Welcome to:

IT Career Exploration Event!

Today’s Agenda & Introductions
• What is RITA?
• What is IT and why consider a career in IT?
• Investigate the IT programs of study here at Pine
• Learn about the services and people available to help you
• Explore your chosen topic in Networking-Cyber Security or
Computer Programming
 What is RITA?
RITA stands for Rural Information Technology Alliance.

In October 2013, Pine Technical and Community College

(PTCC) was awarded a Round 3 TAACCCT grant from the
Department of Labor. PTCC, along with 3 other colleges,
proposed the grant to provide new opportunities for their
rural communities in Information Technology.

The goals of the grant are:

1) To develop & revise programs of study in Information
Technology
2) To acquire state-of-the-art technology systems
3) And to train students for today’s hot careers in
Information Technology.
 What is IT?
Backbone - IT is the backbone, the engine that drives and supports
businesses, industries, innovation and human communication. IT
impacts the way we live, work, play and learn.

Technical Tools - IT is tech hardware, software, the Internet, and the

networks that tie it all together.

People - IT is also about the people who use information technology.

Future - IT is about the future. Things are changing quickly, and IT is

driving the change.

How has IT affected your life?

 Why consider a career in IT?
Position Title: Salary/Wage: Job Outlook:
• Growing industry, Computer Systems $79,680/yr or $38.31/hr. 25%-much faster than
Analysts: average.
much faster than Jr. Software Developer slightly less than $80,250- 22%-Much faster than
national average $127,250 average
Computer Programmer: $74,280/yr. 8%-As fast as average
• Short term training Mobile App Developer: slightly less than $100,000- No Data-much faster than
(2 years or less) $144,000/yr. average
Web Developer slightly less than $73,500- 20%- faster than average
needed for entry- $122,000/yr.
level jobs Help Desk Tier I $34,000-$47,250/yr 17%-Faster than average
• Fast paced & exciting PC Technician $33,750-$49,750/yr 17%-Faster than average
Network Administrator $72,560/yr or $34.88/hr 12%-As fast as average
jobs that change (small business):
daily Jr. Information Security slightly less than $86,000/yr or 37%-Much faster than
Analyst $41.43/hr average
• Flexible hours and Jr. Network Security slightly less than $99, 250- No Data-much faster than
great opportunities! Admin $138,500/yr average
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and
2015 Salary Guide for Technology Professionals, Robert Half Technology
IT Programs of Study at PTCC

Network and Microcomputer Technology Certificate

Network Administration A.A.S Degree

Computer Programming A.A.S Degree

Computer Science A.S. Degree

Network Certificate & A.A.S. Degree
A networking degree prepares graduates to
administer and manage complex Local Area
Networks (LANs) as well as Wide Area Networks
(WANs) in multiple environments. Students will
learn to administer, design, install, configure,
connect, plan, and maintain networks.
Are you safe?
Watch this!
http://map.ipviking.com
Advanced Networking Emphasis:
Allows the student to delve deeper into the
field of networking, including server
administration and advanced networking
technologies
Cyber Security Emphasis:
Allows the student to focus on the protection and d
networks from hackers and other intrusions.
 Computer Programming A.A.S.
A programming degree prepares graduates to
write and implement generic and customized
programs to drive operating systems.
Students will learn software design, low and
high level languages, program writing,
program customization & linking, prototype
testing, and troubleshooting.
Advanced Computer Programming emphasis:
Allows the student to explore databases and data structures in
depth.
Mobile Application Development emphasis:
Allows the student to design user interfaces for mobile
applications, specifically for the Android and IOS platforms
Web Development emphasis:
Allows the student to design user interfaces for websites,
manage their content, and deploy security measures.
 Computer Science A.S. Degree
A computer science degree prepares graduates
with a firm foundation of coursework and
knowledge needed to transfer to a four year
university and pursue a higher degree in a
computer focused field of study. Students will
learn principles & theory, hardware design,
development and programming, and be able to
apply them to a variety of end-use situations.

Transfer options are available-ask an

advisor for specific information
Certifications are Available!
Certifications are industry recognized exams that prove a graduate’s
ability in a specific area of expertise. Pine Technical & Community
College will be a examination center. In many cases, having a
certification can give you a “leg up” on the competition when
applying for jobs. Some employers will also pay for you to take the
exam or give you more pay because you have the certification.

• Microsoft
• CISCO
• CompTIA+
• Certified Ethical Hacker
 Services are Available!
• Career Development
Assessments
• Personalized Education &
Career Plans
• Individualized Academic &
Career Support
• Help and encouragement
throughout your program
• Job Seeking Assistance,
Internship & Employer
Referrals
• Cover Letter and Resume
Development
• Resources to Help You
Succeed in Education & Life
• Interviewing Techniques &
Mock Interviewing
 People are available!
Emily Clifton
Education &
Employment
Advisor

Tony Mueller
Kerry Fridstrom Laura Shaleen Computer Science
Certification RITA Admissions and Programming
Advisor Representative Faculty

Michelle McEvers Sally Welsh

RITA Admin. Asst. RITA Grant
Manager

Chris Morgan
Stephen Cody Networking & Cyber
Networking Faculty Security Faculty
Getting started is as easy as 1.2.3!
1) Complete an application online or on paper
at Pine
2) Complete FAFSA (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) and requests for any
previous college transcripts
3) Come to your scheduled Accuplacer &
registration time
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
• Ask a staff or faculty member tonight
about getting started

• Set up an appointment with Emily or

Laura for personalized assistance
The Rural Information Technology Alliance is a four community college consortium
involving Pine Technical and Community College, as well as Central Lakes College,
Ridgewater College, and North Central Texas College, funded by the Department of Labor
through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training
(TAACCCT) grant program. This product was created by the grantee and does not
necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S.
Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express
or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and
including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness,
usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.
RitaConsortium.org