students?  Career track options include producing Computer Aided Design drawings for mechanical, architectural, structural, industrial, electrical, surveying, civil engineering and piping applications, among many others.

What drew you to nursing?  As a finish carpenter for 17 years, Mike Amos was more accustomed to pounding nails than taking pulses. But he was ready for a change. "Ever since I was young, I have had a huge interest in the sciences," says Mike, noting that he also had several discussions with nurses while building houses for them. "Finding out what they did was of great interest to me. I really like to do things for people."

Some of his first lessons in the program tackled what it really means to be a nurse. "I had a lot of preconceived ideas to overcome, like the idea that nurses [just] take orders from doctors. Actually, we are the advocates for the patient. That made me know more and more that I am [heading] in the right direction."

What should prospective students know?  "It's a very difficult program. They weed out people. Right now we have to memorize so much, it's incredible," says Mike, noting that it's also a significant time commitment. "That was another real shocker. Our instructors told us 'if you're working more than 12 to 18 hours, you have to cut back. It's just not going to happen.' There's so much studying. If you want to make it, you have to apply yourself."

What has been your best experience so far?  Working "kids day" in the recovery unit at Muscatine Hospital "was a very exhilarating feeling. I was really needed. I liked it enough that it's one of the areas I'd consider," says Mike.

What's your experience as a man in this program?  Mike says that "he's never encountered the whole stereotype of guys in nursing" while working in his clinical rotations. "That old stigma is pretty much gone. I'm not getting teased, and I haven't had any patients treat me oddly. Everybody has been really accepting," he says.

What's your advice to others thinking about nursing?  "If that's what you think you want to do, you're crazy not to try. That's what dreams are all about," says Mike, adding that's important to keep an open mind. "It's so diverse. There are so many directions you can take your career - oncology, geriatrics, critical care, short stay/recovery, operating room, circulating nurse, scrub nurse. The list goes on and on."

What degree options are available?  Students may choose either the Practical Nursing (PN) Diploma program (available at all three colleges) or the Associate Degree Nursing ADN program (available at Clinton and Scott Community Colleges).

What is the job outlook for this field?  As the largest healthcare occupation, registered nurses (ADN) held about 2.2 million jobs in 2000. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Median annual earnings for a graduate RN are $36,244. Median annual earnings for a graduate PN are $24,366.

What do you do?  Holmes purchases the components that go into building BANDAG tire retreading equipment - motors, gearboxes, electrical parts, etc. Before earning her Manufacturing Technology degree, she worked as an assembly line technician and in shipping and receiving.

How did you get interested in manufacturing?  The 25-year employee at BANDAG actually started her career as a secretary. As a single mother, though, she needed to increase her earning power. So about 12 years ago, she moved to the manufacturing side. "[Just] by stepping into the plant, I had a $5 an hour raise," recalls Diana. "Once I was here, it opened up a whole new world. Financially, it showed me that just because I was a woman, it didn't mean I couldn't do anything a man could do."

What difference has this made in your life?  "The experience has impacted my life in a huge way. I was able to go from a starving single mom, per se, to [making] a very comfortable living. Going the non-traditional route probably increased my salary by more than double. I'd really recommend that aspect of it to any female. I would not have today what I have if not for making that move. For me, it was a very scary step, but one I have no regrets about."

How was your community college experience?  Diana attended classes part-time while working full-time and raising her family. "I really liked [my classes.] We had true-to-life instructors who all had jobs outside teaching, and they were able to relate to the working environment as well as teaching."

What's your advice for other women?  She believes the potential for advancement in manufacturing is "definitely there," especially for women with a two-year degree. "What better way for a young woman with a two-year degree to be able to go into the workforce and make close to $20 an hour?" And it's good to be prepared. "When the time comes in life when you are the sole supporter of your family, it's nice to know there are ways to bring yourself back out."

What is the job outlook for this field?  Graduates can expect to earn an annual salary in the range of $19,000 to $25,000. Experienced Manufacturing Technology graduates may earn more. With fast paced changes in manufacturing and today's high-tech systems, a two-year degree is the minimum for many employers. Planned retirements are expected to create high job opportunities in this field within the next five to seven years.

What drew you to this career?  Being the subject of a medical test opened Chris Markham's eyes to the opportunities within Radiologic Technology. "I had to have an upper G.I., and was interested in the process," says Chris, noting that diagnostic tests are just one of the many specialties within radiology. "A lot of people think about doctors and nurses, but there are a lot of different branches [with X-ray] that not a lot of men do."

What's the best thing about this field?  Patient care, the camaraderie of serving on a trauma team, and the ever-changing nature of his job keep Chris interested. "I loved it [the field] from the first. Each day is completely different. You don't know what you're walking into," he says, adding, "You feel satisfaction of doing something that is helping someone, and earning respect from others as well. I like the feeling of knowing you are helping diagnose and solve somebody's problem."

But it's not for the squeamish, notes Chris, who works first and second shifts administering CAT (computer-aided tomography) scans at Genesis Medical Center, a Level II Trauma Center. "You have to be really good about working under pressure in stressful situations and maintaining a good workflow. You have to stay clear-headed and still do your job."

How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?  Chris landed his job in about three weeks. "I started my research right away," he notes. "With an AA degree, you can go to any hospital, any doctor's office and do pretty much anything [in the field,] except management." Chris is currently working on a bachelor's degree in health arts, which will provide him with even more career options.

What's your experience of working in a female-dominated field?  "I find it's a lot easier. Men get treated pretty professionally. A lot of places where I've worked [where it was mostly men], it's more ... competitive. I've never had that happen ... in this field."

What's your advice to others?  "It's a good starting point for someone. You start out making really good money, usually about $16 an hour in a hospital. That's really good money for someone just starting out after a two year program." he says. Chris recommends completing general education requirements before entering the Rad-Tech program. "You don't realize, you're devoted to that program for two years. You're doing 24 hours of clinicals on top of school. People don't realize how much time and dedication it takes once you get into the program."

What is the job outlook for this field?  Median annual earnings for radiologic technologists are $23,000 to $33,000. Technologists with specialized skills or additional training earn more. Most radiographers work a 40-hour week, including evening, weekend, holiday or on-call hours. Many also pick up additional part-time shifts.

What medical areas do Rad-Tech students work in?  Besides X-ray, radiographers may specialize in nuclear medicine, MRI, CT scans, interventional angiography, PET-CT scans, ultrasound, angiography and radiation therapy. Graduates may also continue their education toward a baccalaureate degree.

What do you do?  Valerie was recently promoted from an IT Technician at Danisco to a Systems Specialist, Level II. She will be overseeing the company's non-manufacturing computer systems at four regional locations - Cedar Rapids, IA, Beloit and Madison, WI, and Thomson, IL. Danisco supplies sweeteners for a wide variety of products, from chewing gum to toothpaste.

What drew you to the computer field?  An accounting clerk at Danisco for 11 years, Valerie wanted to know more about the computers she used. She also wanted to improve her marketability. "I was looking for change, and to improve my salary and skill set, as well as feel comfortable that I was needed in my position." Six months before graduation, an IT position opened up for her at Danisco.

What has been your experience working in a male-dominated field?  "Actually it's been quite an interesting ride. There have been extra hurdles," says Valerie. While she's done well, the ratio of men competing for job opportunities always outnumbers women. "I feel as if I have to prove myself at a higher level, and that's not always easy to do," she says, adding, "We are seeing more and more women filling these roles, which is pretty exciting."

What's your advice for other women?  "IT [Information Technology] is an exciting career path. It's constantly evolving," notes Valerie.

How was your community college experience?  Valerie attended college classes while continuing to work, and says, "Time was definitely a factor. I wanted a degree and I wanted it quick, and the community college allowed me to do that. Even taking summer courses was a blessing." The program's affiliation with Cisco, a big name in the IT industry, was another attraction. "I believe Clinton Community College is an excellent facility to start your educational career. It really gives you the strength you need to expand into a further degree or start working in your industry right away with just an AA degree."

What difference has your education made in your life?  "The advancement opportunities have really opened up. It's allowed me to really launch my career," she says, adding, "It's definitely worth the time. No one can take it away from me."

And her education has expanded her horizons in other ways. Danisco operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. "I've had the opportunity to travel to Denmark and France, and work with people not just domestically, but internationally," notes Valerie.

What is the outlook for this field?  Demand for IT graduates is expected to increase with the pace and complexity of improved technology, as well as growing challenges for network security. Earnings vary, depending on industry, experience and additional education. The median annual earnings for Networking/Computer Support Specialists were $36,460 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,680 and $48,440, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,480.