Jobs: Hi everyone and welcome to Meet the Trainer! This is a different kind of discussion than our other shows that we've had during the Virtual Career Fair. Rick Shurtz, president of Stratford college, is here to talk to you about getting the tech training you need to get that tech job you want. Let's get started!

Washington D.C.: It seems as though there's been a multitude of tech layoffs over the past year, in both large and small companies alike.
Do you think the US will continue to give a substantially large amount of work visas to foreign nationals under these circumstances?

Richard Shurtz: The H1-B visa program will continue. However, the Department of Labor has allocated the fees generated from this program to Workforce Development programs administered by the local WorkForce Investment Boards. The H1-B program will get congressional support, as long as there is a shortage for trained IT personnel. Perhaps we will see a reduction in the quota in a few years.

Rosslyn, Va.: Hi Rick,

The future of Web developing is database. How and where can I get training on connecting databases and Web sites together? Does it cost much to learn? Thanks.

William

Richard Shurtz: Connecting a webpage to a database can be done in many ways. If you use VBScript, it is called an Active Server Page (ASP). If you use Perl, it is called a Scripted HTML page (shtml). If you use Java, it is called a Java Server Page (jsp). You will need to learn at least one of these languages. In addition, you will need to understand basic database SQL commands, or in the case of Oracle, PL/SQL. I would look for a school that offers a series of courses leading from basic HTML up through the construction of a complex database driven website. Stratford has a program like that. You can also find such programs at GMU and GWU. You may have to take four or five classes in webdesign, plus some basic programming classes. We charge $225 a credit hour at Stratford. Other schools are similarly priced or higher.

Jobs: Rick-
Stratford College has been highly involved with helping the CLC students to complete their schooling. Could you tell us a little about what Stratford is doing for CLC?

Richard Shurtz: Stratford, TESST, and Strayer have been working with the State Commission of Higher Education (SCHEV) and the US Department of Education to help ease the transition for CLC students. We have talked to the CLC students about their options for teachout or transfer. Both TESST and Stratford have established special scholarship funds to help the CLC students who front-loaded their payments to CLC. Many students have already transferred and are continuing their education at this time.

Arlington, Va.: Hi Rick,

What advice do you offer to people with just a fair amount of technical training (some HTML and Java Script) who want to "break into" the field. What other classes are necessary, and what job descriptions would be suitable?

Thanks

Richard Shurtz: You need to develop a portfolio of your work. You should secure your domain name and begin work on a visually attractive, database driven website. Many webhosting services offer support for MySQL or ASP, which makes demonstration of such a site much easier. In your case, I would get a copy of Macromedia Dreamweaver and UltraDev. These products are used in industry and really speed your production time. You will need to excel in one of three areas: content development (writing); layout (graphics design); or programming (backend database connectivity). Pick your area and create your portfolio. As you are learning, join user groups and make friends. I list many such groups on the Stratford Website, under IT Spotlight/Career Advice. These groups are essential to your job networking activities.

Washington, D.C.: With the slowdown of the economy, and failing Internet advertising methods, in which direction do you see the Internet moving and how does that affect women in technology positions?

Richard Shurtz: The need for solid technical ability is not diminished. However, the opportunity to sell Internet snakeoil is gone. I would focus on building a solid skill set in areas that you enjoy. Most of IT activities, even programming, are completed in teams. Women have been shown themselves to be excellent team members with strong communication skills. I don't see that changing.
As far as advertising, you will see the death of the Banner Ad. Its replacement will be promotional content embedded into articles. We will need creative writers who can create interest in advertisers products. Jobs is excels at this approach to marketing and advertising, for instance.
Join users groups and network. He or she who knows people is never out of work? Don't forget, there are many women's users groups....check the Stratford website for a listing.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Rick

I'm graduating from high school and I don't think I want to go to a liberal arts college. It just doesn't make any sense. I want to get more practical schooling so I would like to go to computer school. Do you think that this is still a good idea considering the dotcom slump? I hear everyone is out of a job. Should I also do internships while in school if I go to computer school? What kind of programs do you offer?

Richard Shurtz: My advice is to get credits that will transfer to a Bachelors Degree. You will eventually need that degree to move up. It is true that you can start the technical ladder without a degree, but it is difficult to finish without one. Employers want individuals who can communicate, manage, and learn. We have found that our Associate degree which is only 25% liberal arts fits the bill (English, Math, Psychology, History of Technology). That leaves 75% for pure IT training. At your age, do not pass up the degree...you will live to regret it.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Rick,

I'm proficient in Perl and HTML and I know some cascading pages. I've started learning XML too. But I also know Photoshop really well but not flash. I feel that I'm at a crossroads here. I've got both programming and designing skills...which way should I go? What are the career options on either side? How high could I move up as a designer? How high as a programmer?

Richard Shurtz: Let's look at money first. The backend programming jobs pay about 30% more. On the other hand, coding is not graphics design so you must decide what you like. I would suggest the programming side. Join user groups and set up your own webpage, with many Server Side Includes and perhaps Perl database commands. Show your stuff portfolio style. In the process, you will learn what you like. A good programmer, who is also a good layout person is in demand. Too many programmers stick Java Applets all over the place. I call it the Flaming Bush syndrome. Develop both sides of the equation (front-end and backend)and see where it leads.

Alexandria, Va.: I have a master's degree in education, but am trying to break into the tech sector. I am most interested in Web design; developing
portals, Web architecture, etc. I currently manage a Web site for an association in DC. However, there is really no opportunity to advance. I feel
taking courses may help to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to find a job that will provide a better opportunity to learn and advance. I see
a lot of courses offered in the DC area. How can I decide which school offers the best program for me?

Richard Shurtz: The beauty of a technology job is that it can be as high as level as you want. Upgrade your site. Make it database driven...advance technically. Forget about the title for now. When you have created a well-designed sophisticated site, you will have a real calling card. You are lucky in that you can get paid to develop your portfolio. I would look at schools that have solid hands-on education and web classes that would let you use your corporate website for your class project. Develop the website as you learn. Talk to the faculty and instructors. Stay away from certification mills. Good luck.

Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi Rick,

I have BS in computer science and I graduated with honor. Need I go to training school in order to find a job? Does training school really help people out?

thanks,
susan

Richard Shurtz: You need the competencies that employers demand so you can hit the road running. I would begin to catalog your competencies and match them against employer demands. Start doing some technical work at home (work that interests you) so you have something to show. Begin networking; join user groups. Technical training can accelerate this process because it is strictly competency-based and the schools have surveyed employers to see what they really want. If you are a self-starter and can research on your own, you really don't need more schooling. Good luck!

Laurel, Md.: Hi Rick

Does Stratford have any openings for teachers? I was an instructor at CLC and obviously need a new job. Are there other schools in the area that need instructors?

Richard Shurtz: We are currently interviewing instructors. Please email to instructors@stratford.edu. Thanks for your interest.
Other area schools are interviewing too (TESST, Strayer). All schools are looking for knowledge that is broader and deeper than just certification because that is the insight that student need and deserve.

Rockville, Md.: Rick, what kind of encouragement can you give students that were unable to finish their degrees? I feel like my family and I are being punished because we were trying to better our futures. We're in a lot of debt and I know that CLC will never pay me back. Is there something that Stratford can do to help me out?

Richard Shurtz: Stratford has set up a special scholarship fund for CLC students. I know that TESST has a similar fund. Call the admissions department to explore your options. Many area schools are chipping in to help the CLC students.

Alexandria, Va.: Hi Rick

Don't you think that telecommuting should be an accepted part of any tech workplace? I think it's ridiculous that we have to come into the office when you can do all your work at home? Why do people still do that?

Richard Shurtz: Telecommuting makes a lot of sense. However, companies tend to offer those opportunities to employees with a good track record..attendance, diligence, etc. I would get a regular job and try to shift it to a telecommuting position once you are established. Productivity is higher when working at home. I work at home two days a week...and that's where I get most of my work done.

Gaithersburg,Md.: Hi Mr. Rick,

Can you tell me how to get the first job for a recent graduate? It seems hard to me. All lots company require hands-on experience. Will they prefer to hire somebody who has hands-on experience even without computer degree?

thanks,
lily

Richard Shurtz: This is the old chicken and the egg problem. No one ever said that you had to have paid experience. If you are in networking, I would set up a small network with used computers and set up a firewall with a DSL connection. Perhaps you could upgrade from NT4 to Windows2000...these are all things employers want.
You would never higher a driver who did not have car...by the same token employers would not higher a technical person who didn't have technical projects going on at home....Join user groups and ask for help as you are the work. Don't job hunt at these groups. In fact, you are demonstrating your ability as you work on projects on your own. The offers will come...our grads have worked this system very effectively.

Trenton, N.J.: Hi Rick

What is the most important programming language or languages to know today if you want to be programmer extraordinaire?

Richard Shurtz: The king of the languages is C++. That is followed by Java and then C. In the scripting areas, the king and queen are VBScript and Perl. Most programmers work up to a solid C++ job over several years...they are reserved for the elite with experience. Start on simple application extensions using VBScript or perhaps Database Application Development using Oracle's PL/SQL. Or web programming using VBScript or Perl. After a few years, you should be ready to move to a solid C++ or Java programming job.

Arlington, Va.: Hi Rick,

If I want to learn Java programming, where should I start? I have pretty good knowledge in HTML but I want to expand it to include programming.

Thanks.

Richard Shurtz: Java is a difficult programming language. We start with Fundamental, C, C++, and then Java. Some schools may skip the C++ step. HTML is not a programming language...it is a text tagging and formatting standard.

Dallas, Tex.: Hi Rick
What kind of future do you see for tech training schools since the tech industry is taking a nosedive? How are they going to stay afloat?

Richard Shurtz: Actually, enrollments are increasing. Employers now demand real skills and not just a simple certification. It is true, however, the Certification mills will probably drop by the wayside. Real educational value will always be in demand.

Gaithersburg, Md.: What will the next big trend in tech be? It is going to be wireless? How do I jump on that bandwagon? What kind of skills would I need to transition from dotcom to wireless?

Richard Shurtz: You are on the money. Wireless will be the next major expansion area. We will see a convergence of telecommunication and data networks, with the "last mile" filled in by wireless. That is why Stratford is starting a wireless tract in March....tough courses, but a great future.

Fairfax, Va.: I hear that designers are looking at a bleak future. Programmers will be ok but it will be harder for designers to get work. I'm at the top of my "class" as far as design goes, but how do I get rid of designer in my name? User information architect? What kind of future do you see for graphic artists?

Richard Shurtz: You need to know how to connect the webpage to a database. I would get a code generator like Microsoft Interdev or Macromedia UltraDev and begin playing. After one database driven site...you can drop name designer. And don't forget that programmers, who can design, are a rarity and highly valued.

Gaithersburg, Md.: Back several months ago, Cisco CCNA certification was hot. Now that I've got
that cert. it appears that employers are
looking for a minimum of Cisco CCNP
certification. This is a much more complex
certification and requires very good hands on experience to pass the tests. I guess I'm
in a catch 22 position, where I can't get the
cert. without the experience and can't get the experience without the cert. What can I do?

Richard Shurtz: You can get that type of training from several school in the area. Stratford offers five classes starting with CCNA right up through all the CCNP requirements. There are lots of hands-on exercises. Many of our students buy used routers...check the Internet. They set up home networks by pooling their equipment. That type of experience is invaluable. We have several large employers talking directly to our Cisco classes and get many, many placements.

Rockville, Md.: Hi Rick

In light of what happened with CLC, Stratford is doing well isn't it? Are you growing your classes? I'm thinking about enrolling and just want to make sure the ground is solid before I take the next step. I love the campus and the programs sound great so far.

Richard Shurtz: You are right. Our enrollments are up. The ground is solid here. We have a good relationship with the Department of Education. In fact, I had the Assistant Secretary for Post-Secondary Education on my radio show a couple months ago.

Washington, D.C.: Rick

Do you agree that there is age discrimination in tech industry? I'm one of those dinosaur mainframe programmers that was able to make the transition into dotcom. I learned the programs I needed to, I learned ebusiness development. And now I've been laid off and I can't get a job. I'm a RELIC. How do I get myself back in the saddle? Or should I just consider retirement?

Richard Shurtz: There is some of that attitude floating around...particularly in the shops dominated by youngsters.
However, it has always been my opinion that if you are young at heart, you will be treated that way. Continue to learn and to lead through technical excellence and enthusiasm and age will not be a factor. You need to get proficient in object oriented programming...then the mainframe days will be history. I would not consider retirement, if you still love to program. Do what you love and the money will follow.

Laurel, Md.: Hi Rick

I'm an aspiring designer. What programs for designers do you offer?

Richard Shurtz: We currently do not offer design classes. Those classes will be coming online in September. I would look at NOVA as an option or some short workshops. I would also surf and web and understand what make an effective website. Finally, I would develop my own website. Learn by doing.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Rick

I'm curious about what happened to the CLC students? Are they getting help? Are they getting refunded? Are their credits getting transferred to another school?

Richard Shurtz: There is a Federal Loan Forgiveness program for which the CLC students may qualify. Also, many are transferring credits to area schools. Finally some schools (TESST, Stratford) have set up scholarship program. I think most CLC students will be OK in the end.

Fairfax VA: I've spent the past 9 years in Hotel management, as a GM of a limited service property and presently as Asst. GM of a full service property. I want to make a career change into the IT field but I'm not quite sure which training courses are best suited for me, I have basic computer skills but no formal training. I don't know if I need to go back to school or can I just take one of the many training classes to get certified. (Which one is the best route)?

Richard Shurtz: Hotels are struggling to enter the IT market. I would learn networking and then become an IT hospitality consultant. There is a great need for this. Hotels are moving from the old dumb terminal/Unix systems to the PC world of local area networks. They are also trying to market rooms and events with the Internet. Once you learn the backoffice software options and the networking technology, you will be in demand.

Largo Maryland: I just relocated, can you give me 2 or 3 of the best
IT training institutes either in MD or VA. Someplace that one can actually get hands-on professional (IT) training between 4-9 months? What is the
latest trend in the tech and digitized economy?

Richard Shurtz: I would look at Chubb, TESST, Stratford, Strayer to name a few. I'm partial, of course, but check them all. The latest trend in networking Cisco and WAN technology. Wireless will be coming soon. In web design, it is database backends. In programming, it is still object oriented.

Gaithersburg, MD: Mr. Rick, thank you very much!

How do you "join user groups?"

Thanks,
Susan

Richard Shurtz: You just need to show up. Go to the Stratford site for starter list. Jobs magazine also has a list. Show up, be interested, and volunteer for projects and you are in. And by the way, only techies are there. No HR folks.

Washington, D.C.: So who isn't suffering layoffs? Where is the safe zone in this dotcom chaos?

Richard Shurtz: Keep learning and growing technically. Knowledge is your only protection. I am always reading several technical books to keep my brain cells active. Continuous learners are always in demand and having the most fun.

Silver Spring, Md.:
I am in the process of completing my Master of Arts in counseling program. I entered the
program because I wanted to be at a professional job level (both for the salary and developmentally), however
I gained a job in the field with a modest earning. I am looking for a change and recently started investigating
the MSCE program. What area of technology would you recommend in order to make a career transition?
What questions should I be asking myself, in order to determine if this is a good change for me?
Thanks
HC

Richard Shurtz: MCSE is not enough today. You will need a combo package of MCSE and Cisco. That is the entry-level bar today, up significantly from a year ago. This is not difficult to do. It simply takes focus and MUST be something you enjoy.

Alexandria, Virginia: I am a recent college grad from George Mason University majoring in MIS. As a recent grad I don't have that much experience to be more marketable to employers. What do you think I should do in order to convince prospective employers that I would be as effective as anyone else would?

Richard Shurtz: Work on technical projects at home. Read the industry magazine so you who the latest trends. Join user groups. In others words, act like a professional...then you will be treated like one.

Washington, D.C.:
I was in the Navy for ten years where they have a habit of putting you in position that you were not trained for (trial by fire). Then I got my paralegal
certificate 6 1/2 years ago and have been working in the legal profession. I want use my CCNA schooling. What is the best way to get there from here?

Richard Shurtz: You should complete your Cisco training beyond CCNA. Also, take some data communication courses and shoot for an entry-level WAN job. With your background you may to get the full CCNP (five tests including CCNA)

Fairfax, Va.: What impact do you see XML playing in the Washington, DC job market?

Richard Shurtz: XML is a data exchange standard. It will become very important in the future. Everyone talks XML now. However, since the tagging standards are not set, it is mostly talk. If you are proficient in this technology, you will be prepared when it really hits in a couple of years. And look for the Feds to be big in this area...data exchange standards will really streamline government and government forms.

Jobs: Sorry everyone we're out of time! If you still need Rick's advice, you can talk to him in the Virtual Career Fair message boards. But remember that the career fair ends Sunday so make sure you talk to him soon! Thanks and best of luck to all of you!