Prepare for a Career in Information Technology at Minneapolis College
In the School of Information Technology at Minneapolis College, more than 500 students from diverse backgrounds are enrolled in programs to build their knowledge and skills in programming, software development, network administration and computer forensics. Upon graduation, they will become skillful professionals who are sought after by national and regional business and industry.
“Many of our students move into great careers after earning their degrees or certificates,” said Ben Weng, dean of the School of Information Technology.
“We offer 3 different degrees, 6 diplomas and 22 technology certificates. We also provide career services and engagement opportunities that prepare our students for IT careers.”
And Minneapolis College offers these programs at about one-fifth the cost of private colleges and universities.
Beyond-the-Classroom Opportunities
Student clubs, career days, skills competitions and industry partnerships provide opportunities for students to build intangible skills beyond the classroom. “Cyber Security, Women in Technology and IT Service are popular clubs,” said Weng.
“The IT Service Club, for example, provides daily opportunities for students to help their collegiate peers troubleshoot technology problems while building their own skills. Students can take advantage of the support by stopping by the computer lab and looking for our technology team.”
Student Molly Clabots is founder of the Women in Technology club and a US Bank IT Scholar. “I’m excited to find a place where I can not only fit, but I can flourish,” she says.
Each semester, the ITEC career fair days, hosted every semester, brings in more than a dozen company representatives to campus to give students a chance to network with potential employers for both internships and jobs. Participating companies include US Bank, Target, Microsoft and Hennepin County.
The success of the School of Information Technology opens the door to powerhouse corporate sponsorship. In 2019, US Bank offered fifteen $2,500 scholarships through the Minneapolis College Foundation. The bank also sends its IT and cybersecurity experts to the college to provide mentoring and monthly guest lectures.
Thinking outside the box and getting real-life professional experience is important for students in technology. In 2019, Minneapolis College hosted its first US Bank Hackathon. Students and experts from the industry spent an inspiring weekend solving problems and working together. “Forty of our students participated in the hackathon,” said Weng. “They worked to solve industry challenges and their teamwork impressed our friends from US Bank and Microsoft.”
Community Involvement
Minneapolis College believes learning technology is important and no one should be denied the opportunity to do so. The College provides the site for CoderDojo, a global network of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people ages 7-17 to learn code, build a website, create an app or game, and explore technology in an informal, creative and social environment.
“Every month, close to 100 young people come to our campus to learn how to code,” said Weng. “Many of these young people will choose technology careers in the future and we are proud to help secure the future of information technology in our community.”
For more information, visit the School of Information Technology.