Software Specialists develop, use, and maintain software projects, such as spreadsheets, databases, presentations, web pages, and e-commerce sites using a variety of software packages.

Internships
Students acquire on-the-job training through internships with local businesses and organizations.

Certifications
MECC's computer training programs prepare students for certifications.

The Networking program:
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• COMP/TIA NET+
• Microsoft Certified System Administration (MCSA):
     › Windows XP Professional
     › Windows 2003 Server
     › Windows 2003 Active Directory Services
     › Windows 2003 Infrastructure
     › Windows 2003 Security

The Software Specialist program:
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
• ORACLE Database Operator

MECC is an authorized Information Technology Testing Center

Employers want computer personnel who:

• Have current computer skills
• Have excellent communication skills
• Have superior human relations skills
• Possess problem-solving skills
• Are detail oriented
  
• Networking Technicians should possess manual dexterity and enjoy building and repairing computer hardware.
  
• Software Specialists should possess the ability to identify business problems and structure solutions to those problems using the appropriate software.

Job Opportunities
Job positions can be found with Internet service providers, private and public information systems departments.

• The information technology (IT) industry has hundreds of thousands of positions open all over the globe, covering all aspects of managing and processing information.
• The U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 110 percent growth rate over the next ten years.

Advancement
Dedicated networking technicians can advance to positions such as network administrators, systems analysts, and independent network consultants.
Highly motivated software specialists can advance to positions such as database administrators, systems analysts, web programmers, and webmasters.

Salary
Entry-level salaries range from $19,000-$27,000.

	Rose Carroll and Denise Isaacs, graduates of MECC's Software Specialist program, are NASA DEVELOP Researchers and GIS Technicians, a program sponsored by the Clerk of Court Office in Wise County.
	Gary Potter, a graduate of MECC's Computer Networking program, is the Network Manager at Norton Community Hospital.

Professional Organizations
Association for Computing Machinery
Association for Women in Computing
Association for Shareware Professionals
International Webmasters Association
Web Design & Developers Association
American Society for Info. Science & Tech. (ASIST)