For Jennifer Graham of Ball Ground, a college education has not only given her more skills, it's also opened the door for a new career opportunity.

Mrs. Graham, 31, was among the 1,140 students who graduated on Friday from Chattahoochee Technical College.

The state's largest technical college conducted its ceremony at the Cobb Performing Arts Center, with 312 graduates participating in the commencement.

The graduating class has grown from last December's 938, said Rebecca Long, public relations specialist for the college. Twenty-nine of Friday's graduates were enrolled at the Woodstock campus, up from 21 last December.

Mrs. Long said the number of graduates was higher than expected.

"This can be attributed to several factors, including Chattahoochee Technical College's increased enrollment, continuity within the programs since the merger and a focus on helping students to finish their programs before the upcoming transition from quarters to semesters," she said.

Ms. Long added some of the popular associate, diploma and certificate of credit programs among the graduating class were accounting, early childhood care, early childhood education, marketing, business administrative technology, criminal justice, medical assistance, automotive and air-conditioning technician.

Mrs. Graham already has found a job to put the associate degree in interiors she received on Friday to good use: doing design work for a kitchen and bath company.

"I feel very blessed to have a job," she added.

Mrs. Graham said she decided to enroll in college because she wanted to "further my education."

Chattahoochee was a perfect choice, she said, because of its programs and location. She attended classes on the school's Appalachian campus in Jasper.

The interiors program was an ideal fit, Mrs. Graham said, as she considers herself a creative person.

"I felt that would be a career path I thought I'd enjoy," she added.

Mrs. Graham noted she had a little anxiety about going back to school as an adult not only because of the coursework, but also because of fears it would "consume my life."

With the help of advisors, Mrs. Graham said she was able to balance her home life with her post-secondary studies.

"It was a pretty neat experience," she said, adding the interiors program allowed students to explore their "creative side."

Ginger Burton, interiors instructor at Chattahoochee, said Mrs. Graham was a joy to have in her class.

"She was an excellent student," she said. "She was very creative, detailed and maintained a professional presence."

The interiors program, which had five students graduate on Friday, has relocated to the Mountain View campus in Marietta, which Mrs. Burton said has been a "great move" for the college. There now are 50 students in the program.

Mrs. Graham graduated from Sequoyah High School in 1996. She and husband, Michael, have three young children.

Mrs. Graham said she encourages anyone who wants to further their career to explore the local colleges and universities in their area.

"Just do it," she said of going back to school no matter your age. "It's scary to think about committing to that, but it's worth it."