STCC creates a fast track to a computer and IT security career

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – With his job at an online company ending Dec. 1, Christopher Safarik found a pathway that could lead to his next position when he enrolled in an innovative Computer and IT Security Certificate program at Springfield Technical Community College.

Safarik, of Agawam, hopes to earn the credentials he needs to land a good job in information technology (IT). The accelerated “fast track” Computer and IT Security Certificate program condenses a year and a half of coursework into eight months.

“I really like the idea of a ‘fast track,’” said Safarik, 43, who was seated in front of his laptop on a recent Tuesday, preparing for the second week of the classes. “If it were two years, I wouldn’t be able to do it. … Plus, the cost is inexpensive compared to where I received my bachelor’s degree. It was an easy choice. And I really like the professors.”

Safarik is one of 16 students enrolled in the new “fast track” certificate program, which runs from September through April at STCC. The coursework prepares students for a range of IT jobs, including networking or data base specialist, technician or analyst, to name a few. Enrollment has ended for fall’s courses, but STCC will offer the program again in 2018, said Leona Ittleman, dean of the School of Business and Information Technologies.

Some of the students have been working in the field, while others are in between jobs or looking for an IT-related position, Ittleman explained.

“This program tends to attract mature students, some of whom have already had some higher ed experience,” Ittleman said. “They want to update their skills. They might work at the IT help desk and want to go to the next level.”

Brian Candido, chair of Computer Information Technologies at STCC and one of the professors, said the fast-track certificate program represents a valuable opportunity for students.

I was really excited about this when I heard it was offered. It’s a great start for anyone who wants to get into the field. This also allows me to get credit toward an associate degree. Ashley Ryan, Student in the fast track program

“If you work in the IT field but never had the chance to earn college credits or credentials, this is for you,” Candido said. “The fast-track format caters to the busy working professional who wants to earn college credentials in the IT field which is fast-growing and in demand.”

Safarik earned his bachelor’s degree in politics from Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C., but described himself as “self-trained” in IT. He said he will need the certificate to secure a good job in the computer field.

With cybersecurity breaches making national headlines, companies are posting job openings for trained technicians who know how to protect their information. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected job growth between 2014 and 2024 for information security analysts is 18 percent (much faster than average) and 12 percent (faster than average) for computer support specialists.

Ashley Ryan, of Westfield, another student in the fast track program, doesn’t work in the field, but wants to earn her certificate and find a related job.

“I was really excited about this when I heard it was offered,” said Ryan, 25. “It’s a great start for anyone who wants to get into the field. This also allows me to get credit toward an associate degree.”

Students who successfully complete the fast track certificate program will receive 27 college credits, which they can apply directly to an associate degree in Computer and IT Security. They will need to take additional courses for another year at STCC if they want to earn their degree.

Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, ideal times for working students. The program includes some online study.

Computer and IT Security is not the only fast track program at STCC. Students can pursue a Customer Service Essentials Certificate, also offered by the School of Business and Information Technologies.

STCC is accepting students into the Customer Service Essentials program until Oct. 23, when classes begin.

The fast track Customer Service Essentials program requires students to commit to an intense 14 weeks. Classes run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

After students successfully complete the program in March, they will have earned 24 college credits which they can apply toward an associate degree in business.

To enroll in the fast track Customer Service Essentials Certificate program, visit the STCC Admissions Office in Garvey Hall, Room 121, or contact Professor Christina Atwater: (413) 744-4062 or cratwater@stcc.edu.

“Each fast track program is designed to meet the needs of the students it serves,” said Ittleman, dean of the School of Business and Information Technologies. “Our Customer Service Essentials Certificate program is designed for students who have not had professional work experience and desire a career. The Computer Information and Technology Security Certificate fast track program is designed for the working professional or someone with previous knowledge of IT.”

What both programs have in common is that the students study together as part of a cohort.

“The cohort model for the fast track programs provides a cohesive learning community where students remain in the same classes together over the course of the whole program,” Ittleman said. “They work closely together and begin to collaborate with each other, much like the workplace.  The soft skills that they hone in the classroom include teamwork, communication and collective decision-making which are essential to their career success.”  

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC, a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and an Achieving the Dream Leader College, offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, engineering, liberal arts, science and technology continue to provide the most economical options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of more than 8,500 day, evening, weekend and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@S_T_C_C).

Media Contact:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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