Start taking a college degree program with a full-time job? Will I have time to commit to courses? These were questions Michael Lois asked himself when trying to decide to take college courses for a new career. Then Lois found Bismarck State College's Nuclear Power Technology online degree program. "I wanted to go back to school, but did not want to travel daily to class, so I was looking for an accredited technical degree program online and came across Bismarck State College," said Lois.

A prior lab technician for a commercial ice machine manufacturing company, Lois found that the courses worked well around his schedule. "I liked the convenience of being able to do all of your class work at home. I also liked how the instructors were always willing to get back to you promptly after emailing them questions. It was not easy for a 34-year-old with several other commitments, but BSC made it worthwhile."

Lois is completing the Associate in Applied Science degree this fall semester and has already been hired by Point Beach Nuclear in Wisconsin as an AOT (Auxiliary Operator Trainee). "I would not have been hired without the BSC credentials on my resume," he said.

Asked about his recommendations for people considering a career in the energy industry, Lois said, "I would say go for it because the need for energy and a well-trained workforce is not going away. Also, with the current condition of the economy the other great advantage to this industry is that there is not much of a chance that your job will be subsidized overseas. If a guy who has a full time job with a wife and four kids can get his degree than anybody can. You just have to be willing to put in the time to do the work."