This summer, students of Juniata College’s Computer Science and Information Technology department will be getting job experience at the Teaching Learning Technology/Campus Technology Services center. This will allow the students to receive a hands-on approach to their specific studies.
Many of the students offered these positions had previous experience working at the TLT and CTS. They have also gained experience through the CS/IT courses that relate to their positions.
These technology students plan to bring their various skills to the jobs that they were offered for this summer.
“I have prior management and leadership skills as the IA Student Manager this past year, and I have worked at the TLT since the spring semester of freshman year, so I have a lot of experience,” said Junior Aimee Reinaker. Reinaker is an Information Technology major and received the TLT Manager position for the summer and the next academic year.
“I spent this past semester working in the back with full-time [CTS] staff, so I have experience in the work that my summer position will consist of. I also have a good work ethic, and love learning about technology,” said Sophomore Joseph Giebel. Giebel is also majoring in Information Technology and has prior experience working at the TLT.
Other individuals also see this as an opportunity to build off of what they have learned.
“I feel like there isn’t much that I can do that someone else can’t. I see it as a learning experience that I asked for,” said Sophomore Patrick Murray. Murray is also an Information Technology student and has had previous experience working with the CTS staff.
In relation to their current education, these student employees see this as an opportunity to gain real world experience.
“I feel like I can learn a lot about helping people and [learning] more technical skills,” said Reinaker.
“It gives us a sense of responsibility before we head out into the real world. It is a real job that requires us to be on time, keep our minds fresh on the subjects that our customers will ask about, and be kind to anyone we interact with,” said Giebel.
While the job is there to teach the students to be professional, there is also a level of comfort to help with the transition into a work environment. “I think it gives you a taste of what to expect at a ‘real’ job with a laid back and friendly environment,” said Murray.
This level of comfort is found through the relationship that the students already share with the CTS staff.
“[The CTS staff] will be the ones teaching me what I’m going to be doing. They’ll show me how to do something, and then I’ll do it on my own. I’ve been working with them all semester so I already know how helpful they are, and that they’ll answer any questions I have,” said Giebel.
“The [CTS] staff [is] always helpful and a valuable resource. Whenever I have a question they can always send me in the right direction for the answer,” said Reinaker.
The combination of comfort and professionalism from these jobs will also allow the students to prepare for their future careers.
“It’s a deal breaker on a resume,” said Murray.
“It will help me improve my people skills, technical skills, and gain valuable experience,” said Reinaker.
“Since my Program of Emphasis is Information Technology, I hope to use the knowledge I gain this summer in my future job with technology. Whether it be designing new technology or maintaining equipment, the knowledge I gain this summer should be helpful,” said Giebel. “Learning about technology and being able to troubleshoot and correct any technical problems is crucial to my abilities.”
The positions offered by Campus Technology Services allow the students to play various roles improving campus technology.
“[I will be answering] any questions about TLT and TLT lab equipment, [helping] anyone with questions about software on any of the lab computers, [checking] rentable equipment in and out, and [maintaining] the TLT and TLT lab,” said Giebel.
“I think I’ll be setting up Mac labs,” said Murray.
The Technology Solutions Center includes the Help Desk, for any students or faculty who need assistance with their computers. The staff is responsible for technology training, web development, and support of faculty workstations and student labs. It also includes Teaching Learning Technology, which provides technology education resources for students.
CTS focus on providing students with employment opportunities to help them grow as a professional.
“I’ve always been acclimated to these sorts of things, and doing it in a ‘professional’ environment as opposed to for fun should be an excellent learning experience,” said Murray.
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