PC ProSchools – The Click

Former PC Pro Schools student, Chris Steger discusses his experience as a PC Pro Schools student and what it’s like to work in the IT industry after graduating.

Chris Steger

Before PC Pro Schools, I worked as a Senior Claims Technician for a successful insurance company.  After the company I worked for downsized, I decided to make a career change because I wanted to explore careers outside the insurance industry.  After meeting with a PC Pro academic advisor, I decided to enroll.  My advisor provided me with answers to all of my questions and the accelerated program was very appealing to me.  PC Pro Schools’ Blended Learning program was different but easy to grasp.  I enjoyed the friendships I made and the networking opportunities with classmates and advisors.  Since graduation, I now have an IT job – I owe a great thanks to PC Pro Schools.  I hope to build upon my current skills and continue to work my way up in the world on IT.  Currently, I am employed as an IT Support Technician at a major cable company.  I am responsible for video, voice and internet operations as well as various troubleshooting tasks.  I enjoy assisting customers and providing them with a positive experience.

Erich Munsch is current student who has already landed a job in the IT industry.  He discusses his experience with PC ProSchools and what it’s like to work as an IT Professional.

Before PC Pro, I worked at Member Services at an athletic community center in Shoreview, MN.  After graduating from local state university in May 2010, I became frustrated with the lack of jobs available within my field.  It seemed that many of the jobs listed within my searches dealt with computer which sparked in interest in the IT field.  Coincidentally, I overheard an advertisement for PC Pro Schools on the radio.

Currently, I am employed as the Assistant IT at a supply company in Minneapolis, MN.  At my current position, I am still in training.  I am responsible for learning the administrative aspects of the company’s new database which will go live in October 2011.  I have configured 8 computers to be used for training the company’s employees for the new database.  In addition, I am responsible for responding to employees’ computer problems and issues.  I am in charge of administrating Windows updates to all computers within the office.

At work, I love the atmosphere of my office and my co-workers.  I’m impressed with the climate of the office and my work experience.  I also find it exciting that each day is unique.  I am constantly given new tasks which keep me interested in learning more at PC Pro Schools.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the PC Pro program was that most of the coursework was done online.  I had the flexibility to study on my own schedule.  I also appreciated the option of rewinding the online videos if I was unsure of a topic or if I wanted to readdress information.

The accelerated program was especially appealing to me after graduating from a traditional university.  I thought the certifications offered through PC Pro would be beneficial because they focused directly on the information and skills needed to be successful in the computer career world.

I favored PC Pro’s program over other schools because of their accelerated program.  Knowing that I could finish the program in under a year helped me stay focused on my homework and dedicated to my learning.  I also loved the idea of having new career options with favorable advancement opportunities, especially after previously disappointing job searches.

PC Pro is a great school for those with a good work ethic and a “ready-to-learn” mindset.  I found the program beneficial for me, however if one is not committed to learning, their experience may differ from mine.

The blended learning program made it convenient to receive information both through online videos in addition to having the opportunity to apply the knowledge to in-class labs.  This process seemed to reassure me of how well I understood the lessons.

Even though I am still completing the PC Pro course, I do have a new job within the IT field.  I feel more confident in my future and I am looking forward to advancing within the industry.

Thank you PC Pro Schools!

PC Pro Graduate Erich Munsch

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.

Timothy Heller, a recent PC Pro Schools graduate completed the program in January and shares his experience of gaining computer certifications and entering the IT industry with a career in computers:

I came to PC ProSchools almost right after finishing high school, and I didn’t have a job at that time.  I just wanted to start a career with computers and PC ProSchools seemed like the perfect choice.  I love computers.  I’ve been around them nearly my whole life, and I wanted to start a career that I knew I would be happy with. PC Pro Schools gave me the tools to do just that.

Now I have a promising start of a career with a strong and competitive company.  There is no “typical” day because I deal with literally around a hundred people every day.  Each situation is different.  You don’t know what to expect, but I like it, and have PC Pro to thank.

Honestly, I used to hate going to school. I hated the idea of a 4-year college degree that forces you to take unnecessary classes such as history.  I mean, what does that have to do with computing? So when I heard the course at PC ProSchools was only a few months long I couldn’t wait to hear why. When I heard why, I couldn’t wait to get started.

The blending learning program was amazing. I loved how the program was adaptive. I could watch online videos any time I wanted during the week, then come in to the scheduled class, get a broader understanding of the subject, and if needed, get a little 1 on 1 time with an instructor after class. I enjoyed the instructors’ enthusiasm and teaching styles, as well as the accommodations made for people of different learning styles.

The career services are great at PC ProSchools.  I still am getting e-mails about job leads, even though I’m employed. I really admire that because even though I’m currently employed, I still would like to know what’s available out there in case anything happens.

Simply put, I don’t think I’d have a decent job, or the start of a computer career without PC ProSchools. I really believe it has put me on a path to success. Without PC ProSchools, I definitely wouldn’t have known about the job I’m at, or that I was qualified for it.

I would recommend PC ProSchools to pretty much anyone that actually has an interest in computers. With the way the course is set up, previous technical knowledge would help, but isn’t actually necessary. Anyone dedicated enough could successfully complete the course. Anyone.

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)

A PC Pro graduate who completed the program in March shares her experience at PC ProSchools and how her life has changed since graduation:

Before coming to PC Pro, I was unemployed for more than 2 years.  My last job was working for a large bank located in Kalamazoo and my position was sent off-shore to India.   I was really getting discouraged in my job search.  No one was even responding to my resumes.  I knew I needed to “re-invent” myself so that I could find a career that was pretty recession proof.   I have been in health care before and I knew I didn’t want that again.  A friend who was going to PC Pro recommended it to me.  I wasn’t sure I was going to be “good at computers” – I was more of an “enthusiastic end-user” than a gamer or a “geek.”  But after meeting the staff at PC Pro in Grand Rapids I knew it was something I could definitely do!

I am now the Technical Administrative Assistant at an IT department and LOVING it!

After being unemployed for 2 years, I was looking for something that was FAST as well as thorough.  I checked into some of the programs that were closer to home, but decided that PC Pro was going to get me where I wanted to go in the shortest time possible.

If someone was willing to put in the time and effort to really push themselves I would definitely recommend PC Pro.  It isn’t always easy (maybe I should say it’s never EASY!) but the staff there is always willing to help and you have all sorts of resources available to you.  I described the process as someone as opening up your skull and then dumping the information in by the bucketful.  Intense – without a doubt but the shear volume of information that you process is unbelievable!

I am the administrative assistant to a small but VERY active IT department – we are running 8 AD servers, serving about 150 staff and 4,000+ tribal citizens.  It’s my job to keep everyone running in the same direction.  Although I’m not currently involved with the server side of the department (yet) my boss says that it is great that I understand the technology (and the vocabulary) so that they have a lot of flexibility to use me.  I love the folks that I am working with, I feel valued by them (and the excellent benefits and salary don’t hurt either!).

The career services team at PC Pro was helpful in a lot of different ways for me.  First and foremost, career services was always very positive and encouraging to me – they KNEW that I would find something that I was going to love – and they were right.  I saw our “relationship” as a team process – they weren’t going to find a job for me – that was my responsibility.  Career services was able to open some doors for me, and they gave me great advice on my resume and interview skills.

The staff at PC Pro Grand Rapids is outstanding.  They kept me coming back when I was ready to give up and were with me the through the entire process.  I had a fantastic instructor!  He was able to take a roomful of students at ALL levels of knowledge and make sure that we all knew what was going on.

I’ll be honest – the blended learning program isn’t for everyone – it takes dedication and perseverance – but if you are really committed to it, you CAN do it!

My life is unbelievable now – great job working with wonderful people…my son says it’s so nice to see me smiling all the time now.  We will be able to do the things (like go on a family vacation) that we have always wanted to but couldn’t afford.  PC Pro has made all the difference.

Image via Wikipedia

PC ProSchools Students and Grads are excited to team with up IndependenceFirst for their second annual computer recycling drive for Earth Day. Charlotte Zarnoth, Volunteer Coordinator for IndependenceFirst is seeking individuals who’d be interested in volunteering to help the day of the drive.

Like in 2010, the drive will be advertised so people can bring their old/used computer components to the IndependenceFirst office.  The computers and monitors are tested to see if they work at all, those that do work will be saved for our computer recycling program and the rest will be sent to a recycler who will dispose of them properly.  Our students and graduates will be making these computer evaluations.

Here’s the information about the event:

Day:            Saturday, April 16^th

Time:          8:30 – 3:00

Place:         IndependenceFirst

540 S. 1^st Street

Milwaukee, WI 53204

Please contact Laura Polancich, lpolancich@pcpro.edu if you’d like to participate!