Commerce Report Shows Information Technology (IT) is Driving the American Economy

The information technology (IT) revolution is making a significant impact on the American economy, according to "Digital Economy 2000." The report, released June 5, 2000, is the third in a series by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. It suggests that the American economy may be able to achieve rates of economic growth that are higher and more sustained than in the past, with stronger income gains and lower inflation and unemployment than we have seen for a generation.

The Best Jobs
source: Computerworld, April 2000

1. 
E-Commerce Project Manager

2.
Web/E-Commerce Applications Developer

3.
Senior Network Administrator

4.
Senior Database Administrator

5.
Data Warehouse Architect/Developer

6.
Sales Engineer

(Salaries range from $65,000 to $150,000 nationally)

Comprehensive Certification Testing Site is Here!

In partnership with Virtual University Enterprises (VUE), NIACC recently became a comprehensive certification testing site. A testing service of National Computer Sytems, Inc. (NSC), VUE administers IT exams for leading certification programs such as Microsoft, Novell, CompTIA and others.

The VUE testing network allows exam candidates to register and reschedule their exams at the testing site, on the web, or via a VUE call center; all in real-time via the Internet. The growing list of IT certification exams accessible through the VUE system are delivered directly from the exam sponsor. Test results are quickly transmitted back, ensuring the candidate’s certification status is promptly updated.

For more info, go to: www.vue.com

NIACC Launches E-Commerce Program

Business on the Internet is not showing any signs of slowing, and North Iowa Area Community College is not showing any signs of slowing in its introduction of cutting-edge programs. NIACC introduced its latest advanced technology program -- E-Commerce, Web Design and Development -- this summer. The two-year program, which may be completed during the day or evening, is believed to be the first program of its kind in Iowa.

NIACC-UNI Are First to Articulate ASB Degree
Partnership to Benefit Information Technology Students

North Iowa Area Community College and the University of Northern Iowa announced in June a partnership which will benefit people pursuing careers in information technology.

The latest articulation between the two institutions will permit graduates of NIACC’s Information Systems Technology (IST) program to transfer up to 65 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in management at UNI. It is the first articulation agreement in Iowa involving the Associate of Science in Business (ASB) Degree.

"This articulation agreement leverages the assets of two great institutions, marrying the technology emphasis of NIACC’s IST program with the management emphasis at UNI," said Dr. Michael Morrison, NIACC Vice President for Academic Affairs. "It’s perfect for the student wanting to be a chief technology officer -- a high demand and high salaried position in the business world."

Dr. Willis Greer, Jr., Dean of the College of Business Administration at UNI, said the partnership has created a truly innovative degree program. "The combination of information technology and business administration will help us to meet a rapidly growing need," he said. "We are delighted to offer this combination to a worker-hungry, technology-based Iowa business community."

Hundreds of NIACC graduates transfer to UNI each year, and the potential number of students taking advantage of this partnership is significant. More than 150 students are enrolled annually in NIACC’s IST program, including high school students completing the first year of the program through Tech Prep Hubs at Mason City High School and Garner-Hayfield High School.