IT @ iTech

I've been trying to find a moniker to encompass my three programs.  I like IT @ iTech.

I created a logo.  What do you think?  Use the hashtag #itechrocks.

(Remember, I fix and support technology.  Making it pretty is not my thing.  You will not offend me.)

IT Psychologist?

I would like to share this wonderful story from NPR today:


A Good IT Person Needs to be Half Technologist and Half Psychologist



This is a message that I have been sharing with my students for a long time now.  While the pop culture image of the IT professional has persisted as the prima donna loner who cannot get a date, the reality is that business owners like money.  Arrogant, abusive employees do not make their bosses money.  Courteous, kind and responsible ones do and are rewarded in kind.

I also appreciate the second point the writer makes about Harold Mann, Co-Founder of Mann Consulting in San Francisco.  He talks about the trust that customers must have with their IT staff.  Especially when dealing with younger students, I often tell them, "Just because you can, does not mean that you should."  As an IT professional, I simply do not have the time to randomly browse customer's personal files, nor play silly tricks on them, just to prove how smart and powerful I am.  I am secure in my knowledge and skills as a professional and I live and die by my reputation.  Your silly insecurities do not interest me enough to put that at risk.


I also recommend visiting Mann's Blog for more insights about being an IT professional.

Hello My Name Is....

Can you believe that there is only one more week of Summer vacation before school starts?

We had a very busy Summer Session with longer days and shorter weeks.  We covered a lot of material in that time and was hugely successful in achieving our Industry Certifications.

This week, I am already back in the classroom getting ready with some new assignments and resources.  I am looking forward to this coming year and excited to meeting my new students.  It looks like there are going to be a bunch of you. 

So as you are out enjoying these last few days, start getting excited about our next few months together, what you hope to achieve and who you want to be after you complete this program.  The possibilities are endless and limited only by the effort you put into class.

So dream big and put your study pants on!  Let's have a great school year, filled with fun, learning, lots of certifications and even more job opportunities.

GO TEAM!

#itechrocks

Some of you may have noticed that the video on the www.itech.edu website for my programs is old.  The video stars my predecessor and this is my third year as instructor!  If you missed my previous post of a video that I created for one of the classes that I am taking, (Yes, even I have to continue studying.) I have tweaked it to be more appropriate, informational and inspirational for my program's page on the website.

So, enjoy this remix.  It is a look into my classroom and program.  I hope you enjoy the visit.  If you are a former student, I hope you enjoy this look back at our time together.  I miss you and am so very proud of you!


BTW: Classes are filling fast.  If you have not registered for class yet, get down to Student Services.  We will have a lot of new faces this Fall!

Did I Mention...?

Over the summer, we earned 7 Industry Certifications out of 8.  It is the start of a new school year, and I am counting those towards surpassing the 36 from last year.  With an expected 10+ new students, this is gonna be fun!  I am going home early this year folks....

Just kidding.

I am really looking forward to this new year.