2 minute read
MYSTIC MINDS
BSC ALUM
IMPROVES EMPLOYER’S TECHNOLOGY TRAINING
By Kim Singer
Tyler Ness, Bismarck State College Alum (’06)
Originally from Bismarck, Tyler Ness (’06) knew what degree to pursue in college from a very early age.
“I knew I was going into IT back when I first played on a computer as a kid. I love working with technology and figuring out how things work.”
That’s exactly what he does now as a bank applications administrator at First International Bank & Trust, where he’s been for the past five years. Ness’ latest project there involves automating processes for updating transactions and accounts and generating reports that had previously been done manually.
“The old way consisted of several checklists that contained daily tasks that were critical in getting completed. We found a product that could eliminate manual work that was being done.”
Ness said his associate in applied science degree with a technology support specialist focus from Bismarck State College was instrumental in preparing him for his current position.
“The program I originally enrolled in may be different these days, but I enjoyed it as you took classes in different IT subjects like networking, programming, web/graphic design and more. I use the knowledge I learned from all my BSC classes to this day.”
After completing his associate degree, Ness earned a bachelor’s degree through Dickinson State University. to earn my bachelor’s through a flexible program that was easy to fit into my existing work schedule.”
The field of IT is ever evolving, and BSC is on pace to keep up with the changes. In the fall of 2019, BSC added Cybersecurity and Information Technology to its fouryear degree offerings.
With hands-on experience, Ness finds the work stimulating.
“Approaching each task is interesting as it may require designing a flow chart, working with the relevant business units on learning more about what they’re doing, sometimes just totally re-working the entire process from start to finish and thinking outside the box.”
Learn more about BSC’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity and Information Technology at bismarckstate.edu/cyber
DEGREES
THAT MEET WORKFORCE NEEDS
To help students secure high-paying jobs after graduation, BSC looks to regional industry leaders to determine and then meet their workforce needs. In addition, BSC recently contracted with two external firms, The National Coalition for Advance Technology Center (NCATC) and Gray Associates, to do studies on the current and future outlook of job needs.
The NCATC had key constituent groups share their industry or professional needs, pain points, insights and ideas for BSC as it builds upon its polytechnic mission. Gray Associates gathered data on labor force and industry growth trends, indemand occupations, skills, employment opportunities, prospective student interest and the competitive landscape for all integrated postsecondary education data system programs in the target markets.
The following are high-priority occupations reported in the studies:
