A path to your next career may lie in your hobbies or in seemingly regular conversations. For Timothy Brunetto, it all began with a conversation with an advisor at GateWay Community College.
“I heard about the hydrologic studies program at GateWay when I went to and advisor for help on choosing a career. The advisor asked me what my hobbies were and I told her surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, hiking and camping,” said Brunetto, a hydrology student. “She told me about the hydrologic studies program and that I should attend the water resource program open house. After attending the event and seeing the photos of the students on their internships, I was instantly hooked.”
Brunetto is now one of a growing number of GateWay students beginning their careers with the United States Geological Survey (USGS). He has been stationed in Honolulu to complete his internship.
“Being out here in Hawaii working for the USGS is a dream come true. I couldn't ask for a better place to be working outdoors,” adds Timothy. “It's a great feeling to wake up in the morning and actually be excited to go into work.”
Twice a year, GateWay Community College along with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) organize a “Water Resource Program Open House” to recruit future Hydrologic Technicians for the Water Resource Technology program. GateWay Community College has also developed a number of working relationships across the country to help further the potential of its students.
“The Water Resources Division Retirees from the USGS started a scholarship program to encourage growth in hydrology programs and since its inception, GateWay students have been among the recipients,” said Mario Castaneda, program director. “They like the quality of the technicians that graduate from GateWay due to their high skill level.”
The scholarship helps make it possible for students to attend GateWay Community College and pursue a career path as hydrologic technicians. In 2012, Brunetto was the recipient and he received his award while in Hawaii.
GateWay offers three tracks within the water program: Hydrology studies, water treatment, and waste water treatment with competitive paid internships available for all three tracks.
“For Tim as well as many of our graduates, working outdoors is a dream come true and it is made possible through a career in water studies,” said Castaneda.