Alumna Dives into New Role After Graduating from MCC

When Molly Millett, of Lowell, was diagnosed with cancer, she decided to focus on her health and end her career as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger with the National Park Service. Once her health improved, she returned to school to pursue Paralegal Studies at Middlesex Community College. After graduating in May of 2023, she has already found a job in her new field.

“The education I received helped me reach many goals already and I haven’t started my job yet,” Millett said. “Through different experiences and personal interests, I decided a paralegal career would be something I wanted to pursue.”

An internship with the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office with the Malden Superior Court was one factor in Millett’s success. In her role, she was able to take the skills and knowledge of what she learned in the classroom and apply it to a real-life situation.

“I learned I chose correctly when pursuing a paralegal certificate because I had enjoyed interning there, especially when given more complex tasks,” she said.

Millett found Middlesex through her research of available programs. From talking to Halye Sugarman, MCC’s Program Coordinator for Paralegal Studies, she learned more about the field and what MCC had to offer, including being one of the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved programs in Massachusetts.

“The education I received helped me reach many goals already and I haven’t started my job yet,” Millett said. “Through different experiences and personal interests, I decided a paralegal career would be something I wanted to pursue.” - Molly Millett, MCC Student

After deciding that both the college and the field would make a good fit, Millett applied to the program. Once at the college, Millett found a sense of community early on that carried her through her time at Middlesex.

In her classes, she was appreciative of the different backgrounds her professors brought to their lectures and learned a lot. Sugarman, in particular, made an impact both inside and outside of the classroom with her support.

“I have gained so much self-confidence starting at MCC,” she said. “There have been many skills and techniques I’ve learned.”

At MCC’s 2023 commencement, Millett graduated with her certificate in Paralegal Studies with High Honors. Looking forward to starting her new job, she feels her education from MCC has helped her believe in herself and feel more comfortable trying something new.

“My experience here at MCC has been amazing,” she said. “I learned many paralegal skills and general aspects of the job that I would not have gained elsewhere.”