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Moraine Park Technical College Blog - Imagine What's Next
Trades

Options Abound In Water Quality Technology

Glasses of water on a wooden table.

When considering a career path, many look to the well-known careers that are out front and visual. Maybe this is because a relative, friend, or professional in the field that left a lasting impression. Regardless, when making career decisions we typically go through many processes, and sometimes we even change our paths mid-way.

Water quality technology is a career that is close to my heart. When I was in high school, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. As life unfolded, I found myself working in the field and it became apparent that I needed more education. So, enrolled in college as an adult learner. As time passed in my water quality technology career I found myself responsible for a wide variety of tasks and my education helped me to understand the many technologies and processes. I have been fortunate to have some positions in my career that have given me the opportunity to work locally, nationally, and even overseas. 

We often take for granted water running from our faucets, or in our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Even more, we rarely think of the skilled tradespeople who are working in water plants, providing safe drinking water for our communities and the environment.

So, why not consider a job in water quality technology? This career is rewarding, sustainable, challenging, and interesting, as well as very important. The most identifiable position is in municipal work, but there are also commercial and private industry positions as well. This career offers many opportunities all over the world. 

So, the next time you take a drink of water from the faucet, take a shower or even flush a toilet, know that someone has made all that possible. Maybe in the future, that someone will be you!

For more information on Moraine Park programs, like water technology, visit morainepark.edu.

February 3, 2019by Mark Schmidt
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Faculty and Staff

Faculty Spotlight: JoAnn Giese-Kent

JoAnn Giese Kent

Meet our business analyst (BA) instructor, Jo Ann Giese-Kent!

Jo Ann grew up in Campbellsport but now resides just outside of Fond du Lac with her husband Tim (a Moraine Park Alumnus), her teenage daughter, Ashlee, and her furry feline friends Pepper and Lilly. 

Prior to her current role, she worked as the VP of business intelligence and entrepreneurship for the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation. During this time, she also served as an adjunct instructor, teaching small business classes for Moraine Park’s Economic and Workforce Development (EWD) department.

“I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration majoring in marketing in the early ’90s,” Jo Ann said. “When I interned as a market researcher at a paper company, I discovered I liked the analytical side of marketing.   Throughout my career, I have done all aspects of marketing but felt the most comfortable with analysis from analyzing customer segments’ behavior and needs to analyzing processes or other business needs and recommending solutions to deliver more value to customers or internal stakeholders.  I’ve done analysis type work in several industries including direct marketing (catalog business), banking, higher education, and economic development.”

Jo Ann worked in Moraine Park’s Institutional Research department from 2000-2009  and returned to Moraine Park in August of 2017 as the full-time BA instructor.

“I enjoy working with students and sharing my experiences,” Jo Ann said. “When I heard about the new BA program instructor position, I was very interested. I am grateful that I was offered the job! Instead of being behind-the-scenes researching and understanding our students, I now can have a direct impact on their learning and success.”

The number one reason why someone should consider a career as a business analyst is that they are in high demand across many industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor  Statistics, employers throughout the United States will need 861,400 management analysts (which includes the business analyst title) by 2024.  In Wisconsin, employers will need 13,151 by 2024.  That’s a growth of 14%, almost double compared to all occupations nationally.  As a plus, an experienced analyst can earn $71,230 as the median annual wage.

“Employees who do business analysis have many different titles and roles,” Jo Ann said. “Most have the business analyst title but could also have titles such as systems analyst, process analyst, database analyst, market research analyst, supply chain analyst, and many others. They primarily help identify business needs, solve problems to produce better business outcomes, and help organizations add value to customers, suppliers, or end users of a process, or system.  They are known as the liaison or agent to enable that change to occur.”

The online BA program teaches the fundamental knowledge areas, tasks, and techniques needed to be successful in the business analysis field.

Outside of the College, you can find Jo Ann enjoying time her yard planting and landscaping. You might even catch her at a heavy metal concert.

“I’m more of a quiet and reserved person. Some people find it surprising that I love hard rock and heavy metal music,” Jo Ann said. “At this year’s Rock USA, I won a hand-painted, autographed Dean guitar!”

Thank you, Jo Ann, for your devotion to Moraine Park and the BA program. For more information, visit morainepark.edu/programs.

  • JoAnn Giese-Kent
  • JoAnn Giese Kent
January 15, 2019by Kristina Haensgen
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Natural Resources, Trades, Veterans

A Hidden Career Gem

An engineer controlling the quality of water , aerated activated sludge tank at a waste water treatment plant .Copy space

Today’s Blog is all about Water Quality Technology, and although the profession is not on everyone’s radar for career choice, maybe it should get a serious look.


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October 29, 2018by Mark Schmidt
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Natural Resources

Have you heard??

Engineer inspecting a hydroelectric dam. He uses a tablet device to record and communicate data.

Have you heard of the water quality and management career opportunities?


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August 3, 2018by Mark Schmidt
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Business

Business Analysts Are In High Demand- What Are You Waiting For?

Shot of a group of colleagues giving each other a high five while using a computer together at work

Whether you just finished high school or have been in the workforce for a while but looking for a change, if you have any of the strengths or transferable skills listed below, you would be a great candidate for the Moraine Park Business Analyst program.


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July 17, 2018by Kristina Haensgen
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Trades

I needed a career change …

Man standing outside in winter

Water Quality Technology is a satisfying career where you can help provide safe water to consumers, prevent disease, help protect the environment and maintain recreational waters for fishing and  . . . well, much more!

Many job openings in this field are also projected over the next several years as graduates replace positions of retirees and facilities continue to expand.

If this sounds like an interesting career field, but maybe you’re feeling a bit daunted and busy with life already, listen to the story of Wayne Gilbertson. He can relate!
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February 1, 2017by Mark Schmidt
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Student Services & Support

Couch power! MPTC hosting Virtual Transfer Fair

female student working on MacBook in beaver dam

Are you interested in transferring your MPTC credits to a 4-year college or university but are in class or working during the face-to-face transfer fairs? Or maybe the couch is just too comfy.

We’ve got you covered!
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October 11, 2016by Tiffany Rhode
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