Skip to main content
myHennepinTech | Give
I AM A/AN

Non-traditional Careers

Hennepin Tech supports students in their efforts to pursue nontraditional careers. Defined by gender, nontraditional career fields are composed of 75% or more of members of the opposite sex. For example, a non-traditional career field for a woman employs three men for every woman. The opposite is true for men. (All gender employment statistics are gathered from the US Department of Labor.)

Are you a student that would like to make an appointment with our Nontraditional Career Advisor?

Would you like your students to experience a ‘day in the life’ of a nontraditional career?

Are you a business or community partner that would like to support and engage with your future workforce?

Our Strategy is Built on Best Practices

Access to role models who students can SEE and HEAR from greatly increases the chance of persisting in educational programs and careers where they are often ‘one of few’.

Hennepin Tech has a dedicated professional who is available to meet with students enrolled in a nontraditional career field. Being up front about the challenges and benefits of a nontraditional career, she uses her resources to connect students through informational interviewing, job shadowing, joining with professional associations as a student, and making connections with other nontraditional career seekers to help them find that extra support required.

Explore some of the nontraditional career options available at Hennepin Tech

For Women

For Men

Alumni Success in Non-Traditional Careers

‘If You Can See it, You Can Become It’

  • Automation Robotics Engineering Technology
  • Automotive & Transportation Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Culinary Arts
  • Graphic Design & Web Design
  • Fire Protection
  • Fluid Power Engineering Technology
  • Ford ASSET
  • Information Technology & Cyber Defense
  • Landscape & Horticulture
  • Law Enforcement, Peace Officer & Public Safety
  • Practical Nursing

NEWS & INITIATIVES

Be Bold-Break the Mold

Hennepin Tech Women in Tech and BI Worldwide Female Leaders Team Up for Mentoring

Hennepin Tech and BI Worldwide have teamed up to provide a mentoring program for female students enrolled in Networking & Cybersecurity. Mentors and mentees meet individually monthly and gather as a group regularly to discuss topics related to women entering a field where they are one of few. Here they learn how to self-advocate, self-promote, and to support and empower one another.

"Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much."
- Helen Keller

Are you a woman in Information Technology/Computer Careers (CCIS) who is interested in the mentoring program?

Contact: Maria Vittone

Men in Dental Recruitment

Men in Dental Recruitment and Retention is another program that blurs the lines between jobs and gender. Come see the benefits and career options of dental assisting. It is not just a job that women do. We have the graduates to prove that it is an excellent and rewarding career fit for men!

Career Booster Tip of the Semester

How to Manage Your Inner Critic

When you find yourself as ‘one’ or few of your gender on the job, you may question your career choice. This can spark insecurities about your decision to step outside of familiar gender roles. Watch this video to get tips on how to manage these insecurities. Remember to keep a positive attitude and don’t get in your own way. You know you are good at your job and you deserve to be ‘in the room’.

You can do it!

From Leanin.org "3 Effective Ways to Manage Your Inner Critic."

Non-Traditional Newsletters

Stay up to date with Non-traditional career news.

Archives

Additional Support Can Come from Professional Associations

Look to professional associations to support your career choice. Though you may feel like one of few in your classroom, you will find there are larger numbers of you on the job. Student memberships are generally very affordable or free. Often these professional associations offer mentoring programs. Finding a mentor will help you to persist and secure your success in a career. Looking for scholarship money for school? These associations often raise money just for people like you! Check out the Associations below to find out how to get involved/become a member.

Associations for Women

Associations for Men

Need help finding a professional association? Contact Maria Vittone