Freshman lands job before finishing degree work

By Kathy Byrd

A fascination with computers is usually the beginning.

Then comes the realization that this "fascination" can become a career.

For many Computer Science and Information Technology majors at Pellissippi State, the next steps are enrolling in classes, completing internships, earning their Associate of Applied Science degrees, and then getting jobs in the field.

For some, like Blount County resident Stephen Hinzman, the job came even before the degree.

While he is still attending classes, Hinzman works full time in the information systems department of Sea Ray Boats Inc., as a PC technical support specialist and assistant network administrator.

Such early success in snaring a position in the field is not surprising, says CSIT program coordinator Greg Walters. In fact, he emphasizes the marketability of the degree as one of its strong points.

"There's a misconception in the United States that jobs in the computer field have gone away, gone overseas," he said.

"That's not true at all. We find that there are plenty of jobs. If you have the right skills, companies are going to hire you."

Students in the Computer Science and Information Technology program at Pellissippi State can choose from four concentrations: Computer Support, Database Design and Development, Internet Software Development, and Programming. Walters says the average entry-level salary for a person with an Associate's Degree is $30,000.

In a typical year, at least 90 percent of Pellissippi State's computer science graduates obtain jobs in the field.

Walters says one of the keys to the high placement rate is the program's emphasis on teaching students the skills that make them attractive job candidates. Like all of the college's technical programs, CSIT relies on an advisory committee of local employers in the field to provide input on the specific knowledge and abilities potential employees need to have.

As a result of those discussions, Pellissippi State makes adjustments to the program in order to, as Walters puts it, "customize our work force to meet the demands of the employers.

"We're not doing just theory and book learning. We insure that the types of things students are learning are appropriate to the career they are going to enter."

Along with the job-oriented curriculum, CSIT major Hinzman has praise for his fellow students, the college's state-of-the-art computer facilities, and the first-rate faculty.

Because he works during the day, Hinzman takes classes in the evenings, and one of the positive aspects of his Pellissippi State experience has been the shared goals and work ethic of his classmates.

"It seems as though the evening students are more motivated to have good study habits, share ideas, and have a stronger desire to learn and to succeed in the program," he said.

The hands-on aspect of the program, coupled with the college's up-to-date computer equipment, also appeals to Hinzman.

"I really enjoyed the lab facilities with the most current machines, operating systems, and software available to enrich the learning experience," he said.

Walters says hands-on training is an essential part of getting students ready for the workplace. "We try to give them as much experience in our labs as we can," he said, "so they are prepared for internships, and then they can go out and prove their worth to employers."

The 135-hour internship component of the program is an important part of giving students the marketability they need to land a job, because it provides students with the opportunity to get work experience before they graduate. Hinzman was able to complete his internship at Sea Ray, where he already worked, and he said his employer was supportive of his efforts.

Walters explains, "Internships often lead to jobs. We tell students that if they prove their worth, often they will get a job offer at the place they intern."

Neither Hinzman nor Walters overlooks the efforts of the faculty in the CSIT program.

"The evening instructors, both adjunct and tenured, have been exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable," said Hinzman. "They really have a desire to see the students succeed and are eager and willing to help wherever and whenever possible."

Walters agrees. "Our people are up-to-date and very knowledgeable. They take a leadership role in keeping up with what students need not only now but five years from now. We look forward."

Hinzman is one of the program's success stories. With the knowledge and experience provided by the CSIT curriculum, he has already turned his "fascination" with computers into a career, and in May he will graduate with highest honors.

"Inside Pellissippi" is a bi-monthly electronic publication produced by the Community Relations Office for the faculty and staff of Pellissippi State Technical Community College, 10915 Hardin Valley Road, P.O. Box 22990, Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990. All suggestions and comments should be sent to Julia Wood (jwood@pstcc.edu).

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