PC ProSchools – The Click

Our students have been volunteering at Independence First in their computer recycling program. These computers are repaired and  donated to individuals with disabilities. Check out this article from the BizTimes sharing more about IndependenceFirst and all the great things they are accomplishing! We feel so proud to partner with such an amazing organization!

http://www.biztimes.com/bubbler/2009/4/23/#independencefirst-reaches-out-to-businesses-to-help-people-with-disabilities

I love this! Here is one of Academic Advisors showing his school spirit as he road races at the Black Hawk Farms Race Way located in South Beloit, IL. Kevin participates in multiple track events throughout the Midwest in the Champion Cup Series. Check him out!

From: Jeff Pergolski
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 12:17 PM
To: Jackie Lohrey; James Kluskens
Subject: How are things?

Hey guys,

I was rebuilding the OS on a workstation yesterday when I had a little reminder of my days at PcPro so I thought I’d drop you guys a line and see how everyone is doing. Things are still awesome here in Waupaca. I’m attaching some pictures….. one of these days I’ll have some time to study and take the next exam….but I’m learning just as much on the job so I’m not in too much of a hurry…..though I should probably stop slacking and get my next raise by passing that exam.

When is the date of graduation? Am I still on as a speaker? I want to start preparing what I’m going to say….so let me know please. Other than that…nothing too exciting except waiting to see how bad the confikker virus is going to hit our customers tomorrow….I have a feeling it’s more hype that danger…..but time will tell.

Sincerely,

Jeff

Now…on to my favorite part…the pictures!

My “press release” picture……lol.

My cube……highly organized…or not. Notice random bits of hardware, memory, Microsoft books, and of course…Diet Dew!

Our server room……we recently shrunk from 3 racks to 2 after upgrading to a blade server chassis….hopefully by next year we’ll be down to

My Microsoft certs hanging proudly on the wall……

Thanks,

Jeff

When coming in today I encountered graduate coming in early to take another certification exam and he said TGIF (Thank Goodness Its Friday!) to me. He then said…. It feels so good to be able to say that because it means that I am working now and looking forward to the weekend! He shared with me that prior he never knew the real joy of a weekend off because he had 2 sometimes 3 jobs just to make ends met. It is easy to see the big benefits  (like MONEY) of a career in a strong industry like IT but it is often the simple things that we take for granted that truly make the difference in living the life we deserve to live.
Happy Friday!!! Have a great weekend!

One of the key success factors of our students in the 3-4-5 format is our On-Demand content. We have been getting some feedback from students on the On-Demand lectures, and I wanted to share this particular student email with you. It is just good to know that having that information available to them 24/7 is definitely appreciated.

Hi James,

I’m a student at the Brookfield location (track 112 – Instructor: Keith Jankowski). I wanted to leave you a message expressing my appreciation for the Hot Topic Videos that you put on. They’re VERY helpful! Keith does a super job of covering everything, but as I’m sure you’re aware, there’s limited time in the classroom to get into the details. Today I watched the video on Certificates and Public/Private Keys and it was great. I was a little fuzzy on the topic and now it’s crystal clear.

I’m sure you spend lots of time and effort putting the presentations together and just wanted to let you know that it is very helpful and very much appreciated.

Thanks again James!

Sincerely,

Mark Johnson
Student – Brookfield – Track 112
MCP

Now that the weather is getting warmer, more and more distractions are out there. Check out this great article to help your productivity!

http://lifehacker.com/5193134/beyond-life-hacks-reusable-solutions-to-common-productivity-problems

Just incase you can’t use the link on the post from March 30…here is a copy of the article. I have shortened it by removing the paragraphs about the non-IT occupations!

Jobs That Will Never Go Away
by Romy LeClaire Loran, FindtheRightSchool.com

Choosing a career path can be challenging. Half of all college students change their majors at least once as they travel the sometimes bumpy road that will lead right degree. If you want to follow your dreams as well as provide for a certain future, take heart. As long as human beings continue to inhabit the planet, there are many worthwhile and fulfilling jobs that will never go away.

Computer Support Specialist
If you thrive on helping your friends and family solve their computer woes, consider becoming a computer support specialist. With computers playing such an important part of daily life, computer support specialists provide their clients much needed technical assistance. As a computer support specialist, you will meet with clients in person or answer questions remotely, via Internet, or on the phone. Many computer support specialists either have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or an associate’s degree in a computer-related program. In 2007, computer support specialists made an average annual salary of $45,300, according to the BLS.

Other Occupations featured in this article….Accountant, Entrepreneur, Mechanic, Paramedics, Teacher
Whatever your calling may be, with the right degree and career training, your career prospects for these much-needed jobs can help keep you from becoming outsourced or even worse, obsolete.

One of my favorite April Fool’s Day stories came from a student that went to an interview on April 1. He sat down and the manager said, well you were sent to me from PC ProSchools so I will hire you if you like to fish. They spent the next hour talking about fishing and then the manager said, “Well, I think I know all I need to know, can you start tomorrow?” The graduate nervously said, “Yes and shook his hand.” The next day he showed up for work and the manager looked at him strangley and said, “what are you doing here, that was an an April Fool’s joke. Did you really think getting a job would be that easy?” It was only a second and the manager started laughing! It has been two years and I can imagine the jokes that have been played since at that workplace. And in IT the pranks with computers can be pretty good!

If you feel like your job is a joke and you are ready to get serious please check out PC ProSchools!