PC ProSchools – The Click

Fred Revoir is a PC Pro graduate turned IT business owner.  Below, Fred discusses his company and how PC Pro prepared him to be a business owner in the IT industry:

Before starting my own business and previous to attending PC Pro, I worked as a machine operator at a machine shop.  I was drawn to PC Pro Schools because I have always had an interest in computers.  I was always the person who friends and family would come to for computer assistance.  I desired formal training in computers so I could eventually make a career out of it.

Currently, my business, Fred’s Computer Service, functions as a small repair and custom-build shop.  I am working out of my home and have a workshop used strictly for building and repairing computers.  I make house calls for customers who cannot make it into the shop.  I sit down with customers and discuss what they need in a computer and I explain the function of different components in a computer before I build or repair a machine for them.  Being my own boss is something that I enjoy most about being a business owner.  I also enjoy working with people directly instead of from behind a desk or through another company.

PC Pro Schools prepared me to be a business owner in the IT field.  I believe the knowledge I gained while in school helped me understand the inner workings of the computer.  The accelerated program was appealing to me mostly because I didn’t have 2 or more years to dedicate to school.  I had a full time job and family obligations that would have made it difficult to commit to a traditional college or university.  The blending-learning program was helpful – the online lectures were great.  As a student, you have the opportunity to send in questions while watching the online videos and there was always an instructor who would get back to you quickly.

PC Pro was the right fit for me because I work and learn best in a hands-on environment.  I also appreciated the flexibility of lab times.  The career services department at PC Pro Schools was also very helpful is assisting me with resume building and preparing myself for what to expect while looking for a job.

I would encourage anyone with an interest in technology and working with computers to check out PC Pro Schools.  Since graduating from PC Pro, I find that I have the opportunity to help more people with technical issues.  More people approach me about technology-related issues now that I have the certifications and skills.

For more information about Fred’s Computer Service, check out the Facebook page.

PC Pro Graduate Fred Revoir

Image via Wikipedia

PC ProSchools students getting ready to take the Windows 7 exams: There is a MUST SEE Seminar Friday August 19, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM CST (6:30 PM to 9:30 PM EST). The seminar will be on Windows 7 Deployment given by Technical Instructor John O’Brien.  Please attend and bring your questions! This is a seminar you shouldn’t miss if you are planning to take the exam now or in the future!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have an information technology (IT) career?  In this video, former and current PC Pro Schools students turned IT professionals discuss what it’s like to have computer careers.   They discuss what a typical day is like and what they enjoy most about their new jobs – check it out and let us know what you think!

PC Pro Graduates discuss working IT jobs

The technical training offered at PC Pro Schools gives students the competitive edge needed to succeed in the IT industry.  The blended learning program at PC Pro combines online lectures and in-class labs to prepare students for a fast-paced job in IT.  Students have the flexibility of logging in from home to watch the required online video lectures.  Timothy Heller, a PC Pro graduate, compared the online lectures to having a one-on-one tutor. He explains that he particularly enjoyed the option of watching and re-watching videos, which allowed him to learn at his own pace.  Blended learning also includes a technical classroom lab.  Once a week, students are required to visit campus and put their new skills into motion.  The in-class labs at the PC Pro Schools are designed to give students the opportunity to experience any number of real-life problems that can occur in the workplace, first-hand.

Employers in every industry know that PC Pro Schools students and graduates posses the IT skills needed to be a valuable asset to their businesses.  The career services team at PC Pro works directly with IT recruiters and companies from all industries because they know from experience that PC Pro students have the ability to thrive as employees and exceed expectations in a world of technology.

Larry Bain, a successful IT Professional discusses his computer company and his experience with PC Pro graduates he’s hired.   “I run a computer repair business called Larry R. Bain, LLC.  Most of my work is done on personal PCs in a customer’s home.  I also subcontract for Dell and Staples in southeast Wisconsin to do computer installation and repair.

At Larry R. Bain, LLC, PC Pro Schools graduates have filled positions as Computer Technicians.  The jobs they are called upon to are repairs or installations in a customer’s personal residence.  There may be one job in a month or there may be 3 jobs in a day.  Every job is different.  We never really know what the situation is until we arrive at the job site.

So far, I have hired 4 PC Pro Students.  They have all been eager to use their training and have been able to operate with no supervision.  I am pleased that the graduates are able to handle the customer’s emotions and can explain in layman’s terms what they are doing.”

Please visit Larry’s website for more information.

The following are two great events for anyone in the Milwaukee area who is job-searching, looking to increase their skills, or simply seeking to expand their network.  Both events require registration and will be happening later this month:

Image via Brew City HDI

Brew City HDI Social Media Event

Brew City HDI is an IT Service and Technical Support Community.  This latest event is the last event of the regular season and is titled, “What is the Root of Corporate Policies for Social Media?”  The speaker will be Bill Caraher – CIO, von Briesen, (Source: Brew City HDI).  The event will take place on June 21^st at Thomson Reuters in Brookfield:

Thomson Reuters
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
250 N. Sunnyslope Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
5:30PM

Click for details and registration.

Milwaukee Job Fair

Image via Wikipedia

This Milwaukee job fair is sponsored by Catalyst Career Group and will take place in Brookfield on June 21:

Brookfield Suites Hotel
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
1200 South Moorland Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
10:00AM – 1:00PM

• Pre-register. Some companies review the resumes before the event and may personally invite you to meet with them
• Dress Professionally. First impressions go a long way
• Bring 15-25 resumes
• Plan to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour at the event
• Bring a friend. All job seekers are welcome
• Prepare a brief but effective “brag” to let the people you meet get to know you
• Keep an open mind. Meet with as many companies as you can; you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find (Source: Catalyst Career Group).

Click for more details and registration.

Related article

• How to Thrive Before, During, and After Job Fairs (wisebread.com)

Do you have loved ones? Do they rely on you for more than just your love? I see so many prospective students using the excuses of family and friends as to why they can’t commit to a career change! Seriously!!! Love yourself first and take care of you… then the rest will fall in line! Let Cupid’s arrow hit YOU this Valentine’s Day! Give yourself the love and attention you need to be able to share it and live the life you were meant to live!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Taryn interviewed for a contract position. The manager liked her so much, they ended up offering her a job there as an IT Recruiter! She is excited to work with IT professionals and hiring managers now that she has the knowledge from her classes at PC Pro. We know this will open SOOOOOOOOO many more doors for our graduates! We look forward to partnering with Taryn! From Student to Colleague! We love it!

Mary was working entry level help desk and shortly after enrolling in PC ProSchools she found another job at a local company leading to increased responsibility and compensation. She had such a great relationship with her old company, that we are actually now working with them to replace her with an intern from PC Pro. It’s exciting to see our students move up in the field, opening up new opportunities for upcoming grads.

I am thrilled to share that 15 students have started working in the IT industry already this year!

In last night’s State of the Union address, President Obama focused on the need for education and training, specifically in the area of Information Technology.  Check out more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RSjbtJHi_Q