1. Welcome to:
IT Career Exploration Event!

2. 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

3. 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:
To develop & revise programs of study in Information Technology
To acquire state-of-the-art technology systems
And to train students for today’s hot careers in Information Technology.

4. How has IT affected your life?
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?

5. Why consider a career in IT?
Growing industry, much faster than national average
Short term training (2 years or less) needed for entry-level jobs
Fast paced & exciting jobs that change daily
Flexible hours and great opportunities!
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and
2015 Salary Guide for Technology Professionals, Robert Half Technology

6. 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

7. 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.
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 defense of networks from hackers and other intrusions.
Are you safe?
Watch this!

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. People are available! Emily Clifton Education & Employment Advisor
Tony Mueller
Computer Science and Programming Faculty
Kerry Fridstrom
Certification Advisor
Laura Shaleen
RITA Admissions Representative
Michelle McEvers
RITA Admin. Asst.
Sally Welsh
RITA Grant Manager
Chris Morgan
Networking & Cyber Security Faculty
Stephen Cody
Networking Faculty

13. Getting started is as easy as 1.2.3!
Complete an application online or on paper at Pine
Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and requests for any previous college transcripts
Come to your scheduled Accuplacer & registration time

14. 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

15. 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.

16. RitaConsortium.org