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When Gina Ferrera graduated from high school, she never imagined she’d end up getting a degree and becoming an engineer. “I wasn’t interested in going to school," Gina remembers. "I just didn’t think I needed it. I was pretty independent."
Gina worked as a secretary at a local phone company, but she wanted more of a challenge. “I was bored. I wanted more hands-on work. I wanted to be on my feet, problem solving.” Gina became a technician at the phone company, but when she got laid off, she decided to take her interest in telecommunications and get the education, degree, and skills that would expand her career options and give her more job security.
Gina enrolled in a telecommunications program at Springfield Technical Community College in Massachusetts, focusing on laser and fiber-optic technology. Financial aid and a paid internship as a lab assistant allowed her to go school full time. Gina also worked at night, and received additional scholarships for keeping her grades up. When her daughter was born, Gina relied on her mother for child care so she could complete her degree.
When she graduated, Gina transferred to an engineering program at Western New England College. “I got a lot of encouragement and support from my professors. Sometimes I doubted I would make it, but I was determined to try anyway.”
With an Associate’s degree in electro-optic technologies and a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Gina got a job that allowed her to combine her knowledge of engineering and the laser technology used in telecommunications. As a value engineer at ITT Industries, Gina helps develop and improve the electronic components for night-vision goggles. “Basically, we make high-voltage power systems for night-vision goggles, one example of how laser technology is used.”
“I realize I’m a single mom in a male-dominated field, but my advice to any parent thinking about their future is, you can do it. I’m setting an important example for my daughter. She’s 7 now, and she understands the difference an education makes.”