Baltimore Educator Uses Technology Degree To Help Others Succeed
For those looking to go into the field of technology, or combine their knowledge of the IT field with a teaching career, there is more emphasis than ever to obtain a postsecondary education. The ever-evolving electronic devices and e-commerce show the importance of understanding how technology and business relate to one another, which is crucial in succeeding in this competitive market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is expected as enrollment at postsecondary institutions at all levels continue to rise."
Danielle Fowler, Chair for Information Systems and Decision Science at the University of Baltimore, has a bachelor's in business and Ph.D. in information systems. Combining her education in business and technology has given Fowler a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed as a teacher in the IT field.
How does your education relate to your current role?
"I obtained a business degree, but specialized in information systems. Much to my surprise, it turned out that building software solutions wasn't just about programming and logic and operating systems, but about people and organizations. I went on to achieve my Ph.D., and somewhere in there I was given a class to teach. When you can help others to achieve their own success, it's amazingly rewarding."
How has your education helped further your career?
"Everything you learn in college, whether it's obviously connected to your major or not, comes in handy. It stretches you, and helps you to think about everything going on in your world from many perspectives. It also teaches you to be a good learner, because you will be doing that for the rest of your career in order to succeed."
What advice can you offer others going into technology?
"Technology is a huge field, full of diversity; and there is room for all types. Also, don't wait until college to start learning. Technology moves fast, and if you don't stay with the information wave, you can get dumped. It's much easier to keep up than start fresh."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
