PC ProSchools – The Click

Even before attending PC ProSchools, Andrew Wedge, a student at our Grand Rapids, MI campus,  had an interest in starting a business in the IT field. During class, Andy spoke with several students about his ideas of opening a business in the IT field. As the program progressed, more and more discussions developed between Andy and his fellow students. By midpoint in the program, Andy was convinced that this is where his future was headed and the fundamentals of the business began to take shape; a company that would specialize in computer support. A company name “Man in a Box” was created as well as a logo and web site, then he started looking for a storefront location. With his enthusiasm and positive attitude other students were convinced that under Andy’s direction coupled with their own hard work and dedication that this could truly work. The company really began to take shape.

Shelley Limon, Uriah MacDonald, Chris Lentz, and Kevin Eichler all students in Track 403 joined with Andy to create “Man in a Box.”

Andy acquired an office in his hometown of Allegan, MI and construction began outfitting the office with computers, desks, and furniture (including a 50” plasma flat-panel TV for the reception area).

They are currently working hard to market their company distributing flyers and even advertizing on the radio! They have already secured contracts with many clients and business has picked up to the point that they recently hired another fellow student from Track 403 Ben Bogucki to join them.

On a recent visit to the company, Campus Director Chris Greigel was thrilled to see the students all working in such a great environment! Andy shared with him his plans for the future which includes rapid expansion to several area cities including Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Holland.

The future certainly looks bright for this entrepreneur, his business and all our students!

Studying in groups can make all the difference in the world for some students.  But, how do you find or form a group?  First, look around you for dedicated students.  You have a limited amount of time to study and want to spend that time with people who have similar goals (for instance, passing your certification exams!).  Look for people with similar academic or personal challenges – having something in common can help get over rough study spots.  Limit your group to 5 or 6 people so it stays manageable.  Try out a study session — if it works, schedule another. Studying with fellow students rather than friends tends to work better — friends are great but you want to make sure that you stay focused on your goal of studying and not get distracted by ‘friend’ conversations.

Once you’re in the group, set an agenda for each meeting and rotate who is in charge of each session.  What will you focus on? How much time have you allotted? Have each group member bring four or five exam questions and test each other during your session.  Break up your topic and practice teaching each other (you know you know a subject really well when you feel comfortable enough to teach it to another person). And last but not least… Bring snacks!!!

Professionalism can be defined simply as the conduct or qualities that characterize or mark a professional person. But what does it look like in the IT industry. Is it dressing nice and being respectful to those you are helping or is it much more than that? In the course of 6 months I witness an unbelievable transformation from our students and it isn’t just in technical skills. “I fell in love with how professional they wanted us to be,” shared recent graduate Wendy Tokarz. I have made it my mission this year to ensure that each student fully understands the importance of professionalism.

According to the Performance Pro, D. Kinza Christenson, “The extent to which we embrace professionalism will impact the extent of our success.”

The reality is that IT doesn’t just support business it powers business and the IT profession is no longer just about coming up with technical solutions. IT is a strategic partner on a par with Finance, Marketing and HR and IT professionals have key roles to play in enabling the success of their organizations. And that takes professionalism!

Professionalism is an attitude and a choice! So challenge yourself…. Do you have the right attitude and are you equipped to make the right choices?

As a System Administrator, the single most important sound you hear is “click.” That “click” comes from a CAT5 cable entering a network Interface card and without it you aren’t needed because no one needs a Network or System Admin for one unlinked computer.That “click” has taken on a life of its own at PC ProSchools. Everyday I get the opportunity to experience students and graduates enjoying the rewards of that sound. Whether it be the struggling student who passes his first certification exam or the proud graduate landing the highest paying job he’s ever had. Those sounds are what I live for and make me proud to be a part of PC ProSchools. So that’s what this blog is all about. The Click! The highs, the lows….. the journey to the good life!