SGTC graduate helps pave the way for other successful students

In less than two years, James Otis Cochran of Americus has been able to turn his two-year technical college education into the job of a lifetime. He just recently began a new position as a MCSC Documentation Graphics Illustrator at AECOM Government Services, Inc. (AECOM) in Albany. Cochran graduated from the South Georgia Technical College Drafting program in May of 2015. He was selected as the Student of Excellence for his program and competed to be recognized as the Student of Excellence for that division at the college. “Technical Education works,” said Deo Cochran, a Retention and Coaching Specialist at South Georgia Technical College, who is also James Cochran’s mother. “I believe in technical education and my children have definitely benefited from attending South Georgia Technical College. This is a great place to start and learn the skills and knowledge needed to get a job.” James earned his drafting degree and was hired by Cable Connections Incorporated LLC in Albany. He has been successful with that company and his supervisor has requested that the college send them more employees like him. But even with that initial success, he was still excited to pursue a career in the graphic arts field. He had studied art at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus prior to coming to South Georgia Tech and entering the drafting program. His artistic talents combined with the practical and computer application skills that he learned in his drafting classes at South Georgia Technical College helped him to attain the job of a lifetime at AECOM Government Services in Albany. AECOM is an architecture, engineering and construction, environmental graphics and interiors company with offices worldwide. James graduated from South Georgia Technical College and found a job. Now he was been able to secure a position that will help him to earn a living and also provide the means for him to go back and finish his four-year degree while he works, explained Deo Cochran. “I am very proud of him and his accomplishments and I am very thankful for the opportunities that he was exposed to at South Georgia Tech.” South Georgia Technical College is currently enrolling students for c-term. Classes will begin on Monday, March 13th. Students will be able to enroll and complete classes in just eight weeks. The c-term will end on May 2nd. Lora Wiseman is the SGTC Drafting Instructor. For more information about that specific program contact Lora Wiseman at 229-931-2561 or lwiseman@southgatech.edu. For more information about enrolling at South Georgia Technical College contact the admissions office in Americus at 229-931-2394 in Americus and 229-271-4040 at the Crisp County Center campus or visit the website at www.southgatech.edu. Financial Aid is available.