STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

MAY 2018

Women in TECH Program Spotlight – Computer Network Engineering Technology

MEET LATOYA

Latoya is enrolled in SJR State’s Computer Network Engineering Technology program. She is shown configuring routers and switches on network equipment located in our Orange Park campus Cisco lab. This Associate in Science degree is a hands-on program that provides students with the skills to analyze, install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot computers in a local and wide area network (LAN/
WAN) environment.

LATOYA, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ENROLL IN THE COMPUTER NETWORK ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT SJR STATE?

A desire to learn more about what happens behind the scenes was what sparked my interest in the program. Credit is often given to those who are out front for people to see. Information Technology (IT) is our everyday existence, although we don’t really give enough thought to the craft and have enough appreciation for it. If the phone doesn’t connect, or Facebook or Instagram goes down, or if we can’t access a website or application we need, we are at a loss.

I’m guilty of this very concept. When I turn the computer on or use Google on my cellular device, I just want it to work – quickly -- because patience isn’t always my best quality. Never did I really stop to think that someone -- or a group of individuals -- is working behind the scenes to make sure that happens.

PLEASE EXPLAIN THE TYPE OF WORK YOU PLAN TO DO AFTER COMPLETING YOUR DEGREE.

I plan to use my education to focus on a career in security as well as forensics. I have always had an interest in the legal system. At one time, I wanted to become a crime scene investigator, so now I plan to do that – but through the IT path. My studies will give me the knowledge to work IT security to help protect the organization I’m employed with, as well as forensics to help solve crimes, which will be a help to my community.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT WORKING IN IT?

The ability to help others. Whatever path you take in IT, you will be helping someone. Even if its loading software, helping to retrieve lost files or helping someone who may not be tech savvy, knowing that you helped someone is rewarding enough -- at least it is for me.

YOU MENTIONED THAT FEMALES IN IT WILL "MAKE A DIFFERENCE." PLEASE EXPAND ON THIS STATEMENT AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU FEEL IT'S IMPORTANT FOR FEMALES TO WORK IN IT.

We live in a country where things are divided based on race, gender and income level. For so long, IT has been a male-dominated field. Women are entering the workforce to make our mark on the IT community as well. Women have just as much to offer as men and should be given an opportunity to show our skill sets. Currently, I’m being taught by one of the best, so it’s my goal to teach someone who will come after me in the IT field. At work, home or wherever I can, I would like to give back. Someone is giving to me, and I would like to be a positive mentor within the IT field.

FEEL FREE TO SHARE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT YOU'D LIKE TO ABOUT YOUR COURSE OF STUDY AND/OR WOMEN IN IT.

For anyone interested in the technology field or any field, I say:
- Research your options, as far as career paths.
- Devise a plan in terms of institutions offering your program of study.
-  Go for it, and don’t allow anyone to take your eyes off the prize.

Women in TECH!
Position yourself at the forefront of one of the fastest growing industries.
Do you have a passion for technology?
Do you have a knack for finding imaginative solutions to technical problems?
Begin your TECH TREK today in Computer Network Engineering Technology. 

Questions about the program? Call 386-0312-4183

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Publications
(386) 312-4021