For Catelyn Frost, who plans to graduate in December of 2013 with an associate degree in Marketing from Fox Valley Technical College, her path to success was quite clear—finding something she liked to do and match that interest with a high-demand program. That way of thinking got the ball rolling for Frost educationally and proved to be a successful move for her to develop professionally.

When Frost lost her job nearly three years ago, she enrolled in the high-demand Marketing program at FVTC’s Oshkosh Riverside campus. “I have discovered my own potential and self-confidence thanks to Fox Valley Tech,” says the 21 year-old Omro native.

In addition, Frost knew that this was an opportunity to learn all the necessary skills in order to obtain a rewarding career. “I truly feel the skills I have gained here will help prepare me for any career in the marketing field,” she says. “Not a day goes by that I am not thinking about something I learned at Fox Valley Tech.”

Frost’s pathway is one example of how high-demand programs at FVTC are meeting the demands of regional employers. “By providing students with the skills our area employers need most, our graduates build great, sustainable careers,” says Elizabeth Burns, director of admissions at FVTC.

In addition to her excitement toward a new career, Frost remains active in the FVTC Collegiate DECA chapter, a student-driven organization that helps prepare students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. “Collegiate DECA is a stepping stone,” says Frost. “It continues to give me a new perspective. This past year I was elected president of our Oshkosh chapter, as well as the vice-president for the Northeast Region at the state level.”

Frost placed in the top 10 in Sports and Entertainment Marketing at the DECA International Career Development Conference last April. She is planning to continue her growth by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in both marketing and business administration. She is headed for a bright future—last year 96% of FVTC marketing grads found jobs within six months of graduation.

“We currently offer nearly 25 high-demand programs,” says Burns. She says that parents and prospective students should consider the promising potential of high-demand programs as part of their decision-making process in selecting a college or university. “It makes sense as a consumer of higher education to bring graduate employment more into the decision-making process today,” she adds.
 

Off the Charts

• Fox Valley Technical College measures its graduate employment rates annually.
• On average, 90% of FVTC graduates land careers within six months of graduation.
• In 2012, a record 33 FVTC programs represent 100% graduate employment within six months of graduation.
• 96% of FVTC Marketing graduates landed employment within six months of graduation.