Source: Pathways to Technology: "IT Student Profile: Hilda Villavicencio"
In this video adapted from Pathways to Technology, learn how exploring an interest in computers can lead to a new career. After taking, and enjoying, an online course, Hilda Villavicencio decided to study computer programming and information technology (IT) at community college. Students who attend an IT program learn how computers function, so that whether they go into networking, technical support, or any other branch of IT, they bring a solid understanding of computer systems and how to maintain them. Hilda interns at the computer help-desk at her school where she uses what she's learning in the classroom to help others. She explains where she'd like to be in five years, and how her degree will take her there.
Download and ShareLike many people, Hilda Villavicencio was interested in working with computers, but wasn’t sure where to start, especially since she worked full-time and had no car. Determined to learn more, Hilda took an online course in personal computer (PC) analysis and configuration. Inspired by the course, she enrolled at a local community college to study computer programming and information technology (IT).
“In the beginning, I was really afraid, intimidated by electricity,” says Hilda, but now she has "more confidence to work inside a computer." She's learned that, to work in networking or system support, you have to know how a PC functions.
Hilda is using her knowledge in an internship as a technician at her school’s computer help-desk, assisting students who have problems with their computers. “I’m more of a hands-on learner,” says Hilda; “We repair and service PCs, but our main goal is to help students understand how a PC works, and how to troubleshoot." Through her internship, Hilda explains, "[I]can apply what I’ve learned about IT configuration and analysis.”
“Five years from now, I’d like to work for Microsoft or Intel,” says Hilda. With computers at the heart of just about every industry, there are many job opportunities for computer programming and IT graduates.
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