Computer & Information Technology is a growing field that offers several focus areas. Career options range from working on the hardware of computers and networks to program for applications and machinery. Click here for job data for specific careers in Computer Technology.
As a Lake Land College student, you will have the advantage of working on individual and team projects in industry-leading labs and equipment. You will do more than study classroom materials, you will be tasked with completing assignments found in the industry.
Lake Land College is a testing site for several industry-leading IT certifications. By earning these credentials you set yourself apart in the technology field.
Computer Applications Specialist Certificate IT-Computer Applications Certificate IT-Network Administration Certificate IT-Programming Certificate IT-Web Technology Certificate CNC Operator Certificate CNC Programmer Certificate Computer Technician Certificate Computer Systems NDP
IT-Web Technology IT-Computer Applications IT-Network Administration IT-Programming
What do you want to be when you grow up? That question is often daunting, especially for many students who take an interest in multiple disciplines. Milah Chowning, Laker Nation Class of 2018, is one such student.
As valedictorian of the 2016 graduating class of Stew-Stras High School, she was eager to use her academic talent to find success. However, she had many interests and found it difficult to settle on one area of study.
“I knew I was interested in computers, I enjoyed math and Spanish, but I knew I didn’t want to teach either of those subjects. I also thought about art and animation,” Chowning said. “It wasn’t until I got to Lake Land that I was exposed to tech and realized that there is a huge world of opportunity in IT.”
After expressing her interests to her academic counselor, Chowning was directed to Scott Rhine, IT instructor/program coordinator, IT-network administration program at Lake Land College.
“Scott was really good at selling IT. Once I started taking his classes, I knew I wanted to continue in this field,” Chowning said. “I can’t do justice for how much Scott helped me.”
Chowning now works in IT operations at Heartland Dental in Effingham. Her duties in IT operations include supporting all home office and field employees across the United States, helping with equipment and serving as the advanced-help-desk technician.
It is clear that Chowning is passionate about IT and advancing her career as she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Western Governors University beginning in August of 2019.
Cybersecurity is a sub-genre of IT and the number of women in the field is steadily rising. As she continues her education in cybersecurity, she enjoys doing everything in her power to reach out to young girls who may have an interest in IT.
“I want to be an advocate for girls in IT. I want to share this male-dominated field with girls, because historically women are not drawn to this field,” Chowning said. “I would tell someone, especially a young girl or woman trying to get into IT, or any STEM field for that matter, that you are your own hero. Strive to be the best you can be against all odds.
“I’m striving for the authority to be able to say, ‘If I can do it, so can you!’” Chowning said. “I urge girls to not be afraid of getting their feet wet and trying new things if it sparks a passion or fire inside of them. I encourage girls to take on the world with force and determination. Do not let anyone tell you that you are not good enough, because you are more than enough!”
Heather Nohren, Academic Counselor hnohren@lakelandcollege.edu 217-234-5256