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Alumni Career Feature – Timothy L. Young

We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.

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Timothy L. Young

• A.A.S., Computer Science, 1993
• B.S., Information Technology (Data Communication & Networking), 1995
• Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia
• youtim73@netaxs.com

How did you choose your present career? Please explain how you decided to major in your area of study during college.

I was always interested in the computer field and knew I needed an education. The college was great because it was hands-on. At the time I started college, my goal was to get a two-year degree, graduation and get a job. As I got into the program I liked what I was doing and considered transferring to another college. When I was looking to transfer, Penn College did not have the degree in data communication and networking. Then it came to my attention that PCT was developing the four-year degree program. It was natural to stay there with the background and excellent faculty. The College was offering a unique networking degree that was not available anywhere else. Being at the College actually changed my intentions from general computers into a focused network career. The faculty and staff at the college brought out the best of each individual.

What advice do you have to offer to a student who is struggling with identification of a major/career field in college?

Take a look at the hot jobs. Get a feel for what interests you and a field you would like to work in. The world is pretty much open to you - follow your instincts. Find someone who can help you identify what you like to do and what will work for you. Then pursue that in college.

Did you use Career Counseling Services and/or Career Placement Services while at Penn College (or Williamsport Area Community College)? If yes, how did they help you?

They were great with resume content and presentation. They showed me how to put items in the correct order and how to word my resume so it would stand out.

How were you hired at your present position?

I cold-called the city of Philadelphia. I was looking through the phone book and saw the computing department for the city. I called and was asked to send a resume, as there were some positions open. A few days later they called for an interview. They loved my degree competencies and I was hired on the spot. I also had some prior work experience that fit with the position that was open.

What positions did you hold before this one?

I worked for Computer Services at the College as a computer lab assistant. I got a lot of hands-on experience from that position.

What would you tell a Penn College graduating student about your career field?

It is a very exciting field especially if you like hands-on technology. There is a lot of change in hardware and software. It is never boring. It can encompass a wide area of options. The sky's the limit.

What was the most significant thing you learned on the job during your first year?

No matter how much you are trained in your field, it comes down to working with people. You need people and organizational skills. You can be the greatest computer programmer but if you can't communicate to others, it won't work. Working with people is so vital. It's all in your tone and approach.

What was most difficult about your transition to the world of work?

Adjusting to the dynamic type schedule and the demands of the job. When you have responsibilities, you need to pave your way. No one can hold your hand. In this field, the amount of responsibility is tremendous - you are handling the company's communication both internally and to the outside world. In my position, I am on call and sometimes need to work extra hours or am called back in the evening to handle problems.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College/Williamsport Area Community College education? (What did you learn at Penn College that helped you a great deal in your career?)

The greatest strength of Penn College is definitely the hands-on technology. Unless you do it, you really can't understand it. The computer labs were great assets for my education.

What should students in your field do to prepare themselves for their career?

You have to be open to change and versatile in what you learn. Get your hands on everything you can to learn about computers and the technology. It is a very dynamic industry and they are looking for breadth of experience.

What do you find the most enjoyable about your career field and your present position?

I like figuring out challenging situations that come up, trying out new solutions for problems and making the overall environment better. There is always a better way to do something. Technology is about finding ways to get the job done faster and more efficiently.

How do you see your field changing in the next three to five years? Will this change require you to obtain additional training?

Training is a given. The big thing in networking is the Internet. That's the driving force. I see more and more connections to the Internet - everyone and everything. You can administer your job over the Internet. No one is going to escape it.

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in three years?

In our careers, you will logically move on to management or more responsibility. I enjoy the hands-on a lot. I don't anticipate leaving the city in the foreseeable future.

If you could redo your college experience, how/would you prepare differently to enter the workplace?

I think I made the most of my college experience that I could. I had to get my life in gear. It would have been nice to be more affiliated with the trade organizations during college. If I could have made more connections with outside companies and organizations, that would have been to my benefit.

From your perspective, what are three to five needed skills that your employer was seeking in a new employee?

Technical background, people skills, organizational skills, detail oriented and professionalism are the skills my employer seeks in a new employee.

Have you received any special recognition or awards through your employment or professional organizations to which you belong?

I received the "We Deliver" award from the City of Philadelphia for implementing the citywide technology support center (help desk).