COVER STORY

Working on the Inside: Women in Corrections
by Connie Thompson
Photos by Geistlight Photography

FEATURES

When Dreams Take Flight
by Amber Hartley

Women and Car Shopping
by M.T. Hyatt

Working on the Inside: Women in Corrections
by Connie Thompson
Photos by Geistlight Photography

Ringing in the New Year is cause for more than a celebration. As women, we may find ourselves pondering questions such as “What is next for me career-wise? Where can I find a job with opportunities to move forward and better benefits with equal pay?”

Whether just out of high school, graduating from college, or in the workforce for years and looking for a change, there comes a time when we all ask these questions.

An excellent career opportunity may lie in the least likely place a woman would think of ...in prison. The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) holds potential for women in many areas; however, Corrections Officers are especially needed. Because Corrections Officers are becoming a scarce commodity, the NMCD is stepping up recruitment efforts to ensure it meets current staffing demands. Those efforts include casting a wider net to recruit more women to a career field that has historically been dominated by males. Currently, 10 percent of the department’s 1,000 Corrections Officers are women. Major Ethan Carr, the department’s Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, says the Corrections Department wants to improve that statistic. “It’s a job women can do just as well as men. In some cases, women are more effective managing inmates because they’re generally calmer and can quell a disturbance quicker because the ‘machismo’ factor isn’t present.”

Carr says stereotypes and misconceptions keep women from seeking careers in corrections. “Working in a prison is not what you see in the movies. It’s not one chaotic episode after another, and if everyone is doing their job, assaults rarely happen.”

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When Dreams Take Flight
by Amber Hartley

Think back to a time when adulthood seemed like an accomplishment and dreams were defined by “When I grow up…” Maybe you wanted to be a veterinarian or a singer or a mother. Now that part of the future has faded into the past, which of your dreams came true? What if you could just fly away from it all and challenge your imagination—yourself—to redefine success?

With the introduction of Albuquerque TVI’s aviation program, women can have the world and still return to the comforts of home. What began as a pilot training program soon expanded into the related fields of aircraft construction and maintenance (the latter scheduled to begin in September 2006).

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Women and Car Shopping
by M.T. Hyatt

It is said that women choose the color of a car and aren’t concerned with much else. But if you prepare for this purchase, you will be happy long after the new-car smell wears off. A vehicle purchase is a big investment—too important (and expensive) to undertake without total confidence. Here are some things to be aware of before and during the purchase process:

ANALYZE YOUR NEEDS
If you are a soccer mom, the media says you need a minivan. The number and ages of your passengers should determine your needs. Consider gas mileage and fuel economy, safety ratings, space for groceries, equipment, or cargo. Sports cars have higher insurance premiums. There are hundreds of cars and trucks and many options, so do your research. Use magazines, consumer guides, and Internet sites to compare similar cars in the same class.

BUDGET
You should estimate a range of affordable monthly payments. A good rule of thumb is to keep monthly payments at 20 percent or less of your monthly take-home pay. Web sites with calculators can help you estimate your monthly payment based on purchase price, down payment, interest rate, and length of the loan. Estimate the long-term ownership costs—fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. Knowing what you can afford will help you negotiate.

BUY OR LEASE?
A lease generally requires little or no down payment and has lower monthly payments. At the end of the lease, you return the car. You can drive a better car every few years for less money, and there are no trade-in hassles. Buying a car is more expensive up front and monthly payments are higher. But when interest rates are low, it makes more sense to buy. You can sell the car whenever you want or, at the end of the loan, you can keep it.

EVALUATE THE VEHICLE
You can cover more ground by comparing online. Most local dealerships have Internet departments that will locate the car you want. Research local ads and the web for incentives like rebates, customer cash, and low or zero interest. Take this information to the dealership. Make an appointment for a test drive. Drive the car in different conditions —stop and go traffic, on the freeway, or on some steep grades. Sit in the backseat, especially if you carry passengers.

EVALUATE THE SALESPERSON
Consider this issue ahead of time. Is this a person you want to do business with? Do you feel comfortable? Does the salesperson answer your questions in a straightforward manner? Does he/she respond to your needs?

TRADING IN YOUR OLD CAR
You will probably get more money if you sell your old car to a private party. However, trading has some advantages. You can solve your car-buying problems in one visit. You will not have to advertise, show, or sell the car yourself. Mileage, options, condition, and color help determine a trade-in price. Look up your car’s trade-in value on the Internet to get a rough idea of what your car is worth.

NEGOTIATING PRICE
The new car market is very competitive. A dealership is often willing to sell a car below the sticker price. If you want to try to improve a deal, you can get a bid from one dealer. Take the price to two other dealerships for comparison. The second and third dealers will almost always do better. When you feel good about the quoted price, look at the related expenses—sales tax and fees. Ask for a worksheet and invoice estimate of the total cost.

THE CONTRACT
The contract should be a formality if the numbers match and no additional charges or fees have been added. Dealer add-ons are presented at this time. Be careful. The only add-on that you might need is the extended warranty—for peace of mind. Buying a car is a serious commitment and it is the F&I (Finance and Insurance) manager’s job to ensure that you are comfortable with the transaction. Once you have signed the papers, it’s final.

BEFORE DRIVING AWAY
Most dealerships detail the car and provide a full tank of gas. Inspect the car before you take possession. Make sure it is in excellent condition. Look for any scratches, dents, or dings on the body. If any work needs to be done, ask for it in writing, so you can get the work done later. And then you can enjoy your new car.

M.T. Hyatt is managing editor of New Mexico WOMAN . She previously owned and managed an advertising agency and graphic design firm in Albuquerque.