Jacob’s Story

Jacob Dwyer says his biggest college shock was learning that his childhood “dream” job was not a good fit, and following Dad’s footsteps isn’t such a bad idea.  He thinks those two revelations are reason enough to give community college a try, even for students like him who say they aren’t big fans of going to school.

 

 

Now Jacob has found a like-minded community at El Dorado Center (a Folsom Lake Community College satellite campus). He is currently studying water and wastewater management with an emphasis on wastewater, and is working towards a certificate that will open doors in the water and wastewater industry, a career that can be stamped with a family seal of approval.

“The most surprising thing for me about college was learning that something I wanted to do my entire life was not a good fit for me. I stumbled upon the water and wastewater courses and instantly wanted to learn as much about it as I could.”

–Jacob Dwyer

Jacob’s dad is an environmental scientist and Jacob’s cousin is also working in the water industry. Perhaps the family inclination toward science is a coincidence, but when Jacob stumbled upon the water and wastewater courses, he knew instantly that he wanted to learn as much about the industry as he could.

An 18-month campus security gig at the El Dorado Center earned Jacob the chance to know everybody, students and faculty alike, and his fellow classmates in the water and wastewater program he says are the best. They all share information about job postings and study together outside of class.  According to Jacob, even state exam day is fun because seeing classmates there lowers the intimidation factor and helps take the pressure off (a little bit).

Jacob is currently an intern with El Dorado County Environmental Management as a grade 1 operator in training. He knows first-hand that gaining a certificate of achievement can mean entry to careers in industries that are in high demand, pay well and offer advancement.  He wants other students to know that achieving a certificate is a fast-track to jobs with solid growth potential, little financial burden and a way to find something you like, even if Dad approves.