26 The Courier SUN • kids & education • DECEMBER 25, 2014 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com DIGITAL WORLD DEMANDS NEW IT WORKFORCE It’s no secret that technology ▶ kids & education has changed how we live. From tablets and streaming video, to big data analytics and network security, we live in a digital world that impacts us every minute of every day. However, technology not only improves the way we live and work in the present, but also offers great opportunity for the future. The rush of technology advances and innovations brings a wave of career opportunities to those with the right training, whether your objective is to advance in your current profession or explore a new one within the many business sectors under the realm of IT. Going back to school for an IT degree to increase your skill set could be the right path for you. Why? • The workforce needs IT pros with up-to-date skills. You may think that years of past experience are the key to success for IT professionals, but that’s not necessarily true. More than nine-in-10 - 93 percent - of U.S. IT and business executives report that there is a vast difference between existing and desired skills among their staffs, according to CompTIA, a non-profit trade association representing the IT industry. • The IT world needs wellrounded tech professionals. IT challenges that employers face today demand more than just technical know-how, and newer IT degree programs are designed with this in mind. For instance, NEASC-accredited Mount Washington College, a part of the Kaplan Higher Education Group, offers a new online IT degree curriculum that addresses emerging areas such as ethical, legal and social issues in IT administration, cloud computing, and security and forensics. This online program also integrates gamification elements, including motivational and academic badges, which help students demonstrate the mastery of competencies aligning with industry certifications that can be earned prior to graduation - providing immediate degree value. • You may think that obstacles, such as time and money, are too difficult to overcome in order to return to school for a new degree. However, online programs are changing that. For example the new IT degree through Mount Washington College starts as low as $4,800 annually and is highly flexible to accommodate adult student schedules. The program enables students to finish assignments and earn their degrees as time permits, while juggling work, family and other responsibilities that are often roadblocks in more traditional education settings. Whether you are seeking to advance in your current career or embark on a new one, career opportunities in the IT industry are many. And now, obtaining the skills you need to be successful in this market are more accessible and affordable than ever. Courtesy BPT A World Leader in Education UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (Founded in 1947) Queens Campus (Grades K - 8) Continuation of program at our Manhattan Campus High School Open House January 7, 2015 at 9:00 am Please call ahead before coming. Exceptional levels of student achievement recognized in the USA and worldwide • Rigorous curriculum leading to International Baccalaureate at high school level • Outstanding, multicultural music and art programs • Integrated learning using advanced technology • French and Spanish taught daily from kindergarten • Individualized early years instruction in reading, writing and math • Culturally diverse community with supportive home school partnerships • Flexible after care and after school activities programs For financial aid information and a tour of our Campus, call Admissions at 718-658-6166 173-53 Croydon Rd, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 | www.unis.org HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR QUEENS CHILDREN IN NEED Photo Credit: Dominick Totino Photography Pictured with Vallo Transportation employees are (l to r) Linda DeSabato, President, Vallo Transportation; Swami DurgQa Das, Executive Director, The River Fund New York; and (far right) Shirley Rice, Chief Operating Officer, The River Fund New York Vallo Transportation employees embraced the holiday spirit by donating a hundred new toys to The River Fund New York. This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping thousands of families in need receive much-needed essentials throughout the entire year. Additionally during the holiday season, it’s estimated they will distribute thousands of toys to underserved children in our community. Vallo Transportation is a family owned and managed transportation company located in Whitestone that has proudly supported The River Fund New York in the past by conducting food drives and through other contributions.
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