Midland College dual credit classes set student on engineering pathDecember 17, 2021

When pomp and circumstance was playing for Erica Gomez’s high school graduation from Legacy High School, she had something else to celebrate.  In addition to her high school diploma, she also received a certificate in Energy Technology from Midland College (MC). Gomez was workforce ready.

“Energy Technology gave me the essential rundown of oil field operations,” Gomez said. “My teachers at the MC Advanced Technology Center (ATC) made my dual credit experience special. The professors really pushed us to be the best. They took time to go over soft skills like public speaking. It turns out that with COVID-19, those communication skills really prepared me for a year of Zoom meetings and virtual project presentations. MC teachers know what students need to be successful in the real world.”

Gomez is a first-generation college student. She chose to continue at MC and finish her associate degree.    

“I do not want to go very far from home for my education,” Gomez explained. “I chose to go MC and transfer because it is very cost effective. You also get a better teacher to student ratio. Both of those benefits were something I was looking for in my college experience.”

Research has shown several benefits of dual credit courses. Mainly, students gain first-hand experience with the rigor of college-level work while in high school, which makes for a smoother transition. Credits earned in high school transfer to Texas public colleges and universities helping students like Gomez complete a postsecondary degree faster and cheaper. 

Gomez discovered an additional benefit to dual credit coursework at MC. She secured a job in her field before she even received her associate degree! She has been working as an engineering technician at Magrym Consulting, Inc. since August 2020.  

“I remember telling my professor, ‘Guess what? I got the job!’” Gomez recalled. “I went through the Energy Technology program at MC as a high schooler thinking ‘I am never going to get a great, professional job in my field until I graduate with my bachelor’s degree.’ But it all happened immediately. It has been an amazing experience. I do a lot of drafting and plan sets.”

Engineering is a male-dominated field, but that fact is not stopping Gomez. She is breaking through the glass ceiling. She challenges more women to study Engineering. 

“It is a little bit intimidating,” Gomez admits. “I do not let it get the best of me, because I work hard, and I am good at what I do. I really enjoyed the classwork, and I enjoy the exciting work I do every day at my job. Essentially, I am at work to get things done, so that is just what I focus on and do.”