PC Training
Personal computer training offers the opportunity for immediate post-graduate employment. It also serves as a gateway for more advanced computer training. The program’s versatility makes it an excellent training choice for those new to the computer field.
Personal Computer Training Schools
Program Curriculum
Although your exact curriculum will vary based on the program you choose to attend, personal computer training normally focuses on the following courses of study:
- PC Fundamentals – This course addresses basic computer operations. You will learn new tricks and time-saving strategies such as keyboard shortcuts and the usefulness of F1 to F12 function keys.
- Operating Systems – You will learn how to utilize Microsoft Windows and Apple OSX Lion, two of the most common PC operating systems. Every OS has its own quirks and optimization tools.
- Microsoft Office Suite – Love it or hate it, most corporate offices still choose Microsoft Office as their business suite software. You will learn how to use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel and other programs in the suite. You may be offered Microsoft Office User Specialist, or MOUS, certification. Since some small business owners switch to open source software as a cost savings measure, you will also learn Google documents and OpenOffice.
- Peripherals – Normally when you work in a business environment, your PC will be attached to a fax, scanner, printer or another accessory that you will be expected to operate. Personal computer training coursework will familiarize you with these accessories and teach you how to attach them to your PC.
- Information Literacy – Everyone knows how to surf the Web, but performing a focused search and evaluating the usefulness of the information you find requires skill. Personal computer training improves your research skills and expands your cadre of references beyond Wikipedia.
Job Opportunities
The personal computer training curriculum supports entry-level careers in the computer industry. This means you will be well-equipped for employment as a receptionist, secretary, executive assistant or office assistant. Depending upon your skill level, you may even find employment on a technical help desk, triaging service calls and assigning them to PC techs.
Typically, your work day will last for 8 hours and you will mainly play a supporting role, assisting managers and executives with their job duties. You will enjoy increased autonomy as you obtain seniority within the company. Once you demonstrate competency, you will likely receive on-the-job training in proprietary software and office machinery, increasing your value at your company.
The PC training you receive at school serves as a stepping stone. Your employer may provide you with an opportunity to continue your training by paying for advanced certification classes or providing tuition reimbursement.
PC training can open the doors to more advanced computer careers such as:
- Tech repair – Obtaining A+ certification allows entry-level access to this exciting career field.
- Network and systems support – Network technicians manage internal and external networks, ensuring that other employees have access to their email, software and other electronic services. They also maintain network integrity and security.
- Web developer – Today nearly every company maintains an electronic presence via a website and social networking sites. Depending on your interest and ability to seek advanced training, this may be a viable career option.
- Programmer – Programmers write the software that you learn how to use during your PC training. Although this requires advanced skills and training, additional coursework can help you succeed.
How to Succeed
Although technical people have a reputation for being socially challenged, to be truly successful in this career field, you must display excellent communication skills. Remember that you will play a supporting role, even as you advance in the field. Technical employees serve the needs of their employers and fellow employees. You will need to communicate effectively and translate their needs and concerns to the technical arena.
It also helps to possess an innate curiosity and have a great imagination. You won’t find answers to all of your question inside a book. You will often need to troubleshoot, develop new solutions or peruse through existing technical documentation in search of proper procedures or solutions.
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