Phi Theta Kappa: LBCC 2015 Winter Induction Ceremony

In the Forum auditorium on the evening of Feb. 19 students gathered for the 2015 winter induction ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Those invited to join have all completed a minimum of 12 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and vow to maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA while continuing their education. 

With a mission statement to, "Recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honor, leadership, service, and fellowship programming," PTK is the world's largest honor society with nearly 3 million members.

Chapter President Rebekah Pennington opened the ceremony welcoming LBCC's 48 new members this year, and congratulated them on their academic accomplishments. Although not all were present, just under half attended with their families, making a cozy crowd of about 70.

Guest speaker DeLinda Martin-Huggins, member and advisor at Portland Community College, shared her story and the impact PTK has had on her life.

"My night waiting where you are at was really the trajectory into my career," she continued, "Whatever it is that is your passion or your dream, you can. Have fun and make friends because it could change your life, your life experience, as it did for me."

The events of the evening included the signing of the membership book, signed by all previous PTK inductees. Each student was given a white candle and carnation to hold as the lights of the Forum were dimmed. Inductees stood single file on the stairs, the glow of candlelight on their faces, and recited their lifelong pledge to the society, support to their new brothers and sisters, and their promise to uphold the society's code of honor.

Officers led students in their induction pledge and LBCC PTK co-advisor Ginger Petersen handed each inductee their carnation.

"We hope that you'll be active in Phi Theta Kappa, and remember, the more you put into it the more you accomplish, so reach for the stars," said Peterson.

After the ceremony, attendees gathered in the Fireside Room for cake and conversation. One inductee, Allison Griffin, was accompanied by her husband Jerry and their four children Lillian, Mellanie, Tara, and Shelby.

"I have been attending community college for 13 years working towards this two-year degree. It's determination I tell you, one step in front of the other," said Griffin. "I'm really proud, it's acknowledgement for something you've been working so hard for."

Members will have special gold tassels on their graduation caps and have notation on their transcript of their membership. Members are encouraged to list their inclusion on resumes, as it is an academic achievement that may set them apart from competition.

Ninety percent of PTK members complete their Associates degree and/or transfer to a four-year university. As a member, students have exclusive access to $90 million in scholarships, and there are currently 735 colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain that offer $37 million in transfer scholarships specifically for PTK members. 

The American Association of Community Colleges recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929, after being founded in 1918. Now in all 50 states, PTK has a presence in seven other sovereign nations: Canada, Germany, British Virgin Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Alums have included influential Americans spanning from authors, astronauts, congressmen, and ambassadors to the United Nations. Some of history's brilliant minds are members, and LBCC honors it's own as they cultivate future leaders and scholars.

The Shifting Job Market

The economy is making a shift from the age of manufacturing to the age of information. With that change comes a transition of what is expected of employees. The days of being an average worker are over.

"Showing up and working hard is no longer sufficient for being rewarded. In order to secure a good paying job in the 21st century, you need to transform yourself into someone who is indispensable," said Mark Urista, Linn-Benton Community College communications instructor.

In the 20th century the U.S. saw a spike in manufacturing and industrial growth. Factories were abundant, as was the need for employees in those factories. An employee with basic writing, reading, and arithmetic skills was considered valuable. In the 21st century, employees are expected to be advanced in those areas, in addition to having a whole new set of skills. 

The 21st century employee quite simply can't just show up on time, do what they are told, and clock out at the end of the day. In today's job market that is not the secret to success and may be the demise of many. Today an employee needs to think outside of the box. 

"The need for people to be able to think rather than just follow directions is really important," said Paul Hibbard, Linn-Benton Community College economics instructor. "If what you do is a job that can be automated and outsourced then your job is going away."

With advancements in technology, people are being replaced by machines at some level in nearly all industries. From a business standpoint this is more cost effective, but from an employee's perspective it means adaptability, flexibility, and progressive thinking.

"Downsizing and reducing labor creates a worker that has to do many different jobs. One not so specialized but generalized," said Janeen Phillips, Linn-Benton Community College career and employment specialist.

It's not about what you know, but how you apply what you know. 

Critical thinking and problem solving are at the top of most employer wish lists for 21st century employees. Regurgitating facts is something of the past, as are the days of sitting in a classroom at a desk of your own and memorizing what you are taught in a textbook.

"There are skills now that weren't valued in traditional jobs and that's taking a situation, stating your thoughts intelligently, analyzing, and finding a solution," said Hibbard.

Millennials, those born after '81, have the world at their fingertips. With the advent of computers, Google, Wikipedia and social networking, information can be gathered about any subject in a matter of seconds. This accounts for much of the shift in the workplace. Since information can be found, experts are not as valued as employees that can research, apply and communicate their findings. Teamwork is becoming essential.

"There is much more emphasis now than 20 years ago about being able to work in a team," said Phillips.

Twenty years ago it was not uncommon for employees to be interviewed by one person. In the job market today it's more common to be interviewed by multiple people. Generally those interviewing are the team, and they are screening candidates who will best fit in with them and their vision. 

"The employers are crying out for soft skills," said Phillips.

Soft skills include the ability to effectively communicate verbally and written, build relationships, resolve conflict, and lead. In an effort to teach and enhance soft skills, institutions are arranging classrooms with group tables rather than single seats, facilitating group activities rather than individual assignments, and providing hands-on learning involving projects and presentations.

Employers don't want employees that can't work with others. 

Not only is working with others important for inner-office politics but it is important for building professional relationships. Today much work can be done from a computer, and communicating with customers is often via email or social network. This is one reason the ability to write is so important in the 21st century.

"I can't think of a single workplace where there is only one employee who never has to interact with others," said Urista. "Well-developed communication skills can help you improve your interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and customers."

Millennials are growing up in a world that is global as opposed to local. A few decades ago it was about what job you could get in the place you lived and how to keep that job until you retired. Today, it’s about using jobs as a stepping stone while you build your resume. This shift creates students for life, and college is only the beginning of the journey.