Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program is working to help fill the increased need for remote workers. This technical diploma program is offered online and provides the tools and skills needed to excel in a work-from-home career. 

This program, formerly the Office Assistant program, was modified last year before COVID-19, to address the increased virtual needs all around. 

“There was an increased need for virtual careers well before COVID-19,” Amy Harmsen, an instructor at Moraine Park, said. “Now with the changes that resulted from the pandemic, I feel this program will help many individuals find employment options that work for their new reality.” 

The Virtual Assistant program is a one-year program and opens the doors of opportunity in many areas. 

“The Virtual Assistant program prepares you to work in just about any industry,” Harmsen said. “Fields such as healthcare, insurance, information technology, hospitality, retail, and more, need virtual support. This program is also a stepping stone for the Administrative Coordinator two year associate degree.” 

Students in this program learn a broad range of skills that will help address the needs of local businesses.

“This degree isn’t just for virtual careers. It helps to prepare business professionals all around,” she said. “Our students leave this program prepared to be problem solvers and flexible, and they have the tools needed to adapt to changing needs.” 

This year’s students have had to make some significant adjustments to their meeting and event planning class, which is usually centered around planning the in-person Portfolio Showcase event for the College. Instead, they are moving forward with the same event- except it will be delivered as a virtual event this year which provides a great opportunity for deeper learning.

“This class is getting real-world experience on how to be flexible and learn as they go,” Harmsen said. “I’m proud of their professional solutions. They will be entering the workforce at the end of this semester, and I am confident that they are prepared for what may lie ahead in their careers.” 

Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program is the only program of its kind offered in the state, and its virtual classroom setting offers an ideal learning environment for busy schedules. 

“If you’re interested in finding a career that offers the work from home flexibility or if you simply want to advance your skillset- this program is a great option,” Harmsen said. “This program can help prepare you for an assistant role. Employers can utilize this program to prepare employees and provide them with opportunities for growth and advancement internally.” 

For more information on Moraine Park’s Virtual Assistant program, visit morainepark.edu/virtual-assistant.

My name is Kerry Sauer.  I have lived in the Kohlsville area my entire life. 

After I graduated from high school, I attended Moraine Park Technical College and enrolled in their Legal Secretary Program.  I graduated with an Associate Degree in May of 1992.

Since my graduation, I have worked in various office environments, all of which I enjoyed.  During my career, I noticed that larger companies were a good fit for me.  Larger companies provide more opportunities for advancement and give you the opportunity to work with diverse people.

I got to a stage in life where I decided that it was time to go back to school and further my education. I knew that it would not be easy, but I could do it.

In the fall of 2018, I enrolled in the Office Assistant program (now called the Virtual Assistant program).  I chose this program to update my skills and open new opportunities.  This program allows me to utilize my strong skills such as customer service and organization.  When I graduate in the spring of 2020 with my Office Assistant Technical Diploma, I want to focus on finding employment in the health care, insurance, or manufacturing fields. 

Working at Salem United Methodist Church as Administrative Coordinator allows me to use my current skills and apply what I have learned in school.  I can also focus on my customer service skills when dealing with parishioners.

I chose Moraine Park because it has convenient locations which allow me to go to school and to work.  The entire staff is helpful.  I can communicate with my instructors through phone calls or emails to assist me with any assignments or questions that I have.  I would encourage anyone to attend and capture the Moraine Park experience. Moraine Park offers students the opportunity to join a variety of clubs.  By joining a club, students can interact with their peers that work in the same business area.  You can discuss similarities and difference of where you work.  You can also discuss potential employment opportunities.

–Written by Kerry Sauer

Hi, my name is Taylor Bever. I live in Hartford, WI. I attended and graduated from Hartford Union High School in 2018. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, camping, hiking, and going shopping. 

I started my Administrative Professional Program studies at Moraine Park Technical College in the fall of 2018. Currently, I am in my third semester. I chose this program for many different reasons. I really enjoy doing business related work. I found out I enjoyed the business field while in high school where I was involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and the Business Co-op/Youth Apprenticeship program. Through these opportunities, I was able to do basic business work. I also chose this program because of the endless career options. Lastly, already knowing the skills that I would learn through this program such as communication, customer service, and organization, it sounded like it would be the program for me as I already had a small grasp on these skills.

After I graduate from Moraine Park in spring 2020, I plan on finding a full time Administrative Assistant job in the educational or real estate field. I have already started to look at the various opportunities that lie within these two fields, as I feel they are perfect for me. I further plan on obtaining a real estate licenses once I am settled in with my new Administrative Assistant job.

I currently do not have a job within my career field; however, I plan on finding an internship by the start of 2020 to help me become more familiar with my future field. I do, however, have a part time job outside of school. I work for the Hartford Joint 1 School District as a substitute teacher aide. Here I get to support, assist, and help special education students succeed. I am very passionate about this job. Although this job doesn’t relate to my future career field, I have learned valuable information and skills that I can apply to my future career field. One very important skill being communication.

There are endless reasons for what I like most about Moraine Park. The staff is absolutely incredible. Everyone is so supportive and willing to help. Having smaller class sizes, which is also a plus, allowed me to build a relationship and connection with a number of my instructors. Being able to build this connection with my instructors has drastically helped me throughout my education. For example, it very easy to communicate with my instructors about any questions or difficulties I experienced. I also love the flexibility. A lot of my classes were offered both in class and online; therefore, I had options for how I wish to complete some of my classes. Overall Moraine Park is an amazing college and has exceeded my expectations as a student!

—Written by Taylor Bever, Administrative Professional program student

Hi, my name is Claire Sager. I am 24 years old, living in West Bend, WI. In 2013, I graduated from Living Word Lutheran High School in Jackson.

Personally, I enjoy reading, hunting, photography, and could spend days getting lost in museums. I am engaged to be married this August! As the day comes closer; we get more and more excited. My fiancé has an 8-year-old son. As a family we enjoy attending the races at the Beaver Dam Raceway, mini golfing, swimming at the beach in Port Washington, traveling, and playing outside.

After high school, I took some time off of school to really decide what I want to do in life. At 19, I started school at Waukesha County Technical College for Interior Design. Every part of that program was great, but I needed a change; which happily brought me to Moraine Park Technical College.

Here, at MPTC, I had a variety of career and education opportunities. I really wanted to find a path that could support a family, offer benefits, and something I could enjoy doing. I knew it would be hard to replace the design program. Going into MPTC, my mindset was not replacing my love of design but encouraging an outcome that would bring my family a world of opportunities.

I took my strengths into consideration and decided to enter the Administrative Professional program. At the time, this gave me the option of having a dual program with a degree in the Legal Administrative Professional program. With the dual program, I will earn two associate’s degrees in 2.5 years. I am very proud to say; I will complete a 2.5-year program in 2 years! Along with the associate’s degrees, I will have a Technical Diploma in Office Assistant and a Certificate in Customer Service. I am thrilled to be walking at the commencement ceremony in May and receive two of my four achievements. The other two I will receive after the summer semester.

Recently, I heard that the program for Office Management will end and a new program will take its place. I am seeking this credential as well. In December, I will achieve my second Technical Diploma, as a Virtual Assistant.

In total, by the end of 2019, I will have the following:

Administrative Professional Associate’s Degree
Legal Administrative Professional Associate’s Degree
Office Assistant Technical Diploma
Virtual Assistant Technical Diploma
Customer Service Certificate
I strongly believe in education. Something so great about Moraine Park is that they offer real opportunities for adults. All of the achievements I will be graduating with would not be as opportune at a university. For a working adult, an adult with a family, or a student fresh out of high school MPTC offers success in various ways. Moraine Park can offer students an education, success, a career, and a positive start to their future!

My instructors have not only educated and lead my classes, but they also give me insight and constructive feedback for my career field. I continue to learn about more ways to apply my degree and possible outcomes of my education. My instructors encourage the benefits of my education and career. Aside from the textbooks and classes, I have learned life skills to fit my trade and make me a better person. Communication, soft skills, and professionalism are just a few of the other benefits a student learns throughout their time at MPTC.

With all of my education credentials, I have a world of opportunity. My degrees will allow me to work in an endless amount of industries. To name a few, I could work for a law firm, school district, insurance company, corporate office, local business, or work remotely. I like the variety offered by my program choices and the option to grow and promote within a position. When necessary, I will continue education and training for my success and growth.

After Moraine Park I will join the workforce. In which exact field/industry I have not yet decided. As I said, I have an endless amount of options! I have hopes to work for a school district, a corporate office, or a law firm.

Not only have I gained an education, but Moraine Park has granted me possibilities for what could be. I will be able to provide for my family, encourage our hobbies, grow in a business, and continue developing skills that will help my career and personal life.

morainepark.edu

If you take great interest in new technologies, I would encourage you to explore the IT-Tech Support program at MPTC.  I am one of the instructors, and try to teach our students about new technology as early as possible. This helps them stay ahead of the game and be more prepared when they graduate. It also helps me as an IT instructor stay current.

One of the new devices I’ve incorporated into my classroom, and my home, is the Amazon Echo.  This wonderful little device has had a huge impact in both my classes and the way we do things at home.
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