CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The rapid change in technology coupled with the need for organizations to embrace these new technologies to improve productivity will continue to fuel the need for computing professionals in the coming years. Perhaps, no other industry will see the levels of growth as will the computer industry. While the lines are somewhat blurred as to the specific duties of various specialists, the following should provide some starting point to understand the diversity of careers available. You need only choose a path and acquire the knowledge and skills needed by employers. The College of Southern Nevada can help you carve out a career for yourself in the computer industry.
GETTING THE JOB
Once on the job, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in your chosen specialty. But, how do you convince a prospective employer that you are qualified so she will hire you in the first place? Basically in three ways. First, through experience. If you can document prior experience performing the duties associated with your specialty, that would, no doubt, suffice. However, if you have inadequate prior experience, you will need to demonstrate your skills via either formal education and/or through obtaining the relevant certification. CSN provides dozens of courses that employers will recognize as indicators of your level of expertise. In addition, you can take industry-wide tests to become certified in your area of interest. The certification serves as a standard for documenting your competencies. Why not obtain both the formal education and the certification in your chosen field? Classes will prepare you for the certification tests. Your college transcript coupled with your certifications will demonstrate your proficiency in your chosen field.
THE FIRST STEP
For many students, the first step in acquiring the knowledge for entry into the computer industry is to take IS 101: Introduction to Management Information Systems. In this class, you will lay a foundation for further studies by learning about basic computer concepts, the Windows operating environment, the Internet, word processing, and spreadsheets. Many of the topics covered in this class are assumed to be known by anyone who enters any of the more specific areas discussed below. That is, the first class in each of the following career choices assumes that the student has mastered the body of material found in IS 101. With nearly 200 sections of this course being taught each year at CSN, you can find one that fits your schedule. It's a great starting place.
NETWORK ENGINEER
In many organizations, individual computers are connected to each other via cables forming what is called a LAN (Local Area Network). Thus, various computers can share data and software, as well as hardware devices (e.g., shared printers). Since specialized software and hardware is needed to create a LAN, computer specialists are needed to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair these systems. At CSN there are three programs that explore various aspects of networks. The vast majority of networks use either Novell NetWare or Microsoft Windows NT. Along with either of these, most networks use products and technology developed by Cisco. CSN offers classes that cover all these areas.
MICROSOFT NETWORK
Microsoft competes with Novell NetWare in the networking market with its own widely-used software. To qualify for jobs in this area of the computer industry, you will need to gain the knowledge and skills that will permit you to plan, set up, maintain, and troubleshoot networks running under the Microsoft Windows NT Server and the BackOffice server products. CSN offers classes that can provide you with the skills required. Along the way, you could earn a Certificate of Achievement or an associate's degree with an emphasis in Networking. For information about CSN's MCSE program, you can contact Scott Beckstrand or phone 651-4464. Once you gain the requisite knowledge, you will probably want to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) which is a certification recognized world wide as an indication that you have a particular level of knowledge. CSN has the courses you need; Microsoft has the certification tests. For more information about MCSE certification programs, you should visit their website at www.microsoft.com/mcp/mktg/mcse.htm
CISCO ASSOCIATE
Some computer professionals plan, install, maintain, and troubleshoot the various hardware and software components associated with a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). Cisco is a major producer of the hardware, software, and technology used in LANs. CSN, a Cisco Academy, prepares students for careers in this area of the computer industry. If this is an area you would be interested in pursuing, your first class should be ET 249B: Cisco Networking Academies I. For more information about the CSN Cisco Networking Academy, contact Tom Lisa or phone 651-4798. Once you have gained the requisite knowledge about Cisco systems, you will want to become certified to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the knowledge and skills they seek. A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is universally recognized as having expertise in this area. To learn more about Cisco and its various certification programs also go to http://www.cisco.com/.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)
Many organizations need information that can be provided by a person proficient in the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software. This software permits you to query a data base and have the results appear in the form of a map or graph which can be rescaled, if desired. The information provided can be used for a variety of purposes, such as population forecasting, land-use planning, weather forecasting, etc. Or it can be used to determine the distance between two points or the best way to get from one place to another or it can be used to determine traffic patterns at specific intersections. CSN has classes that can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry. Along the way, you could earn a Certificate of Achievement or an associate's degree with an emphasis in GIS. If you want further information about the GIS program at CSN, contact Shruti Tandon or phone 651-3045 For information about GIS certification, also go to http://www.esri.com/.
PROGRAMMER
A programmer uses a programming language to code the detailed instructions followed by the computer. He then tests the program to ensure that it works as desired. When bugs (errors) are found, the program is modified to debug (remove the errors) it. Thus, programmers must be logical thinkers with an eye for details. If you want to explore programming, you should take IS 115: Introduction to Programming. For further information about programming classes at CSN, contact Naser Heravi or phone 651-3148.
WEBMASTER
Webmasters design, create, post and maintain web pages. An understanding of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is needed since this is the code used to create web pages. This code consists of markups (tags) that determine the format of the web page along with the placement of text and graphics. For your first class, you should take an introductory-level class about the Internet such as CIT 103B: Internet. However, if you already possess a basic knowledge of the Internet, you might want to proceed ahead and take CIT 151B: Beginning Web Development, which will cover the basics of web page construction via HTML.
SECRETARY/DATA ENTRY
With the widespread migration from typewriters to computers, the job of a secretary has become increasingly sophisticated. Where typing pools once existed, now a single secretary produces a wide range of documents. He is expected to know how to use a computer and various programs, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, e-mail, and web browsers. As the typical office continues to evolve toward a more technologically-advanced workplace, a secretary is expected to participate in continuing education to learn about new software or a new version of the old software. At CSN, there are many classes that can provide the skills you need. They are offered by two different departments; CIT and OA (Office Administration). Once you are fortified with the knowledge and skills, you may want to obtain an industry-wide certification to further prove your worth to potential employers. For instance, Microsoft has Microsoft Office Users Specialist (MOUS) certifications for Microsoft Office in its entirety or for specific programs that comprise the Microsoft Office suite, such as Excel and Word. For more information about MOUS certification, go to http://www.mous.net/.
GRAPHIC ARTIST
A graphic artist may design brochures, reports, and logos or she may create layouts for magazines or newspapers. Or, she may be involved in the design of websites. CSN offers a variety of classes that will help you jump-start a career in computer graphics as a web designer, illustrator, layout artist, and/or animator. Along the way, you could earn a Certificate of Achievement or an associate's degree with an emphasis in Graphic Technology. For further information about the CSN Graphic Arts program, contact Ed Kanet or phone: 651-4585.
REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
This computer professional installs hardware and software, performs maintenance, and troubleshoots and fixes problems. To learn about A+ Certification, go to http://www.comptia.org/.
COMPUTER AIDED DRAWING AND DESIGN
CADD (computer-aided drawing and design) software is used by architects, engineers, drafters, and artists to create meticulous drawings and/or technical illustrations. CADD software can be used to create two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three- dimensional (3-D) models. The use of CADD solves architectural and/or engineering problems in the planning stages, thus producing reduced costs and an abbreviated design cycle. Your first class in this program would be CADD 100: Basic Drafting Principles. Then you would take a variety of manual and computerized drafting and design classes. To find out more about this program, contact Sherri Burgess or phone 651-4845. For information about certification, go towww.autodesk.com/support/resource/exams/certexam.htm.
