Mt. San Jacinto Community college strives to meet the demands of local employers and create opportunities for women in non-traditional careers

Lynn Shaw, in her brochure, Tools for Success, states, “While we no longer label jobs as ‘men’s jobs’ and ‘women’s jobs,’ occupation segregation is quite prevalent in today’s workforce.  Of the 496 basic occupations, half of all women work in only 28 of the occupations and only 20% of these careers are nontraditional.”  What are non-traditional careers?  The US Department of Labor defines a non-traditional career for women as one where women make up 25% or less of the total employment population.  For example, looking at the industry of landscaping, lawn service, and grounds keeping, the US Department of Labor reports approximately 258,000 people (both make and female) are employed as managers in this profession - women comprise only 7.5% of these workers.

One woman who has exceeded all expectations in this industry, and has paved a way for all women, is a current student at Mt. San Jacinto Community College (MSJC) named Alma Duran.  Alma completed a certificate in Horticulture and is continuing her education at MSJC to obtain her degree.  Alma is, also, the Branch Manager for John Deere Landscapes in Murrieta, CA.  Her journey began as a child, as her father was in the Landscape industry, “I grew up doing jobs with him.  I hated staying home and doing housework.  I love this industry.”

Alma broke the mold; four years ago she began working for John Deere as a Counter Sales Representative, quickly moved up.  She noted that is not an easy feat in this company as there are many people still in the same position 12-15 years later.   Alma began considering her options for the future and s he soon realized she needed to continue her education “in order to become a better employee.”   Soon after she began working with a man, by the name of Bill Blackman, who was also teaching Turf Management coursework at MSJC.  Alma said her decision was easier after working with Bill Blackman.  “He motivated me with stories of great success in this industry from a variety of people.”

Alma stated, “One of my favorite classes was Pesticide because I wasn’t very knowledgeable in this field.  There is just so much to learn, it is amazing!  After taking that course I received my California Pesticide License and it gives me a wonderful feeling to be able to answer the questions of customers, but also those of co-workers.”   The fact that lecture was combined with speakers and field trips made coursework relevant to Alma as she was able to apply what she was learning immediately.  Her education “paid off” and she was promoted to Branch Manger.

Alma was dedicated to her education and her industry.  Things changed dramatically for her when she became pregnant, with her first child, in the middle of the spring semester.  “I had to finish the spring semester.  I didn’t’ want to fall behind, so I decided to enroll for the fall semester; that’s when it became harder and harder.  I showed up to every single class no matter how tired I was. I was 9 months pregnant and sitting in class, but I made it.”

Alma was the first child and first female in her family to go to college.  She stated “I always knew I wanted to do something that had to do with landscape, and attending college defined my career.”  As a result of her success not only in college but also at John Deere, Alma’s brother recently enrolled in the Turf Management courses at MSJC.  Alma’s advice to anyone wanting to attend MSJC is, “it is a wonderful place to start your dream, the environment is friendly and someone is always willing to help you.”

To find valuable information about the Desert Regional Consortium, go to http://www.desertcolleges.org.