AfTER high sChOOL
To theNext
succEss in
Level
infORmATiOn
TEchnOlOGy
requires education
after high school.
E
veryone has heard stories of technical
geniuses so proficient they were hired
straight out of high school by large
firms at high salaries.
However, Cathy Nordt, whose Houston-
based i.focus corp. helps companies find Information Technology Apprenticeship
technical professionals, says students need Fortunately, Texas offers a full range of System. NITAS, created by the Computing
more than technical genius to build a future options for IT education after high school, Technology Industry Association, is an
in IT. Companies look for well-rounded ranging from short-term certifications emerging competency-based apprenticeship
employees with the skills required for to graduate level college work taking program that allows flexible credentialing
business success, she says. several years. for IT workers who are already employed.
“It’s necessary for students to continue The certification program uses a
their education by getting advanced Certification combination of classroom and on-the-
training in such areas as presentations, Short-term industry certifications provide job training.
communications, and business students a great way to get started in IT.
management,” Nordt advises. “Students Certifications tell potential employers Two-Year College
should earn a college degree and keep their exactly what skills a job applicant has Another good way to get started in IT is to
skills current.” mastered. Options available include master skills at a technical college or two-year
The same rule applies in IT as in other credentials from such companies as community college. “In today’s employment
fields: The more education someone has, the Microsoft, Cisco, and Apple. market,” says Debbie Karl, program chair
better the job options and financial rewards. Oftentimes, employees can and associate professor of the West Texas
earn additional credentials division of Texas State Technical College
while working. Employers, (TSTC), “65 percent of workers need to be
trainers, and IT workers, skilled—and that means getting a short-term
for example, can gain certificate or associate’s degree.”
certification from Associate’s degree and certification
programs such programs are offered by most community
as the National colleges in such subjects as software design,
In 2007, THe naTIonal assocIaTIon of
female execuTIves
named Texas InsTrumenTs one of THe
Top 30 companIes for female execuTIves.
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