Joe Abeita is a Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) alumnus with a passion for economic development. He turned that passion into his career by completing an internship with the City of Chandler while enrolled at CGCC.
Abeita began his educational journey at CGCC as a dual enrollment student, where he took college classes while also attending high school. After finishing high school, he became a full-time student at CGCC, majoring in political science.
“CGCC is very flexible and provides the same resources to high school students,” said Abeita. “It was such an easy transition and flowed perfectly.”
White at CGCC, Abeita interned with the City of Chandler’s economic development division as part of the City of Chandler CGCC internship program. He was responsible for researching and providing information about companies seeking to move to Chandler, and built relationships with these companies to drive economic growth in the city.
“The relationships you are able to create with faculty and staff at CGCC carried over to my career with the City of Chandler,” said Abeita. “Creating strong relationships with my manager and colleagues in other departments was important to me and helped me throughout my time with the city. CGCC really focuses on what helps you grow, which helped me realize what is most important and where I should focus.”
CGCC’s faculty and staff guided him in setting and reaching his career goals. He specifically credits Career Services internship analyst Devon Mahon for helping him continue his path with the City of Chandler, and CGCC’s advisors for introducing him to the internship program and continuing to provide support after graduation.
“It’s a no-brainer to come to Chandler-Gilbert,” said Abeita. “The support and one-on-one time faculty and staff are willing to spend with you is amazing. Once you come to CGCC, it makes it tough to go anywhere else.”
After earning his Associate in Arts degree at CGCC, Abeita transferred to Arizona State University, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science. He continues to work for the City of Chandler in a part-time capacity and will transition to a full-time role after earning his degree.
“I’m excited to work for the City of Chandler full-time once I graduate from ASU,” said Abeita. “Being able to put in all my time and invest more in projects excites me the most. I’m ready to dive in deeper and work on as many projects as I can.”