It’s been very busy for us in CISA lately! We’re definitely getting back in to the swing of having constant tests and being required to constantly read (of course, not surprising). Most of my quizzes have been coming back pretty good – my best subjects are still Server and Cisco, of course, and to be fair, Server Hardware has been kicking my butt a little bit. I’ve gotten only 60% and 70% on my first two quizzes, and 80% on the third quiz.
Unfortunately, I’ve definitely been slacking a little bit. For some reason, I seem to feel as though getting through first semester (with an 88% average) was giving me an excuse to slack on my studies in second semester. It most certainly is not! Not only do I learn more when I’m fully caught up and involved in my studies, it actually becomes considerably more enjoyable and keeps me occupied – something I’ve honestly been having difficulty with lately, as I’ve been feeling a little … Not busy enough, I guess. Clearly I need to start spending those not-busy hours studying!
What I really wanted to write about, though, was all the opportunities that are suddenly starting to fly in my direction. It’s funny, because I used to attend another BC college (that shall remained nameless) for a year and a half and never felt like it was opening up any opportunities for me. Less than 7 months in and I’m already feeling like doors are opening.
First off – remember when I blogged about that Service Desk position that I applied for back in, I believe, November? Possibly early December. Unfortunately I didn’t get that job, but the same company is now hiring for part-time IMAC Perform, which is basically moving and installing software and hardware. I’ve already applied for the position and would love to end up with this job, as I’ve actually worked in this exact position previously – for the same company – but the next option is even more attractive.
BCIT IT Services department, as as unbeknownst to me before yesterday, will be hiring student interns for both full-time work during the summer and part-time work during year 2 of the program. I’m super excited about this as it solves both my problems – I was hoping to find full-time work for a few months this summer, and I definitely could use some part-time work. While the pay is not as high as the other job, I’m not concerned – the other job is also not full-time and right on campus. Can’t beat that for convenience.
Thirdly, I’ve found out from Rob (networking instructor) that Cisco NetRiders competition is now taking place in the spring. Thus, I will be able to take part in the competition both this year and next! For those who don’t know what NetRiders is, allow me to explain:
(The following text and pictures are from http://academynetriders.com)
Cisco Networking Academy NetRiders competitions utilize Cisco’s Web 2.0 technologies to create an interactive networking skills contest that enhances classroom learning, unites students from across the world, and promotes further technology education and training.
Organized by Cisco, these competitions are a great opportunity for Networking Academy students to learn valuable Networking/IT skills through a series of online exams and simulation activities using Cisco Packet Tracer.
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The winners of the country-wide competitions receive an expense-paid trip to the Cisco headquarters in San Jose, but more importantly for me it’s great experience to have on my resume and an excellent networking opportunity. (har, har, har!) Sorry, that was a terrible Cisco joke. In any case, I’m quite excited about the opportunities that have been coming up lately and yet again, to reiterate – if you want to be in this field, I can’t recommend this program strongly enough!