Mountain Empire Community College
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Computer Software Specialist

Name E-mail Phone Number
Dana Crismond dcrismond@me.vccs.edu 276-523-2400, ext. 259
Fran Doyle fdoyle@me.vccs.edu 276-523-2400, ext. 313
Nick Edwards nedwards@me.vccs.edu 276-523-2400, ext. 369
Terri Lane tlane@me.vccs.edu 276-523-2400, ext. 240
Software Specialists develop, use, and maintain software projects, such as spreadsheets, databases, presentations, web pages, and e-commerce sites using a variety of software packages.

Internships

Students acquire on-the-job training through internships with local businesses and organizations.
The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Computer Software Specialist prepares students to enter the workforce as computer professionals trained in a variety of cutting-edge software packages.

Certifications

The Software Specialist program prepares students for the following certifications:
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
  • ORACLE Database Operator
MECC is an authorized Information Technology Testing Center.

Employers want computer personnel who:

  • have current computer skills,
  • have excellent communication skills,
  • have superior human relations skills,
  • possess problem-solving skills, and
  • are detail oriented.
  • Software Specialists should possess the ability to identify business problems and structure solutions to those problems using the appropriate software.

Employment Opportunities:

Job positions can be found with Internet service providers, private and public information systems departments.
  • The information technology (IT) industry has hundreds of thousands of positions open all over the globe, covering all aspects of managing and processing information.
  • The U.S. Department of Labor statistics forecasts that computer support jobs will increase by 18-26% faster than the average for all jobs through 2014.

Advancement

Highly motivated software specialists can advance to positions such as database administrators, systems analysts, web programmers, and webmasters.

Salary

Entry-level salaries range from $19,000-$27,000.

Student Spotlight

Jennifer Page
 Rick Wilder is an information technology specialist at the Southwest Regional Jail in Duffield, VA.
Jason Stanley Ashley Culbertson, a graduate of MECC’s Computer Software Specialist program, is a Deputy Clerk in the Rappahannock District Court in Rappahannock County, VA.

You will find other MECC graduates at:

Appalachian Tech Services, Comcast, Dickenson County School System, Logisticare, Mountain Empire Community College, Sykes, Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Wise County School System

Professional Organizations
Updated August 31, 2007                                      Contact MECC                                      MECC Home