Grads belie bad economy

Demand by employers for Computing Science and Information Systems students through the Co-Op Program at Douglas has exceeded supply for the last few years, says program chair and instructor Ray Yu.

There are still hot jobs in today’s cool economy. Just ask Ray Yu, chair of the Computing Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department at Douglas.

“I’ve noticed a lot of companies, especially technical companies, are doing quite well in the stock market. And if a business wants to buy computer equipment, it means they need people for technical support and programming. Especially in Canada, people trained to work in this field do really well,” says Yu.

What kinds of jobs are available in the IT field? Right now, computer and database programmers, help desk support workers and web developers are all in high demand, Yu says.

A faculty advisor for Co-operative Education at Douglas, Yu adds that CSIS students who get work experience through Co-op placements do particularly well when it comes to finding work.

“It’s not mandatory, but those students who do it always thank me for advising them to do so. It’s by far the best way to get the valuable work experience they need.”

In fact, the job market is so hot for IT professionals that Yu says over the past few years, the requests he received from employers outnumbered CSIS students participating in the Co-op Program.

What is it that makes Douglas students in particular a popular choice for employers? There are a number of elements to the program that make it and its graduates stand out. Students have options, for one. A one-year certificate helps students develop the skills needed to work in technical support. Two-year diploma students cover database programming, web and software development, and technical support. Diploma students may also opt to specialize in either web or software development.

CSIS students also have the most up-to-date software at their fingertips, with constant upgrades to campus computer labs, says Yu. For instance, last September, Douglas was the first college in the Lower Mainland to install Microsoft Office 2007 in its labs, while brand new web development software will be ready for students to use this September.

Put it all together and “our program has the edge,” says Yu.

For more information on the CSIS certificate or diploma program, attend the next free information session at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam on Tuesday, January 26, 5pm, room A1470 or at the New Westminster Campus on Thursday, January 28, 5pm, room 2201.

Published December 17, 2009

Links:

Information Sessions
Computing Science and Information Systems
Co-operative Education
More Feature Stories