Iowa Move (Cedar Rapids: student loan, find a job, school)

[InCam1]

So Im moving to Cedar Rapids Iowa well thats been the plan now for over a year and a half. I am planning on going back to college at Kirkwood. Anyone have any helpful info on jobs out in CR and any info on Kirkwood. Thank you all for the info. - C

[WoodwardGirl]

What kind of jobs?

What would you like to know about Kirkwood? What are you planning to study? It is a great school, huge for a community college.

[InCam1]

I am going to Kirkwood for physical therapy assistant. I need to find a job that will support me, I'm up for doing bout anything that pays the bills for now just something stable.

[WoodwardGirl]

Great field to be in. Have you been accepted to the program? Most of the health fields at Kirkwood book up early because graduates are in demand.

Be SURE to ask KCC about scholarships and apply for any they have. It may only be a few hundred dollars, but they have all different kinds, many devoted to particular fields, some awarded for need, others for scholarship, etc.

Most of the vocational programs are VERY demanding of your time. You might investigate jobs at the college, even work study, which will allow you to stay on campus and work rather than travel to somewhere else. There are also two BIG call centers more or less on campus, Ruffalo-Cody and I drive past the other one with the big beautiful pond in front just about every day and can't remember the name today! They are always hiring. It's not work for everyone but if you have any interest in that, it could keep you going for a couple of years.

Lastly, don't rule out a student loan. Kirkwood is pretty inexpensive compared to a university -- it won't amount to all that much and you KNOW you'll get a job when you graduate as a PTA so you can pay it off.

Get in touch with Kirkwood and make sure you don't make assumptions about being able to get in, and that you know early on what your housing options are. The biggest mistake students make is in thinking they can hook up with KCC at the last minute and it's just too big and too much in demand for that these days. Come to visit, attend all the orientation sessions, even if they sound lame, because they'll give you a chance to scout for housing and jobs.