Gap’s co Danica Riley Conrributing Writer STUDENTS at Capilano College are gaining an advantage in the work place with specialized computer courses. The highlight of the busi- hess administration’s comput- ing programs is the Computer Systems Professional (CSP) course. CSP is a 10 month pro- gram. of intense study requir ing 60 to 70 hours of students’ time cach week. Most students in the pro- gram have been in the work force for a number of years and are returning to college to upgrade their skills. They learn a variety of computer skills including net- working, programming, data- base management and systems design. Capilano College has earned itself an excellent repu- tation in computer circles close to home and around the globe. “One guy called and said it was recommended to him by three consultants to hire a Capilano College graduate. He said he didn’t know whar we were doing right over here bur he was told the students have an excellent work ethic and they are knowledgeable,” said Bawn Campbell, the pro- gram’s coordinator. What they are doing right is providing students with skills that are up-to-date using first-class equipment. Nearly every computer used by the students is either a Pentium or Pentium two. The program offers accred- itation for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Certified Novell Administration (CNA), inter- nationally recognized certifica- tions. “If you go outside of Canada, nobody knows who a Capilano College graduate is from a hole in the wall but MCSE is recognized world wide,” said Campbell. Three students have recently been hired by Microsoft. Most students are working in Canada at major corporations like H.L.A. Simons, Canfor and Coca- Cola as well as numerous small consulting firms.. However, some students have moved on to places like Brussels, South Africa and the U.S. after gain- ing a few years of experience. . ‘4 Wik Ss £9 re north shore news Wednesday, February 24. 1999 ~— North Shore News — 7S USINESS HIGH TECH == mputer grads gaining reputat MEWS photo Mike Wakefield CAPILANO College student Mark Ingram and faculty member Mary Ann Van Horn are involved in the Computer Systems Professional course at the North Vancouver campus. Mike Ashe, 26, worked in lending services at a bank after earning an International Business degree at the University of Victoria. He says he took the CSP program because it offered him an opportunity for rapid advance- ment and change. “I enjoy learning the work in an applicable form. The opportunities to fit in this field are endless,” said Ashe. Providing cutting edge technology and knowledge isn’t casy for any public insti- tution to accomplish and Capilano College is no excep- tion. The college is forced to place the entire burden of tuition on students, approxi- mately $7,000 for 10 months. Publicly funded college com- puter programs generally cost approximately $1,500 per year. The high cost doesn’t seem to be slowing demand. Campbell had to turn away nearly half of the applicants for January. “I compared a lot of insti- tutions. For the price, it had the most in-depth courses and appropriate certification,” said Ashe. Campbell says it is well worth =the _ investment. Approximately 90% of the pro- gram’s students find employ- ment in the industry soon after graduation. The demand for network specialists is so high in the United States, within 2-3 years of graduation students can expect to earn approximately $90,000 US per year. “I have students who are coming cut of my class and making more money than J do as a teacher,” said Campbell. But Campbell — warns money isn’t everything and you won’t earn it if you don’t love the work. “People are starting to get into computers because they sce the dollars and cents but you really need to be driven,” Your Money QuickBooks Pro 20% OFF (Rey. $199) compare at $239 Buy Microsoft Office 97 - 20% Windows 98 - $116 Office 97/Windows 98 $249 Cu/system purchase) _!MONTH END MADMESSIN CLAIM BLL 20% OFF THUS A FEB, 24-27 GY! % OFF rg. S199) 72 PIN EDO RAM Best Prices Guaranteed! said Campbell. “The industry is like step- ping on s treadmill where you keep learning and tearning and learning.” He says there are a lot of misconceptions about mem- bers of the computer industry. Campbell’s class is full of chat- ty students that work together solving problems. “We have this image as this nerdy job but really it’s dealing with people and quite gratify- ing,” said Campbell. Martina Ponca, 26, certain- ly doesn’t think of herself as nerdy as she sits in the CSP class. In fact, she thinks of her- self more as a philosopher and lover of literature. “Pye been taking a lot of courses in literature and phi- losophy but I realized there are more jobs in high tech. | will keep my interests in litera- ture and philosophy on the side for now. 1 like what I’m learning and I can use it in real life,” said Ponca. Used Monitors 14”. 20° 20% OFF (Reg. from $59) High-tech work rules changed CHANGES to provincial government regulations for the high- tech industry will give companies more workplace flexibility. Specific changes to employment standards, effective imme- diately, include the fact that: B high-technology professionals will be exempt from require- ments on hours of work, overtime and statutory holidays; ® workers in companies where more than half of the employees are high-technology professionals will be partially exempt. In those companies, non-professional ernployees will be able to work up co 12 hours per day or 80 hours over a two-week peri- od before being paid overtime at time-and-a-half, if a vote is taken. Definition of high-tech professional: @ A computer system analyst, manufacturing engineer, materi- als engineer, Internet development professional, multimedia professional, computer animator, software engineer, scientific technician, scientific technologist, software developer, software tester, applied biosciences professional, quality contre! profes- sional, technology sales professional (other than retail sale sales), electronics engineer or any similarly skilled worker who receives a compensation package outlined in a contract of employment that includes a form of performance-based pay. New Pentium Mainboards from $85