Insights on Computer Networking and Technology Careers from Minnesota State Community and Technical College
By Jill Randolph
March 14, 2011
The following is an interview transcript with Kate Nelson, of Career and Placement Services of Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Minnesota State Community and Technical College is a public, two-year college and is made up of 70% traditional students and 30% non-traditional (25 years and older). It has several campuses in Minnesota including: Wadena, Detroit Lakes, Moorhead, and Fergus Falls.
Half of the college's students are participating in liberal arts transfer programs with their intent to transfer for a four-year degree after attending M State. The other half are enrolled in 2-yr programs that will train them to head straight into the workforce, such as building trades, auto, diesel, nursing, graphic design and more.
Jill Randolph: How has the job market changed in your area over the past year? Have you seen signs of improvement, and if so, in which areas?
Kate Nelson: The job market for networking has expanded into new areas. Microsoft has new applications network software and troubleshooting problems require networking knowledge. Communication companies have also moved their voice and video services onto a data network, which requires technicians to troubleshoot the network.
The number of jobs in the healthcare industry is also growing with the expansion of electronic data for all patient records. The IT industry is always developing new technologies, software, applications, and new ways of doing business. As a result, job opportunities continue to grow in that field.
At our Detroit Lakes campus, we also offer a Marine Engine Technology program that trains people to repair and work on boat engines. The job market, even during the recession, remains strong in this field and technicians are in high demand. In today's economy, people are maintaining the boats they have and getting them repaired, rather than purchasing new boats.
Jill Randolph: What should high-school students focus on to get into a program like yours?
Kate Nelson: To get into a marine technician program, high-school students should concentrate on mastering the basics such as math, English, and reading comprehension. We hold our graduates to a high standard and want them all to succeed once they reach the workforce. To ensure their success, we offer classes to those who need extra help in attaining these basic skills.
Jill Randolph: What steps should students take to ensure a successful job search?
Kate Nelson: It is helpful to narrow their search and pinpoint where they are going to direct their energy. Networking is very important, especially in the economic environment right now.
Getting a job is difficult, and having a foot in the door is beneficial. Any opportunity a student can find, such as an internship, will give them an edge when they are searching for a job and interviewing against someone who does not have those extra hours of experience.
They can establish industry contacts by networking with individuals working in the IT industry. They should also get involved in Skills USA and Cisco Academy events and choose at least one certification exam to take. Examples are A+, CCENT, CCNA, MCP, and Network Plus.
Jill Randolph: Which characteristics make a great computer networking technician?
Kate Nelson: A great computer network technician enjoys challenges, is goal oriented, and has the ability to multitask. They like working with the latest and greatest in technology. They also enjoy learning and working with people.
They are patient and have the ability to teach people about new technologies and software applications. Only a handful of the population really understands all of the computer terminology and explaining it to someone else can be frustrating.
Jill Randolph: What does it take to be a great Marine Engine Technician?
Kate Nelson: A great marine technician is sharp, detail oriented, and willing to spend time to make sure a boat runs even better than the customer expects when he or she get it back. Attention to detail can separate the average technician from the one who will really succeed in the field.
Jill Randolph: What specialties or industries within the field of computer technology are most in demand right now?
Kate Nelson: Data analysts, data communication technicians, and system administrators are in high demand in the telecommunication and health field. They are making a lot of technology advancements in health care records management right now.
Jill Randolph: If students are interested in relocating to a new city, how do you recommend they build a network and look for a job?
Kate Nelson: If students decide to move to an entirely new place where they do not have a network, it is like starting from square one. They should try to become involved with professional organizations when they get to their new location. The chamber of commerce always has professional or youth organizations.
Anything that offers an opportunity to mingle with people is beneficial. Once students make the initial contact, they should work hard to maintain those relationships because they will serve as the foundation from which to grow their network.
They will also need to research companies in the area and find out if they are hiring. It is productive to check all the websites, monster.com, iseek.org, and also local newspaper ads. If the companies they are interested in do not have any available positions, it still helps to make contact with someone for possible future opportunities. This advice holds true for all career areas of interest a student may have, not only for the IT and marine technology industries.
