Working in hospitality is a mile-a-minute career, being the behind-the-scenes mastermind for everything from wonderful experiences at hotels to excellence in event planning and design. If you've worked in food service or another hospitality-related job, you've likely already dipped your toes into this complex and exciting career path. 

If you've recently been furloughed or are out of work and wondering how recent events will affect your livelihood,  you might be looking to carve the path to a brighter future. We've been thinking about that too. Our diverse non-credit programming offer a variety of topics to allow you to explore potential career paths, side hustles or moonlighting projects - without having to revive a full-scale academic pursuit. In this blog, we're sharing a sample of some classes that may jumpstart ideas for those seeking to improve their current financial situation.

Updated Feb. 13, 2023

Being forced by the COVID-19 pandemic to pivot sales to 100% online was tough for Rita Hudson-Evalt (owner of Portland's Union Rose), but she was able to make it work with the help of her customers, staff and PCC SBDC Advisers. Now, as the state of Oregon begins to open back up, she faces a similar set of challenges. This is how she is responding to them. 

Computer science powers some of the biggest revolutions in our world's modern industries, and nearly every company interacts with computers and computerized systems. Developing your skills in Computer Science can lead to fulfilling, flexible work opportunities, and broadening your understanding of various computer programming languages expands your options within the Computer Science field. With Portland Community College's flexible, remote professional development training, you can take the Computer Science coursework that interests you from wherever you are. 

Cutting costs and boosting your income may be one way to get your financial life back on track if you've lost income during this challenging economic time. For many, additional income may come in the form of a side hustle, an activity you enjoy that can help you get back on your feet--outside of traditional 9-5 employment.

Meegan Gregg started Backbody Project in 2016 to meet her own personal workout needs. The business grew and she was ready to lease her own space until Covid-19 hit in March, throwing a curveball her direction. Taking her business online (reluctantly) has proven to be a tremendous success. April was one of her strongest months ever! This is her story...

You're a talented artist. You were given the gift of making stunning creative works and have racked up the hours perfecting your craft. However, you still haven't found a way to monetize your creative pieces.

Celeste Sipes joined the PCC SBDC team in February of 2020 -- Just in time for a global pandemic to hit Portland that has dramatically influenced small retail businesses. But Celeste, who also owns a successful online retail business, is up to the challenge! These are indeed difficult times for brick and mortar retailers who are trying to figure out how to continue to operate without the normal flow of physical customers. Below is the story of how Celeste is able to provide a sense of sanity in a time of upheaval.

There's no better time to start a career in healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that some of the fastest-growing occupations over the next decade will be in the healthcare industry. More specifically, it's anticipated that there will be a 15% jump in medical coding jobs alone.