Information Technology

Thom customized his own degree - combining studies from different program areas. He ended up taking 11 different certificates, and at one time was taking 29 credits in one semester.

"All of my training at Fox Valley Tech has impacted me," Thom says. "There are bits and pieces from all of the courses that I use on my job. Some things are not exactly part of what I do daily, but they are part of the environment that surrounds me."

Ajay’s education from Gateway Technical College increased his earning power by more than a third with room for advancement in his future.

"Gateway prepared me well for my job – I haven’t been faced with anything yet that I am unable to do," says Ajay. "I really do think this job is recession proof. Business must have computers to work, and they depend on programmers to work every day."

Ajay was introduced to Gateway when he earned his GED at the college. He left high school at age 16 to work full-time to support his son. He always knew he wanted to return and earn a degree and Gateway provided this and more.

"Having the opportunity to connect with Gateway through my GED made me believe in myself – that I could return to earn my degree."

Dominic uses his technical skills to make sure everyone in Camp Randall Stadium can communicate with each other. It was his education at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) that gave him this opportunity.

"The hands-on learning, caring instructors, and small class sizes at Southwest Tech helped me jump-start my career in telecommunications," Dominic says.

Joe believes technical education provides a tremendous opportunity for individuals who want to focus on a specific field of study. It allows them to join the workforce quickly and improves the quality of life for the graduate and his or her family.

"It is an affordable option, open to anyone with a vision for great achievements," Joe says. "I will always value the quality education, the career prospects, and the skills I still use today."

Attending a technical college and a four-year university has provided Shobana with an educational experience that merges the best of both worlds. She chose Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) for its affordability paired with its practical approach to education and course material that applies to the real world.

"I could see myself taking what was being taught in classes and applying it to my job," she says. "Instructors would take core technical concepts and work with you until you would grasp it," Shobana adds.

After she earned her associate degree from WCTC, she began her studies at a four-year college. "I would have completely missed out on some of the core technical hands-on experiences if I had started right away at a four-year university."