McHenry County College offers local opportunities to expand professional skills

The fast pace of today’s modern workforce requires professionals to evolve their skills quicker than ever before.

Whether you’re in manufacturing, education, health care, an office environment or another industry, continuing your education is the key to keeping up with the latest technology, making improvements in efficiency, and learning new tools that can give you an edge in the job market.

No matter the stage of your career, McHenry County College has local, convenient, and affordable programs to help you expand your skills and elevate your potential.

MBA programs

One of the most popular programs for executives and those aspiring to enhance their career is a Master of Business Administration. But between work and family commitments, working professionals often find it difficult to go back to school.

The University Center at MCC offers an MBA program through a partnership with Roosevelt University in downtown Woodstock. Students directly can pursue a Master of Business Administration or begin by earning one of several undergraduate degrees — a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in finance, human resources management or marketing — with the option to earn an accelerated MBA after completion.

“An MBA diversifies your options in the workplace, enhances management and marketing skills, can prepare you for the next level in your career, and helps with networking,” said Kailley Harmon, executive director of the University Center at MCC. “This program is designed for working individuals to attend classes close to home or online. The University Center at MCC is also centrally located in McHenry County, making it easy to commute from home, work, and activities.”

Evening hybrid and online course options are available, and the program also offers internship opportunities and other connections to the community and local businesses.

All Bachelor of Science in Business Administration programs can be completed in two years, and the MBA can be completed in as quickly as one year.

For more information, visit mchenry.edu/ucenter.

Career and professional training

MCC also offers a variety of noncredit courses for those looking to enhance their skills in existing careers, complete professional training to enter a new career, or for employers looking to provide specialized training for their employees.

The college’s engaging workforce training classes cover a broad range of technical, employability and managerial skills, including health care, safety, and wellness; leadership and talent management; manufacturing; technology; and workplace skills.

Those looking to start a new career can train to become an electrocardiogram technician, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, veterinary assistant, real estate agent, and other specialties.

One of MCC’s latest and most unique career training programs is for motorcycle technicians. The program, offered in partnership with the Windy City Motorcycle Academy in Woodstock, teaches students how to service and repair motorcycles through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and job shadow opportunities.

MCC also partners with local businesses to develop customized training for specific goals, including employee job performance, priority business challenges, and reinforcing processes, procedures, and best practices.

Programs can be provided virtually or in person at the business location or at one of MCC’s facilities.

For more information, visit mchenry.edu/workforce.

Small Business Development Center

Those looking to start or expand their business can take advantage of no-cost, confidential business advising, one-on-one counseling, monthly workshops, and entrepreneurial resources through the Small Business Development Center at MCC.

MCC’s diverse team of subject matter experts can help individuals at all phases of the business life cycle create a business plan, attract more customers, improve operations, increase sales, and obtain financing.

The center also offers monthly women-owned business round-table discussions — one for established entrepreneurs and one for emerging business owners.

To become a client, view upcoming workshops, or submit an inquiry about opportunities, visit mchenry.edu/isbdc.