By KIMBERLY ROSS

 Among the certificates offered within St. Petersburg College’s College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) is the Microsoft Certified Server Administrator certificate. Taught by Dr. Holly Hoopes of SPC’s EpiCenter campus, the program is designed to help students acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the Microsoft field.

 At SPC, the MCITPS-CT classes are taught face-to-face and in blended format, classes that are taught part face-to-face and online. Dr. Hoopes feels the blended format is “the best of both worlds” since students and professors can interact with each other and, at other times, work independently on assignments. This way, she said, students “develop a skill-set and at the same time, receive some answers when needed.”

 As with everything, there are challenges. Upon entering the course, Dr. Hoopes advises students to “be patient with themselves. Treat the course as a foreign language.” The first night, students may feel overwhelmed; just let the information flow, be open to the conversation and give it time. All courses within the certificate build on one another, so relax and let the knowledge come; absorb and learn.

Dr. Hoopes further said that in order to succeed in the course, it takes self-motivation and inquisitiveness.

“This type of field leads to demanding jobs that may require work on the weekends and holidays. It can be very intense, and it is always changing and the learning never stops. You must learn to speak the language and immerse yourself in it. Go the extra mile, and perhaps set up a lab at home. Effort must be put forth as it is not enough just to attend class.”

 Though there are no entrance or exit exams for the Microsoft Certified IT Professional Certificate Program, Dr. Hoopes encourages students to take the industry certification exam upon exiting. Students not only earn college credit, but employers are more attracted to candidates who have industry certificates since it makes candidates more marketable. In the future, Dr. Hoopes hopes certification exams will be available at the EpiCenter.

 “I would like to see more women get into this field since it is male dominated,” said Dr. Hoopes about her hopes for the future of the program. She feels that this would be great since many women are great at troubleshooting.  In general, this field is for people who are “project oriented and who possess problem-solving skills. People must like to work and like continuous learning. ”

 So though it may not be an easy road to the finish, Dr. Hoopes advises students to “stay the course” and not give up.