“All of it is good to know in order to move up in this industry. I can’t be an analyst without knowing how this stuff works. It would be such a big jump.”
Computer programs these days do a decent job at simulating real-world work for students. But the internship experience of current and former Francis Tuttle Technology Center students in the IT Services department demonstrates that nothing beats the real thing.
“The biggest thing is hands-on experience,” second-year intern Lamari McFee said.
Students from the Cyber Security and Network Support program at Francis Tuttle have stayed on campus this summer to get some first-hand knowledge of the work they will do as professionals. They spend Monday through Thursday completing assigned tasks and getting a firsthand look at what an IT operation requires to be successful.
“We come here every morning, and if there’s a task ready we start on that,” intern Brandon Teter said. “If we don’t have a task yet for that day, we’ll go ask about what we can do or any work we can pick up.”
There’s plenty to do over the summer, even without students and most instructors on campus. One task in particular the group has to work on is preparing computers and devices for the upcoming school year.
“Older laptops will need software updates,” McFee said. “But with the new laptops, we need to image them to be ready for specific classes.”
Imaging a device means adding any software that is specific to that program.
Some days are slower than others, as is the case with any job. But Ethan Roberts said even on those days, there are valuable lessons to be learned.
“You learn the nuances of this job,” he said. “If there is a slow day, you pick up the things that no one really likes to do, like untangling the chords or organizing a drawer. Because it’s still important and it helps us do our work. You take care of the tasks that no one really thinks about when it comes to IT.”
They have also had the opportunity to see how ITS maintains the vital network functions that keep Francis Tuttle running. And seeing how a system operates from the inside is important knowledge for many jobs in the sector.
McFee said he is considering becoming an IT analyst, which is quite different from a technician's work. But the work he does as an intern is still important for achieving his career goals.
“This work is way different, but it’s still good to know,” he said. “All of it is good to know in order to move up in this industry. I can’t be an analyst without knowing how this stuff works. It would be such a big jump.”
All the interns have either completed the Cyber Security program or earned enough certifications to obtain a job. They will continue their work until August, by which time they will seek employment in IT.
Their time interning at Francis Tuttle has only affirmed their decision to choose this career path.
“I’ve always had a passion for computers,” intern Yeshua Montoya said. “The [Cyber Security] program only served to enhance that passion. This internship has just stoked that fire even more. You get all sorts of experience that you can apply to your field.”