Jul 31 2008
Last week the world lost a professor that taught us more in one lecture now coined the “The Last Lecture” than all of his computer lectures combined. Randy Pausch died last week surrounded by his family at age 47. If you have not heard his lecture or experienced his words of wisdom, you must. I feel blessed to have heard him speak. It changed me forever. I know it will change you too!
Jul 25 2008
Over 100 graduates and their guests filed into the Country Inn & Suites in Brookfield, WI on a rainy summer evening last week to celebrate a six month journey to becoming an IT professional.
Last December, students in track 100 began their journey at the Brookfield Campus of PC ProSchools. The track contained manufacturers, construction workers, secretaries, retail representatives and office workers. All committed to changing their lives and becoming Help Desk Analysts, Network Administrators or PC Technicians to name just a few.
The Commencement ceremony began with a Welcoming Address from Campus Director Laura Polancich. Polancich, whose primary responsibility at PC Pro Schools is to provide job placement services was proud to congratulate the more than half of the graduating class that had already secured a job in the high paying IT industry and made a commitment to continue assisting those still searching. Next I presented an Executive Address and Lead Instructor Jim Cranston stood before the class for his final lecture, so to speak. He challenged them to continue learning always and explained how proud he is to now call them colleagues in the IT Industry.
The Keynote Address was delivered by John Danovich, a Tier 2 Help Desk Analyst at Primex Wireless and a former graduate of PC ProSchools from 1 year ago. He chronicled his journey, sharing how different his life is now. He shared how he did exactly what PC ProSchools’ faculty told him to do and offered the same advice to the graduates so they could experience the same success he now has.
The mood was high as the evening concluded with a punch and cake reception where families, graduates and faculty shared memories and hope for promising new futures. Graduate Daniel Kral shared “It is really exciting to know I am going somewhere with my life instead of staying in a dead end job.” Kral is now working as a Network Technician at Aurora.
Another successful track! Life is good!
Jul 18 2008
Entering the IT Industry is more than just going to work and managing computer networks. It’s about entering a new type of network. A professional network where you can connect with other IT professionals about solutions and new initiatives. According to LinkedIn.com there are 16.5 million users, with 241 professional IT groups. So why Get Linked In: Here are 4 good reasons.
1. You can get introduced to the people you need.
When you need to reach a professional, LinkedIn will tell you who can introduce you to the person you need.
2. You can find professionals your friends can vouch for.
Don’t just search the web for people. Search the people your friends know and can recommend.
3. You can keep up with friends, former classmates and colleagues.
LinkedIn makes it easy to hear news about their careers, projects and professional lives.
With LinkedIn, you hear about opportunities in your network, even if your friends don’t tell you about them.
4. You can build your relationships.
When a connection asks you to make an introduction, you build that relationship.
So what are you waiting for…join today at http://www.linkedin.com !
http://webworkerdaily.com/2007/06/15/20-ways-to-use-linkedin-productively/
Jul 11 2008
Would you call yourself a hands-on learner? Most students at PC ProSchools are. The majority of our program is hands-on; yet, lecture is still necessary for presenting important information. How can you make even the lecture hands-on? ……..with NOTE TAKING!
Because we forget almost half of what we hear within an hour, it is very important to write down information you need to remember. Note taking in class is often a three-step process:
1. Before you even attend class, read the textbook assignment and review any notes from previous classes. This refreshes your memory and helps you recognize concepts your instructor expects you to learn.
2. During class, listen to what the instructor says and spend time thinking about it. Make sure you ask questions when you don’t understand so you don’t leave feeling confused. Write notes about the important points — watch your instructor for clues, either verbal – “this is important” or nonverbal – body language indicating that he/she thinks it’s important.
3. Review your notes as soon as you can after class. You can fill in points you weren’t able to write down and can also make sure your notes make sense to you while you can still remember what happened! If you have questions, write them down and take them to your study group or the instructor for clarification.
Student Dan Kral shared, “Lecture helps, yes, but for me personally a lot of the hands-on stuff is where I really learn and retain the knowledge.”
So, next time you are in lecture… make it hands-on and take notes!
Jul 03 2008
On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Great Britain and America as we know it was born. Every day thousands leave their homelands to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream. Every year thousands turn to PC ProSchools to fulfill that dream through our Help Desk/MCSA program and many of them are the very service men and women who are defending or have defended our freedom. A sincere Thank You goes out to our PC ProSchools’ students and graduates who have fought for our freedom!The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. I feel blessed to live in a country where we can truly change our lives and I feel doubly blessed to work for a school that can help people do that!
Happy 4th of July!