In 2006, THe forbes 500 lIsT ranked dell compuTers as
THe 25TH largesT companY
(bY revenue) In THe unITed sTaTes.
data management, computer programming, incorporate new technologies into the
networking, and web development. courses. Since graduates are well equipped
“Associate’s degrees are extremely with the latest technology, there is a big
helpful in preparing students for the job demand for them.”
market,” says Keri Gutierrez, the director of
publications and news at TSTC Harlingen. internships
“Students receive hands-on training from Many IT students take advantage of short-
professors who are industry professionals in term college internships to practice technical
Information Technology.” skills in a work setting, polish their business
skills, and make professional contacts with
four-Year Degrees potential employers.
Four-year bachelor’s degree programs “Internships made a difference in
give students the opportunity to build my understanding and comprehension
a broader foundation for success. of classroom concepts,” says Binh Vu,
Michael Young, an application analyst managing technical architect of Quorum
with Chevron in Houston, received Business Solutions in Houston. “Students
his bachelor’s degree in management will never know for sure what they want to
information systems from the University do in the field until they try it.”
of Houston. Like many who choose a An internship is also a great chance for
four year path, Young benefited from the a student to learn to function in a business
classes in his technology major. setting. “Students experience a day-to-day
Get the cREDiT
“The useful classes in college were routine: getting up in the morning, holding
courses in finance, accounting, and project a job, and completing assignments. It teaches you Deserve
management,” he says. “Those were the ones discipline and time management,” says
T
that apply most to my job now. They provide Gary O’Dwyer, executive vice president of

ech prep in Texas is a great way to earn
college credits toward a technical career
the foundation.” Quorum, which provides software solutions
while you’re still in high school. Tech prep
Departments of electrical and computer to the energy industry.
programs center on “articulation agreements,”
engineering at Texas A&M University,
Military
contracts between the student, his or her high
the University of Texas at Austin, Texas
school, and community colleges the student
Tech University, and elsewhere offer The U.S. military offers excellent
would like to attend. The agreement includes
bachelor’s degree programs that provide the opportunities for those who wish to serve
recommendations for courses to be completed
opportunity to broaden skills in English, their country while pursuing an education.
before graduation and outlines a two-year
Global Studies, and Political Science courses. Recruits who show an aptitude for IT on
degree or certificate program.
tests administered at enlistment can receive
graduate school
selected courses in a Tech prep plan cover
training to maximize their potential.
the same material as the equivalent college
For those who wish to continue their Because they have experience working
course, allowing the student to receive what
education after receiving a four-year degree, in stressful environments that demand
is called advanced technical credit toward the
master’s and Ph.D. degree programs can accuracy, military personnel are valuable
college degree. It’s like a bank account. The
provide more specialized knowledge of the assets to the civilian workforce. According
credit is banked for you at the college, and you
Information Technology field. to James Pinson, a sergeant and an IT
withdraw it when you enroll.
Graduate degrees in the IT field are specialist in the U.S. Army, there are many
for more information on Tech prep, visit
available at most Texas universities. They advantages to enlisting in the military. “I
www.techpreptexas.org. ask your counselor
enable pursuit of advanced knowledge already have job offers, so I would say it’s easy
about advanced placement, dual credit, or
and research and usually are required for to transition.”
articulated courses and other opportunities to
professionals interested in teaching at the Pinson, who is stationed in Houston,
earn college credit.
college level. also notes that the military is starting to
Professor Sadegh Davari of the University provide Microsoft certification, which gives
of Houston at Clear Lake explains, military personnel the same credentials as IT
“Curriculum is updated frequently to professionals in civilian life.
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