>>3206
>Funny, my dad more or less said the same thing about looking for a CC.
And he is correct. I had to burn out on a college being a dumbshit the first timeand work like a dog for a few years to only now understand the impact a community college can have on your life. It's the paradox of wisdom. Until you experience it for yourself chances are you'll never "get it". It's why the whole jes b urself deal is a meme.
When you start working you'll quickly realize that you learning and developing isn't an employer's priority. And if you lack the background, resources, etc a University gives jack shit care about you. A small community college in that regard is a stepping stone that a lot of people(myself at one time as well) take for granted. Inexpensive, actually have quality programs, flexible hours(especially for us who need to eat too). It's a chance at redemption where those of us who don't have strong academics can make a comeback.
>Isn't meeting the right people 1/3 the battle?
Yes. It is. Just knowing people opens doors especially if you can make them remember you. Show passion and interest and your face will pop up in their heads. You also have to realize that people have lives outside of college. I've found that in trade programs/cert courses(especially the latter) are filled to the brim with useful potential contacts.
Don't expect the world, by no means, but it at least gives you a shot to know who's who in the biz, who's hiring, what people are doing to get the job, who's a potential contact, career paths and prospects etc. If you're green, yeah it may seem intimidating but knowledge like that is worth gold and you won't find it just on the street somewhere.