Career Development: Education and Training

Hello! My name is Synthia Kirby, the principal at the Wichita Falls ISD Career Education Center in Wichita Falls, TX.  This is my 27th year in education. I taught for 8 years, was an educational counselor for 7 years, and have been in administration ever since. With all of that being said, education has been a lifelong passion.

Education and training is an important aspect to career development, no matter the extent of your educational achievement. Various forms of education and training are available to everyone. Don’t have a high school diploma? Region 9 has a GED program. Want to get paid while learning? Apprenticeships are the key. Looking to earn a certification or associate degree? Vernon College and Vernon College Skills Center are in our backyards. For those looking to pursue a bachelor, master or even doctorate degree, look no further than Midwestern State University. Wichita Falls has so many avenues to getting training or earning an education.

What does it take personally to complete training or earn a certificate or degree?

1. A person has to have goals and plan. If you’re not sure what you want to be “when you grow up”, do some research, take an interest inventory, talk to people in the fields that peak your interest. Once you determine your goal, do more research to learn what it takes to achieve your goal.
2. Have determination. Life is always going to throw us some curveballs. We have to be mentally prepared for whatever may come our way. Don’t make excuses when one of those curve balls comes at you. Maintain the determination to continue to reach your goals.
3. Work hard! Goals and plans mean nothing without a strong work ethic. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” Successfully completing training or earning a certificate or degree is worth having. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort.

The great thing about getting education and training is that there are people willing and able to help and money is available. Workforce Solutions North Texas has numerous resources available to job/career seekers. The staff is willing to help guide you along the way. If you plan to attend a trade school, college or university, tutoring and financial aid is available. Job/career seekers who have children can look to Workforce Solutions North Texas for childcare options.

Remember, where there is a will there’s a way!