Jan 23 2012
PC Pro Schools Graduate Discusses her new IT Career
Jill is a former PC Pro Schools student who graduated in 2011. Below she discusses her experience as a PC Pro Schools student and what it’s like to now work in the IT industry.
Jill Larson, 2011 Graduate
I currently work as an IT Educational Support Professional at a high school as well as at an adult education center in Minnesota. I am responsible for helping staff and students with computer and equipment needs to make sure that things run smoothly and efficiently as possible.
On typical day, I receive calls and emails from teachers and staff at the high school seeking my assistance with computer hardware, software, printers, projectors, doc cams, video cameras as well as auditorium lighting and sound. I either work directly with the equipment or remotely manage through a server. I run diagnostic testing on computers and write job tickets for electronic repairs and replacement parts. I have received training in the district and I am now a certified Test Monitor for statewide online testing. I help with training students on various tasks so they can independently complete them. At the adult education center, I work in a computer lab helping students learn how to use various computer programs, online assistance, resume writing and provide technical support to both staff and students.
At my IT job, I love the variety of tasks, working with active directory, servers and remotely managing computers and systems. The staff is wonderful to work with and it is great to feel appreciated for the job that I do. There is not a day that goes by that I do not hear a “thank you”or some form of praise for the assistance I provide.. I enjoy helping others and I love being able to share my knowledge with the tech students.
Before coming to PC Pro Schools, I felt compelled to make a change due to my husband losing his job/career after almost 26 years with the same company. I already enjoyed using and learning new technology, but wanted to be proficient and felt that going to PC Pro Schools would be an opportunity to find more jobs with the goal to work 40 hours a week. After I graduated from PC Pro, I interviewed and was hired to work over the summer at the IT Helpdesk. This then led me to the two jobs that I currently have in the district.
What I learned at PC Pro Schools is that what you do not know due to inexperience, you can learn by being willing to absorb new information, embracing change, loving to be challenged and researching forums for new solutions. My lead instructor and the Teaching Assistants were awesome and the online videos were priceless! When I started at PC Pro, I had no idea that I was going to learn as much as I did and be able to land a summer job at the IT Helpdesk in my district which led to where I am now.
My advice to current PC Pro students: Don’t be afraid to learn new things. Technology changes rapidly and the more you know, the more valuable you will be as an employee.
Techniques to succeed: When I learn something new, I write it down, review and practice it so it becomes natural to me. I have a small spiral book with index cards that I keep important tips and I review it weekly. I use Microsoft Technet Forum’s to find solutions.
My life has changed for the better since graduating from PC Pro Schools, I am very happy with my current career. I feel more confident in myself and enjoy problem solving. I feel fortunate to be able to stay in the same school district where I have been for the past 12 years and to use the new skills I have learned.
I am now able to better provide for my family. What a difference a year makes! I am happy to say that my husband did finally find a new job after 16 months of unemployment and it has been wonderful for me to be working 40 hours a week and have the income I now make. The additional income helped to pay off what I borrowed to go back to school and now will be used to add to our household savings for the future.
I am more satisfied in my current career because I am challenged everyday to learn and grow not only in the computer industry but also the technology industry. Making more money doing what I love is icing on the cake!
