Alumni Profile - Kevin Crane '08
Kevin Crane ‘08 would like to help you get hired! If you have a goal to work for the federal government, you need to read his new book Access Granted in which he shares secrets from his 21-year career as a federal agent who conducted over 10,000 extensive screenings on potential hires. He has a particular set of skills that can help you land your dream job while also being better protected from a possible privacy breach in this age of identity theft. Learn more about Kevin from his website (www.federalsecurityclearance.net) in addition to his story below.
What year did you graduate from Delaware County Community College and with what degree?
"I previously earned my B.A. in Pre-Law from Penn State, but attended Delaware County Community College full-time for one year in fall 2007 to spring 2008. At the time I was a retired U.S. Special Agent and was teaching karate to young children. My wife, Phyllis, and I decided to open a child care center, Kids Connection Learning Center in Sharon Hill, but I needed additional Early Childhood Education credits to qualify as the school director. The College was a great, local choice to earn those credits at a reasonable price.”
Did you pursue further academic goals?
"I did earn a certification called a Director’s Credential. It was a requirement I needed so that our child care center could be elevated in quality status from a Star 2 to a Star 3 by the Pennsylvania statewide Keystone STARS program.”
Where are you now?
"Professionally, our child care center was voted 'Best of Delco' for both 2014 and 2015. I also wrote a book called Access Granted, which became a No. 1 best seller on Amazon.com. As a result, I’ve been interviewed on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX as well as having been featured in U.S. News & World Report. Personally, since finishing at the College, my wife and I became parents to our two-year old twins, Alexa and Kevin, and had a baby boy, Panos, who is nine months old. Good thing I studied Early Childhood Education at the College!”
What is next for you professionally?
"My goal is to help college students prepare for a great career by teaching them how to make the most of their time while they’re in school. So many graduates fail to make a plan and, therefore, don’t get the type of career they hoped would help pay off their student debt. I’m currently speaking to several universities to provide my expertise to their students. Perhaps I’ll do so someday at Delaware County Community College, too!”
What is your favorite memory of your time on campus, outside of the classroom?
"My favorite memory was just being able to come back to college at my age as a full-time student. When we’re young and going to college, we often don’t have a full appreciation on how to use school to our advantage and to know our life purpose. When I attended the College, I enjoyed every minute of the great experience of being in the classroom, interacting and helping younger students, and knowing that I had a 'mission to accomplish.' In a matter of speaking, I got to have a fresh start as a college student and focus on my life goal. My time on campus helped me achieve the success I enjoy today and I will always remember that fondly!”
Did you have a favorite professor or class during your studies?
"I actually had two, both within the Early Childhood Education section. One was Dr. Ron Padula, a kind man with fire in his heart who had been in this field for many years. He had a huge passion for children and didn’t tolerate students who were not prepared. Second, Professor Jean Allison, who was also my advisor. Professor Allison brought her passion, knowledge, and real world experience to the classroom every day. They were true professionals that cared about young children, their students, and the College. If either one called me today and needed something, I would do my best to make it happen!”
What advice would you give to current students and alumni to capitalize on the education they received from the College?
"Straight to the point…a student who wants to attend college will not find a better place to start than Delaware County Community College when you take into consideration the myriad of majors offered, quality of education, and cost factor. For those reasons my own daughter, Melissa, is currently attending there. Once you begin your education, start from day one to decide on what you want to do when you graduate and take pro-active steps to achieve your goals. Research career choices, ascertain the qualifications needed and get them, speak to human resource professionals that hire in your career choice, find a mentor, do an internship in the field you choose (even if it’s free) to gain a foot in the door, and keep your personal background free of any 'issues' that could prevent you from being hired. I’m smiling as I write this, but get a copy of my book and read it thoroughly. You’ll then have a better understanding of what you might expect to need to do in your background in order to have the type of life that you truly want after graduation!”
You can learn more about Kevin via his social media pages:
Web: www.FederalSecurityClearance.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourClearance
Twitter: @YourClearance
