Your future, for $5

Harper College will help you figure out your future — for just five bucks. The College this summer is hosting a series of $5 summer Career Interest Workshops aimed at helping unemployed and underemployed adults who are eyeing new professions in the down economy.

The sessions, intended at determining which profession might work for you and how to get started, will include a career assessment that matches personal interests to prospective careers and a follow-up discussion on the results and the potential educational opportunities for starting on a new path.

“Launching a new career can be daunting, especially when the economy is bad. These workshops offer guidance and encouragement,” said Kathleen Canfield, director of Career Services.

The workshops target those who have been laid off or have a job that no longer exists, and, specifically, adults who are considering a return to college.

“These people are in need of new careers,” Canfield said. “But aren’t sure where to start.”

Maryann Pressnell turned to one of Harper’s sessions in the fall of 2009, after the company she worked for went out of business. She came into the workshop with a master’s degree, 30 years of marketing experience and an unshakable feeling that her calling was in a different field. Today, she’s parlayed her longtime health care interest into a career shift — and is on her way to a Medical Assistant Certificate at Harper.

“I was concerned about taking science courses, and the Harper assessment measured if I thought along those (scientific) lines. It eased my fears,” said Pressnell, who is set to graduate next spring. “Exploring something new can be fun and exciting.”

The sessions will run from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 14; Monday, August 1, and Tuesday, August 9 in the Student Center, Building A on Harper’s main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road. Registration is required.

For more information or to RSVP, call (847) 925-6220 or visit harpercollege.edu.