In his second year at Middlesex Community College, Heet Shah is already advancing in his career. From India and now living in Lowell, Shah works both as a Sales and Services Representative for Northern Bank through the college’s Learn and Earn program and as a Student Leader for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE). Being able to work while completing his associate degree has provided “immense benefits” to enhance his experience at Middlesex.
“Programs like Learn and Earn and being an ACE Student Leader allow students to gain real-world experience while studying,” Shah said. “They help sharpen academic skills, build confidence, and prepare students for professional environments. These experiences improve resumes, communication, and problem-solving skills – giving a competitive edge in job interviews. Most importantly, they help apply classroom learning to real-life situations, making education much more impactful.”
For Shah, the biggest benefit of these experiences is gaining experience in his field of interest early on in his academic journey. While earning money, he is strengthening his skills and building a foundation in the subjects he wants to pursue for a career. Middlesex helped set him up for these opportunities, including through working with the Office for Career Integrated Learning (OCIL) to do mock interviews and receive resume assistance.
Interested in business and economics from a young age, Shah was fascinated at the idea of preventing financial crimes and scandals. At MCC, he can choose from a variety of courses that provide the fundamentals and theoretical knowledge required for his industry. From regulations to the management of funds – as well as customer service – he is using skills he learned in his MCC accounting and macroeconomics classes in his job at Northern Bank.
“[The Learn and Earn program] has helped me a lot with understanding the banking industry,” Shah said. “I have met a lot of different people – it has been a great networking opportunity. And the most important point, it has made me aware that, yes, this is the right path, and this is what I want to do in my life.”
Part of MCC’s Commonwealth Honors Program, Shah participated in the TRIO Success Program for first generation students. He is the treasurer for MCC’s Business and Economics Club and a member of the Computer Science Club.
Led by MCC business professor Vikram Sharma – who Shah considers a mentor – Shah attended DECA competitions that provided networking and professional development opportunities. These experiences connected him with other college students and industry professionals throughout the country, including a trip to San Francisco.
“Being part of these clubs and programs will also help me succeed in transferring and reaching my academic and professional goals,” Shah said. “Use all the resources at MCC and trust the college and your advisors – they will surely help you succeed.”
After moving to the U.S. a year ago, MCC offered Shah a more cost-effective option to start his college education. Impressed by the positive reviews, he found there were strong opportunities for transfer as well. Considering his next steps, Shah plans to graduate from Middlesex with highest honors and transfer to a four-year school.
With a long-term goal of having a successful career in finance, Shah hopes to continue networking and taking advantage of the opportunities and experiences MCC has provided him thus far.
“MCC has given me a strong academic foundation, supportive faculty who focus on real-world learning, and valuable hands-on experience,” he said. “[My experience] is very good, very welcoming, knowledgeable, and I had tons more services and opportunities than I expected.”