One way out of the job rut

So, you're stuck in the rut of a job or career that takes everything you've got and gives little in return.

Welcome to modern times.

Now, do something about it.

Thanks to the long arm of North Idaho College reaching out to the community, anyone interested in finding out how they might improve their job prospects - which improves their lives - can do so even if they can't jump out of the rut during weekday business hours.

Tonight from 6:15 to 7:30 at the Post Falls library, we encourage you to stop by and talk to someone from the NIC admissions office. They'll be there to answer your questions, like "How do I pay for college?" and even "How do I get started?"

Getting started might be easier than you think. Show up at the Post Falls library tonight and talk to Heather Johnson.

"The NIC Information Nights that I hold in the community are for those parents, prospective students, and/or community members who have questions about attending NIC but cannot make it to campus during normal business hours," said Johnson, admissions recruitment specialist at NIC. "The NIC Admissions Office feels it is important to give our busy community members an after-hours opportunity to have a face-to-face interaction with an Admissions representative."

Community colleges are great places to begin the quest of making yourself a greater asset to current or prospective employers. NIC has something for everyone, from dual-credit programs for high school students to non-credit but valuable instruction for those already in the workforce.

NIC is striving to provide broader, deeper opportunities in areas like the Flexible Learning Center. The FLC is part of the Computer Applications and Office Technology program, offering individualized instruction for anyone wanting to learn computer applications and transcription courses. Those are concrete steps that will enhance students' value to employers.

With burgeoning enrollment spurred by the down economy, NIC is quickly reaching capacity even in programs it's expanded, like culinary arts and computer information technology. Yet we're seeing college officials striving to accommodate students at every conceivable level.

Tonight's info session at the Post Falls library is evidence of that effort. Take advantage of it, and see where it might lead.