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Guest Post: SCANA Internship

May 8th, 2013 | Posted by Carmen Harris in IT-oLogy Defined | Teach IT - (0 Comments)

Intern Jack Lee talks about his accomplishments this week at SCANA.

As the semester is getting to the end, the time for me and SCANA Corporation to go our separate ways is also coming close. I will be deeply sad on my last day of employment at SCANA, but right now, I just have to not think about it and try to make the best of it.

This week is a slow week, with not a lot of jobs for the Workstation Support Department. I have been imaging some old machines occasionally and wiping old computers twice a week. According to my supervisor, the last day of my Co-Op at SCANA Corporation will be May 10, which is the day before my graduation. My co-worker Michael Taylor also told me that SCANA is about to bring summer students in for a new batch of Co-Op employment. I even helped set up a new workstation for the summer Co-Op students. Thinking about my time at SCANA, I have really learned a lot new IT skills, and I hope I can use them during my future career.

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Guest Blog Post: SCANA Internship

February 19th, 2013 | Posted by Whitney Williams in IT-oLogy Defined | Teach IT - (0 Comments)

Intern Jack Lee talks about his accomplishments this week at SCANA. 

This is my fifth week working at SCANA Corporation. I have completed many projects this week, and I felt a strong sense of accomplishment by the end of the week. I assisted my co-workers in upgrading machines for an entire department, and helped install new applications on computers for other SCANA offices.

As soon as I stepped into the office on Monday, my co-worker Brian Vause asked me to help him with a project. The project was to assist some SCANA Gas offices upgrade their computers and install some applications that were needed. I used a special script written by one of our top scriptwriters. The operations were not difficult, and it didn’t even take long because the script allows the applications to be installed in 15 to 20 minutes without rebooting the computers. At the end of the day, Mr. Vause said that I did a great job and that I provided them a lot of help. Another highlight of my week was on Friday when I helped my co-worker install a new motherboard. This operation allowed me to refresh what I learned in ITEC 343 back in my sophomore year. Despite some small troubles that I ran into, I got the job done.  Seeing the computer I put together actually working made me very happy.

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Guest Blog Post: Updates and Software Installation becomes easier at SCANA

February 12th, 2013 | Posted by Whitney Williams in IT-oLogy Defined | Teach IT - (0 Comments)

Intern Jack Lee talks about his work experiences at SCANA this week.

This is my fourth week working at SCANA Corporation. I had a very productive week–we have lots of projects going on, and I provided a lot of assistance for my co-workers. I feel more and more happy working at SCANA Corporation.

The highlight of my week came on Friday, when I was invited to a staff meeting. We talked about some up coming projects. It turns out that we have to help update all the machines for a big department. I guess there will be more computer imaging jobs for me to do next week. After the meeting, we also learned about a new script that was written by one of our co-workers. The script provides a special function that will allow the computer to update and install software on its own. Despite some occasional clicking and agreeing to software terms, the script has made life easier for staff and shortened program installation time. Normally, it takes many hours to install all the applications, but the new script only needs about 15 to 20 minutes. This script is incredible, and our workstation department is looking forward to using it in the future.

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IT-oLogy Teaches People to Build a Computer from Scratch

February 7th, 2013 | Posted by ToddLewis in IT-oLogy Defined | Promote IT - (0 Comments)

The Open IT Lab at IT-oLogy hosted its first ever Build a Computer from Scratch workshop on Saturday, February 2.

The workshop targeted those that have wondered what goes on inside a computer and served as a unique hands-on opportunity for attendees to build a desktop computer from scratch. People with all levels of experience participated, from the less experienced college student to the seasoned IT professional that had never looked inside a computer to see how it works.

The workshop explained and demonstrated common components, such as the case, power supply, motherboard, memory, hard drive, and optical drive. Attendees were also shown how to install and connect these pieces to build a working machine.

Finally, the Ubuntu Linux operating system was installed and explained.

By the end of the two our event attendees learned about safety procedures, tools for computer assembly and repair, computer terminology and measurement units (RAM, SSD, BIOS, SATA, Intel Core, gigabytes, etc.), the basics of computer components and cables, installing and connecting basic computer components, Linux-compatible hardware, and how to install the Ubuntu operating system.

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Guest Blog Post: SCANA Internship

January 22nd, 2013 | Posted by Whitney Williams in Grow IT - (0 Comments)

Jack Lee is an international student doing an internship at SCANA corporation.

After a long Christmas break, I returned to SCANA for my spring semester Co-Op. I have to admit to the fact that I truly missed working at SCANA. Everyone welcomed me back when I returned, and I told them how much I had missed them and that I will work extra hard this semester.

I resumed my primary job duties as soon as I stepped into the office. I checked in equipment and imaged more desktop machines. My mentor Mike Taylor taught me how to fix the black square on the computer monitor. My workstation support team leader Mack Anderson taught me how to install a USB video adapter in order to hook up a third monitor to a work station. I also got the chance to meet an old member of the workstation support team, Bryan Bright, who had been out of the office due to a knee surgery. I worked on various projects with my co-workers and gained more knowledge.

I will continue to work hard and I hope I will be hired as a full-time employee in the future.

 

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IT Jobs Series: Information Technology Management

November 12th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

In this last segment in our IT Jobs Series we will delve into the Information Systems cluster. In this group professionals compare business practices with technical skills. Hands-on skills and business expertise are needed in this field, as well as a high school, associates, four-year, or graduate degree.

In Information Technology Management, one can directly impact how successful a company will be, regardless of funds or size. Because each venture can be considered a project, time management, teamwork, and self-discipline are important qualities to have in a successful professional. Technical writing skills are also important, as those skills help convey your products to customers. The upper range of jobs in this major require a thorough and first-hand knowledge of business and the ability to converge both business and IT mindsets.

Responsibilities of professionals in IT management include IS administration, project coordination, technical governance, and leadership skills. These don’t only come from traditional education. Sample credentials to help gain these skills include:

  • Project Management Institute Certification (PMI)
  • IT Security Management Certification
  • CIO Designation

Industries like insurance, healthcare, banking, and retail are all impacted by IT. Therefore, the job growth in Information Systems is projected to grow about 18% from 2010 to 2020.

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IT Jobs Series: Digital and Web Communications

November 5th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Teach IT - (1 Comments)

With the world becoming more digital and web-based, having a substantial web and digital communications plan is becoming crucial for all types of businesses and organizations. Duties within this group include working online and having a working knowledge of Cloud Computing, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and future storage and delivery technologies.

As a company’s primary means of communications online, the responsibilities of someone working in communications are crucial. One should be able to design and produce interactive training presentations, produce digital representations of sales materials, manage e-commerce, and design graphics that can be used on products as well as for online promotion.

Since the web communications job field does not require as much hands-on software development, the credentials and qualifications focus more toward web and media.  Sample credentials include:

  • iGeneration Certified Creative Producer
  • WOW (World Organization of Webmasters) Certified
  • Professional Webmaster
  • Certificate of Webmaster Technology
  • CompTIA I-Net+
  • Associate of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
  • Bachelor of Arts in Media

Web and digital communications jobs are expected to grow as ecommerce grows. Jobs in web development are projected to grow 22% by 2020, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. In the age where the latest technologies can open endless doors for businesses, being in a growing technological field can be both promising and rewarding.

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IT Jobs Series: Software Engineering and Development

October 30th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (2 Comments)

If you are the kind of person who always knows about the latest technologies and software programs, maybe you should consider working in software engineering and development. The name may sound intimidating, but there are extensive opportunities in both the software industry and within organizations across business and industry. The areas can range anywhere from insurance to retail, energy to aerospace, and more.

Because the needs of companies and individuals constantly change, the future for engineers of computer software and application systems seems promising. This major will provide its experts a chance to be creative in how they create products and meet their customers’ needs, while still focusing on IT and technology.

This sector in the IT cluster also allows for variation of employment. Most business-related software is created by teams of architects, designers, analysts, integrators, and software programmers or engineers. However, if working in teams isn’t in your best interest, games-development can be done independently. The opportunity for you to choose how and in what type of environment you work is up to you!

General skill requirements include fundamental programming languages like COBOL and programming techniques like open source software. Management and design skills are also important, especially if one is working on an independent project. The ability to develop new security systems is also considered essential in this field, since hackers and viruses are threats to business systems daily. Including a passion for development, credentials are an important part of getting the job you want within your field. Some software development credentials include:

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
  • Sun-Java Developer Certification
  • Associate of Science in Computer Programming
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering

Like most IT sectors, the outlook for development is better than the average national outlook. 30% growth from 2010-2009 due to increased demand for new technologies and computer software forecasts even more growth for the future.

Check back early next week for the next IT Jobs post on Web and Digital Communications!

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November Cyber Saturdays in Columbia and Greenville!

October 25th, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Promote IT - (0 Comments)

Registration is open for Cyber Saturday in both Columbia and Greenville! This will be our kick-off Cyber Saturday in Greenville so we want to invite any and all middle school students who are interested in IT to come! Cyber Saturday is a hands-on program where middle school students can learn about IT and technology.

Cyber Saturday – IT-oLogy @ Innovista
1301 Gervais Street, Suite 200 | Columbia, SC
Saturday, November 10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Eventbrite - November 2012 Columbia Cyber Saturday

We are excited to announce that Cyber Saturdays at IT-oLogy @ Innovista are made possible by Connect a Million Minds.

Cyber Saturday – IT-oLogy @ University Center of Greenville
225 S. Pleasantburg Drive | Greenville, SC
Saturday, November 10 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Eventbrite - November 2012 Greenville Cyber Saturday

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Proving Ground Live Pitch Competition and Awards Ceremony

October 23rd, 2012 | Posted by Emily in Teach IT - (0 Comments)

Tuesday, November 13, 6:00pm-8:30pm

Location: Lumpkin Auditorium, 8th floor, at the Moore School of Business, 1705 College Street, Columbia SC 29201

Event: The Proving Ground is USC’s business concept competition where students stand to win BIG money–$40,000 in cash and startup support! The competition is open to all USC undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines, at all eight campuses. Designed to identify and accelerate innovative business ideas – and reward the students who come up with them – the competition is a proving ground for everything from new technologies discovered in the lab to business ideas brainstormed on the back of a napkin. Submissions will be narrowed down to the top 9 finalists where teams will present their concept in a Shark tank-style competition on November 13 in front of a live audience. Judges will tally their votes and we will announce the winners of the competition! Come and support great ideas from student entrepreneurs!

Registration/Contact Info: Free and open to the public. For more information contact Lauren Edwards: 803-777-9796; Laurene@mailbox.sc.edu

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