Nov
18
2010

One year ago today we learned that Jim Cranston, PC ProSchools graduate and Lead Instructor, passed away unexpectedly. It feels like yesterday. There isn’t a day that goes by that he’s not remembered here! Shortly after his passing, we established the Jim Cranston Memorial Grant in his honor. In this year, 504 students have been awarded this grant to help towards the cost of their tuition at our 4 campuses. I know how honored he would be to know what an impact he is still making on so many individuals lives.
Ironically, one of the recipients, Trevor, worked at the very funeral home that served the Cranston family. He assisted the family in their darkest hours and when he learned he was being awarded the Jim Cranston Grant from me last winter it was an emotional experience to say the least. Trevor graduated and secured a new job in IT last month. His success is just one of many as a result of Jim!
We miss you Jim! May you continue to touch our lives! We are excited to announce we will be extending the Jim Cranston Memorial Grant indefinitely!
Nov
05
2010
Erin, one of our Career Advisors, received this email today… LOVE IT!
Subject: Tech Position
Hello Erin,
Things seem to be really working out with Jarrod. He has a good work ethic, great drive, and has really caught on to the [COMPANY NAME] way.
You and I spoke a month or so ago we’re willing to look at any other “students” that are as good as Jarrod. Again the drive, work ethic, and willingness is key.
Thanks.
Oct
15
2010
We had a huge week with student placements! 14 students secured positions in the IT industry. The lowest starting rate was $14/hr and the highest was $WOW$… I can’t share but it was a $WOW$!
Sep
03
2010
I have always felt that when students enroll at PC ProSchools they are becoming part of our family. But it doesn’t stop with the students. We keep in touch with their families too. I can’t tell you how many calls and emails I get from parents, wives, husbands, grown children and grandparents regarding the progress of their loved one! Here’s a response I got today after I sent him an update on the progress on his son!
I am happy to hear that the school is so successful at providing companies with qualified students. Myself and several other experienced IT people I know don’t even get phone calls so I am glad to see activity in the industry.
Laura is experiencing the same situation we sometimes so with S. He is a smart dedicated individual, but lacks in his timing of providing information, which is why I am consulting with you one his progress. He always makes good decisions and does them for the right reasons but needs to communicate better. I am working with him on this and he is beginning to mature in this area.
He did have an exceptional softball year. It sounds like just a game, but he plays at a level that requires commitment. He traveled throughout the year, and as actually in Minnesota now and goes to Florida next weekend. If he were to progress to the next level he would get paid to play, which is unusual for some his age. He has also been on mandatory overtime for a year and a half where he works, so between school, work and softball he has been a busy person.
I would like to thank you and your staff for the dedication you provided S.and latitude that allowed him to try to balance the three areas of his life. He and I recently talked and he is eager to pursue his new career.
I would definitely recommend that parties to take a look at your program if they are interested in a career in IT.
Best success,
Aug
20
2010
On the radio today (on MY way into work) I heard that TODAY is the most popular day to call in sick in the US. People realize that the summer is ending and want to really take some time to enjoy it! So my question is…. do you have sick days? Of course I am certainly not encouraging you to call in sick when you are actually quite well but wouldn’t it be nice to actually have those days to use just in case… AND…. get paid for them! I remember a couple months ago I saw a graduate that was planning his first family vacation ever to Tennessee. He was over 40 years old and so excited. He had the whole thing mapped out and his wife and kids were thrilled too. He said the best part of it was that he was getting PAID to go on vacation!
I bet you can’t wait to start your new career with great benefits too!!!
Aug
09
2010
I love getting these emails…….
Hello, We are [Company Name], and we are a computer sales/repair/and refurbisher located in the Castleton Mall area for 14 years. We presently employ one of your recent graduates and we would like to employ more. If possible, could you forward this email to the proper computer technology faculty. We are looking for motivated individuals to help us during evenings and weekends. We have been very happy with our present PC Pro graduate.
Thank You,
Jul
20
2010

Congratulations to Chris! He graduated from PC Pro 2 years ago but he still keeps in contact with us. He started at a major hospital right after graduation and loves it. As you can see from his quick note below… they love him too!
I just wanted to give you a quick update and say Thanks again. I have been working here at [Company Name] on the Service Desk for two years and three months. In that time, I have applied for a total of five new positions. 1 Governance, 1 Service Desk – Senior and 3 Security. I guess for me the fifth time is a charm because I started in my new position as a Security Administrator on July 2nd.
I want to thank you both again, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me get in the door in IT and here at [Company Name]. I could not have done it without you.
PC Pro Schools and Robert Half Technologies helped change my life.
Thank you,
Chris P.
Information Technology
Security Administrator
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Jul
16
2010
On behalf of PC ProSchools I would like to congratulate you on your amazing accomplishment. We know you are excited to celebrate this special event in your life with your family and friends. We have created an online Commencement Ceremony for you to do just that!
http://graduation.pcpro.edu/
At this site you will be able to watch addresses from me, Kate Pelchat, MS. Ed., Vice President of Educational Services as well as your primary online instructor, James Kluskens. Find yourself in our 2010 Graduation Yearbook and send an announcement to your family and friends through the online invitation system. You can also order your graduation certificate right from this site. The first two options allow you to have your certificate professionally printed and mounted at a minimal charge and the third option is to have your certificate emailed to you at no charge.
We know the real celebration comes after the commencement in the private moments with family and friends and we trust this online Commencement Ceremony will allow you to share this with them in the manner which feels most comfortable for everyone.
Congratulations again, and I wish you continued success in your future endeavors!
Jun
25
2010

Hello,
I just wanted to send out this Email to let you know what a wonderful job the school staff does for its students. I graduated and landed my first IT job in May 2010, Why, because of the teachers and support staff at PC Pro schools. I went to school with the dream of turning my life around and it happened, I am working for the state of MN and LOVING my new career.
The people I work with are great and the job itself is better than I had hoped my salary is more than 10,000 dollars over what I used to make in the retail environment as management. I will never forget the people and School that made this all possible for me.
THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING!!!!
Jun
14
2010
Here’s a great article that illustrates the importance of gaining your certifications! So… good luck and get into that testing center!!!
10 reasons IT certifications are important