Rise to the Challenge: KCI through a Counselor’s Eyes

Today is my final day at KCI! I can't believe how fast these 4 weeks went by!! Today I have 3 more KCI leaders to meet with and then I am off to the Board Room to give a presentation of all that I learned over the past 4 weeks and how I will bring back what I learned to Dundalk. It's going to be an exciting day! Counseling Connections: There are careers out there in Human Resources! People in HR are actually are a lot like counselors! A Bachelor's Degree in Business is helpful! KCI is always looking for good talent! They are always looking for engineers as well as entry-level workers out in the field. You can become an engineer later in life if you want! Don't let anything get in the way of pursuing your dreams! Engineers, designers, and others workers in the Utility market help to ensure that existing structures (pipes and lines in the ground) are not damaged and that people are not harmed either (electrocuted, for example)! They help to prevent accidents! There are ca

Today I'm back in the Sparks office to learn more about CI, Utilities, and Power. I'm taking in as much as I can because tomorrow is my last day. I can't believe it! Counselor Connections: There are a lot of entry-level positions out there in the Communications Design field and it's a growing profession! There are also a lot of entry-level positions out there in Utility Design! In this career you would research GIS maps and go to the field to investigate existing systems. You do a lot of work on the computer. In these careers you will start out in the field and be very hands-on but you can work your way up to management level and work in the office if you work hard and put your mind to it! These are rewarding professions because you are helping people get the services they need to function in society! Meeting with Mike Ebner- Regional Practice Leader, Communication Design Associate's Degree 14 years at KCI I start my day with Mike Ebner, a really neat guy with a lot

  Today I am exploring the Communications Infrastructure (CI) side of KCI! I get a tour of the White Marsh warehouse today. Excited to see another important part of this multifaceted company!                                            Counselor Connections: Most careers in Communications Infrastucture (CI) are entry-level! It is a growing business with lots of career opportunities. Entry-level workers in CI start as technicians and they can work their way up from technician 1 to technician 5 and from there they can work their way up to project managers. KCI will pay for their training and college tuition if they choose to go to college! Starting salary as a technician is $20/hour and project managers can make up to $100k per year. You can make a very good living in this field! There is also a need for Electricians in this field and KCI will pay for employees to get the training/apprenticeship. There are also administrative   project assistant positions that work with keeping the staff

Today I get to learn more about drones, which should be really fun! I get to work with Lauren all day. She is the one that has been taking the professional photos of me interviewing KCI leaders in the office. She has great energy so I'm excited to hang out with her! Counselor Connections Drone Operating is a great career to go into and there is a lot of need for them out there! KCI hires some people to exclusively operate drones for their business. You need to get a Pilot's License in order to fly a commercial drone. However, you do not need a college degree and you can even take a course and take the test while you are in high school! You may be interested in flying drones if you like video games and playing on your Smart Phone! You do have to have good hand-eye coordinator and attention to detail. Lauren Wright, Communications Coordinator Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Salisbury University 6+ years at KCI I walk into Lauren's office and I see Star Wars pictures e

Today I am in the Sparks office again interviewing but I will also get the opportunity to check out the Mechanical Engineering s ide of KCI by looking at the ins and outs of their own building! Counselor Connections Mechanical Engineering is another great engineering field to go into. It is all about the interior of a structure- mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection! Surveying involves a lot of technology, including working with 3D laser scanners, drones, and robotic equipment. You will have to start out working in the field, but eventually you could work in the office on the tech side of things. If you like technology, you might like this career!  You don't have to go to a 4-year college to get involved with technology and surveying. Technical schools, community colleges, and even some high schools offer CADD and other engineering technology programs to get you started in your career! Math is important in this field so learn your math skills in high school! Meeting