Equipping IT graduates with the needed skills to face a tough job market
When a student enrolls in a college or university and chooses a major, it’s a given that he or she expects to learn a broad range of knowledge about the major being studied. What often takes the backseat in this pursuit of knowledge is the ability to take what you learn and apply it in a professional setting, like a career.
Because University of Phoenix started out as a means for working professionals to get a college degree, the University has always focused on the application of theory into the real-world setting. Since its inception, the College of Information Systems and Technology has kept the philosophy of workforce preparedness at the forefront of its curriculum. And because the world’s economic landscape continues to change, the College is not only teaching real-world application of academic theory, but it’s also equipping its graduates with a set of 21st century skills.
The skills
According to Dean Blair Smith, Ph.D., the majority of students who enroll in the College of Information Systems and Technology are either looking to start a new chapter in their life — whether that’s looking for an office job or break into IT — or they’re looking to boost confidence and gain management and leadership skills. Generally, the former pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, while the latter has some experience and is looking to obtain their master’s degree. Whatever their background, there’s an expectation from the students that the College is going to prepare them for a career in IT.
Regardless of level, all degrees provide students with 12 different skills needed to succeed in the 21st century workplace:
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Initiative and self-direction
- Innovation and creativity
- Analyze and synthesize information
- Global citizenship
- Productivity and accountability
- Ethical decision-making
- Multi-disciplinary decision-making
- These skills are supplemental to the integral technical skills that all IT students learn while pursuing their degrees.
How do students gain these skills?
One of the greatest strengths of University of Phoenix is its faculty. They all hold advanced degrees and have substantial experience in the IT field. Some even work for Fortune 1000 companies. Because of this, students are able to learn many skills from their instructors, as well as the most current and relevant information that can be taught about the field.
Another way students gain 21st century skills is through Learning Teams, which are groups of students working together to complete course projects and assignments. Learning Teams are part of the University of Phoenix learning model. From this method, students learn collaboration, communication and leadership skills. Additionally, Learning Teams help students learn to take initiative and learn to use creativity to problem solve.
Employers expect IT graduates to know the technical skills of IT. Now, employers are expecting graduates to have superior communication and collaboration skills. The College of Information Systems and Technology provides its graduates with these skills and that’s what sets University of Phoenix apart.
Preparing students for the workforce
While the BLS expects the field of IT to continue to grow through 2018, the job market continues to get tougher. Preparing students to enter the workforce is a top priority at University of Phoenix. The first step is the virtual labs. Because these labs are housed online, students are not limited to a 45-minute class, there’s no setup time and they can access them 24/7. If a student is encountering problems, they can reset the whole lab and start again. Virtual labs provide students with the necessary hands-on training of some of the most up-to-date technology.
University of Phoenix also offers support in other ways. For example, before students graduate, they can get help with preparing their résumés. They can also explore some job references and placement through the alumni network. The Alumni Association at University of Phoenix also offers mentorship programs where students can shadow a professional in the field of IT.
As technology becomes more and more ingrained in our everyday lives, the College of Information Systems and Technology will continue to grow and change to adapt to meet industry demands. Currently, courses and curriculum are being refreshed on a monthly and annual basis to ensure University of Phoenix stays up to date in IT.
