Hired Before Graduation: Envision Your Future
Joshua Montag has worked very hard since returning to school. Josh had a plan for his college education.
“My initial plan for myself during college was to find a really good internship and work my way up. Once I graduated, I was going to push to get hired or possibly search elsewhere for a career in IT. There are many avenues in the IT industry but not many companies hire without experience. This is why I actively searched for an internship.”
Josh had to deviate from that plan but in a good way.
Josh has already been hired by Service Express Incorporated as a Field Service Engineer. He will be graduating in May 2017 with a dual Associate’s Degree in the IT-Technical Support Specialist and IT Network Specialist programs.
Josh works in data centers on a daily basis and performs data center hardware maintenance. Josh says this of his employer: “I hope to continue my growth and knowledge in the IT world with this versatile and constantly growing company. There is so much room for advancement and growth here that I may never need to look for another company.”
Going back to school a little bit later in life can be very challenging but worth it if you find something you love to do and have a little help. “The challenge of balancing work/school/life has made the biggest impact on me. My desire to further my education and graduate with honors has pushed me further than anything else ever has. It can sometimes be overwhelming but I surround myself with the help of my teachers, classmates, and an amazing support system of family and friends. While going back to school at a later stage in life isn’t exactly ideal, I am convinced that it’s one of the best decisions I’ll ever make,” Josh says.
Joshs mother was also a graduate of MPTC in 1983.
Josh’s family is no stranger to Moraine Park Technical College. His mother Pam Bartz is also a graduate of MPTC. She graduated from the culinary program in 1983.
When asked what advice he would give someone considering college Josh had this to say: “My biggest piece of advice would be to pursue something you can see yourself doing the rest of your life. I attempted college right out of high school but I wasn’t enrolled in any classes that intrigued me, I dropped out after one semester and starting working in a factory. I was told by numerous family members and friends that I should go back to school for something in computers because I’ve always been tech savvy, but I usually just blew it off. I finally talked myself into going back and I will graduate with two degrees in IT in May of 2017.”
Congratulations Josh, I’m proud to have played a small part in this amazing journey you’re on.
To learn more about Moraine Park’s programs, visit morainepark.edu/programs.
