Finding a niche can be key to success in changing job market

February 12, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Honing in on a niche can be the key to success in the evolving high-tech market.

Colleen Bradley is a perfect example. As a Software Consultant for SCT, she travels regularly to colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada as part of the sales support team for SCT Matrix, one of the company's Student Management Solution software products.

"I present the product to the key players," says Bradley, who is 26 and lives in Vancouver. "The demonstrations range from high-level overviews to detailed functional presentations. The work is hectic but fun - I am constantly visiting new places and meeting new people."

Her niche is educational systems. While studying part-time in the Computer Information Systems Program at Douglas College, she worked in the Registrar's Office using software products similar to those her company now sells. After graduating in 2002, she worked in the College's Systems and Computing Department, until she met a consultant from SCT and they hired her.

"It was partly because I had my Diploma and partly because I worked in the Registrar's Office and had some experience with SCT products," says Bradley. "My background's ideal because I know what the clients are looking for and what they need the products to do. I really understand their perspective."

She spends about 50 percent of her time travelling across the U.S. and Canada and has learned plenty tricks of the trade - she always immediately adjusts her watch and doesn't bother to think what time it is in Vancouver. "If it says 10 o'clock, I go to bed. It works wonders for your job performance." She has also learned to maximize her time at airports. "I spend so much time at airports, I learned how to concentrate on getting things done - whether it's work or personal - as well as how to strike up a conversation."

With information technology, you can work anywhere in the world, says John Blackwell a Computer Information Systems Instructor at Douglas College. "We've got students working in Europe and Asia. One lives in Los Angeles and works in San Francisco. Another lives in Langley and works for Microsoft in Seattle. It's interesting to see how far they go."

Information technology is a great foundation for many different careers, emphasizes Blackwell. "There are at least 200 different job titles and 24 classifications of positions. Our program trains students in programming, database management, networking and Web development. But we also give them context with business management courses like accounting and marketing. And Douglas College offers a Co-op Program so students can get paid work experience before they graduate."

Bradley says the reputation of the program and the variety of the courses gave her the skills she needed to launch her career. "I use my programming skills from Douglas College to configure my software to perform for my demos. And the College's business writing and marketing courses have proven to be invaluable in the work that I do today."

The smaller class sizes at Douglas College were great, says Bradley. "It really allowed you to get to know the instructors and get personalized attention. I still drop by and visit every so often."

When she's in town, that is.

When she's away, Bradley says she always tries to squeeze some sightseeing into her trips. "One of the greatest benefits of travelling is I get to work from home when I'm in town. My lunch break consists of walks to the beach. The more I travel, the more I realize how beautiful Vancouver is."

To learn more about the Computer Information Systems Program at Douglas College attend a free information session February 25 at 5 p.m. in room B2340 at the David Lam Campus in Coquitlam (1250 Pinetree Way) or March 11 at 5 p.m. in room 1614 at the New Westminster Campus (700 Royal Avenue, one block north of the New Westminster SkyTrain station). For more information, please call Instructor John Blackwell at 604-527-5443.

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For more information, please contact:
Kimberley Fehr, Communications & Marketing Office: 604-527-5325
John Blackwell, Computer Information Systems Program Instructor at 604-527-5443.