BUSINESS AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY CAREER PATHWAYS

BIW I Job Titles: Office Clerk, Receptionist, or Customer Service Representative

The Business Information Worker Stages I, II, and III are part of consistent statewide pathway designed with faculty and industry involvement to prepare students for in-demand jobs. Based on conversations with industry, courses have been sequenced to teach a consistent set of business, office and professional skills that are recognized as in-demand in every industry sector state-wide.

According to 2012 labor market information, which covers a ten-year period (2010-2020), there are more than 15,000 positions for office clerks, receptionists, and/or customer service representatives in Los Angeles. These Stage 1, entry-level positions do not require actual job experience and make good launching point for a career in business. The median entry-level office worker salary ranges from $31,359 – $40,730. Hourly wages can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including: industry/sector, company size, location, years of experience, and level of education. By earning a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification, job applicants can demonstrate the skills needed to get the most out of office work. Holding a MOS certification can earn an entry-level business employee as much as $16,000 a year more than their uncertified peers .

BIW II Job Titles: Administrative Assistant, Secretary

As a Business Information Worker Stage II you will be trusted with carrying out office tasks for one or many individuals within a department. Administrative assistants have secretarial duties, such as accounting, data entry, billing, inventory, record-keeping, and sales, so strong typing skills (including 10-key) and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs are very important. The Business Information Worker II (BIW II) Certificate of Achievement builds on the BIW I foundations and provides students with additional skills in PowerPoint, QuickBooks, records management, and collaboration software. This secondary stage in the BIW pathway increases students' value and opportunities in multiple occupations, including but not limited to: office, business, and executive administrative support, office supervision/coordination, small business support, retail sales, and customer service. ; Students completing this stage of the BIW pathway will be equipped to take multiple Microsoft Office Specialist credential exams and become a QuickBooks certified user.

Employment of administrative assistants is projected to grow three (3) percent from 2014 to 2024. Although this job growth is not significant, the foundational skills that are practiced in these types of administrative positions are required for future advancement in business and technology careers. The average wage for an entry-level Administrative Assistant is approximately $16.63 per hour.

BIW III Job Titles: Analysis

GTL II Job Titles: Import-Export Clerk

Some business information workers prepare import/export documents in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. They check shipping invoices for accuracy, calculate the value of duties and tariffs due on transported goods. All clerks have a strong familiarity with standard trade concepts, practices, and procedures usually within a particular field or sector of the economy. The more opportunities a clerk takes to expand their industry knowledge, on-the-job administrative skills, and business acumen the more supervisory career opportunities will be available.

Salaries for individuals with the title Import/Export Clerk vary depending on a number of factors including industry, company size, location, years of experience and level of education, and industry certification. The median Import/Export Clerk salary in Los Angeles, CA is $44,105. The skills gained in the GTL II sequence of courses will provide an overview of the knowledge needed to pass the Certified Global Professionals (CGBP) exam. CGBP credentials demonstrate that a candidate has at least 2-years of knowledge in international trade. Along with education, credentials can often be the primary factor in employment and advancement.

Los Angeles Harbor College is a member of the California Community College Pro-GTL Regional Consortium and the Transportation Workforce Institute. Experiential exercises, simulations, and related resources can be found in the Career Education Skills Lab (GC 102). Faculty: Please contact Michael Caress at 310-233-4042 or careerpathways@lahc.edu to set-up an appointment to review the labs usage and content.

CCENT Job Titles: CISCO Certified Entry Networking Technician

The CISCO Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) accreditation is an entry-level certification that validates the holder's ability to install and maintain a branch network of a small enterprise, including day-to-day operations and troubleshooting. CCENT holders are also trained in basic network security. CCENT covers basic networking knowledge and skills, general networking theory, routing and switching basics, and an introduction to advanced networking technologies. Certified technician holders are expected to be familiar with a wide range of networking environments from home offices to small businesses. CCENT certification can serve as a springboard for a network technician to obtain higher certifications. CCENT is a general certification that builds the pre-requisites needed to secure Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) accreditation. This certified entry-networking technician training can prepare you to meet or exceed the competencies that all entry-level networking technicians possess.

Employment as a networking technician can be found in almost any business environment. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for network technicians, including entry-level, is expected to grow by over 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. Job prospects in this field are projected to be even more numerous over the next decade to follow. Depending on the precise job title of a CCENT holder, the salary associated with this certification is between $30,000 and $70,000 per year. Salaries are influenced by several factors, including: industry, company size, location, educational level, and number of years of experience. Certifications and complementary job skills may also impact salary. To become CCENT certified, a prospective holder must pass the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 exam (640-822 ICND1).

CCNA Job Titles: CISCO Certified Networking Associate

After completion of the CCNET certification, holders have an opportunity to enroll in Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) courses. CISCO redesigned the CCNA program in 2013 to offer the certification in various subspecialties related to networking. For example, the CCNA Cloud certification focuses on the skills required for cloud networking, while the CCNA Wireless certification validates an individual's competence in wireless local area networks (WLANs). CCNA certificates are available in the following ten areas: cloud, collaboration, cybersecurity operations, data center, design, industrial/IoT, routing and switching, security, service provider, and wireless. A CCNA routing and switching certification covers the fundamentals of enterprise networking, including: LAN switching, IP addressing, routing, sub- netting, and more. It assesses an individual's ability to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot enterprise networks.

Employment as a networking technician can be found in almost any business environment. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for network technicians, including entry-level, is expected to grow by over 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. Job prospects in this field are projected to be even more numerous over the next decade to follow. Depending on the precise job title of a CCNA holder, the salary associated with this certification is between $30,000 and $70,000 per year. Certifications and complementary job skills may also impact salary. This training requires hands-on experience, and is a prerequisite CISCO professional level certifications. CCNA candidates must pass two exams to become certified. CCENT and CCNA classes are transferable to the CSU system.

The IT Technician Career Pathway Stages I, I, III represents IT skill sets in demand by businesses throughout the state. These skills were identified based upon interviews with IT contractors, equipment suppliers, various IT departments, and cross-referenced with CE Faculty, advisory groups and other Labor Market Information. This 3 stage program is an effective balance of training, certifications and experience to develop IT professionals without a 4-year degree.

Computer Retail Sales and Support (ITTP I)
IT Job Titles: Computer Retail Sales

Getting that entry-level job in computer support or network information technology doesn't always require a 4-year degree. Take the first step into the world of information communications by working in sales and support of computers, handheld devices, networking services or cell phones. The main responsibility of a computer retail sales and support specialist is sales and customer service. Doing the job well requires up-to-date technical knowledge, the ability to demonstrate product features, answer questions and resolve store problems, and effective communication skills. Early employment in the IT field provides students with beneficial work experiences and industry relationships that put them well on their way to an IT career with excellent long-term salary potential.

The average pay for individuals with a job title of Retail Sales Specialist is $12.29 per hour. The highest paying skills in computer retail sales requires specialized IT knowledge, Technical Sales, and Merchandising. Employment of retail sales specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2014 to 2024. Average job growth and regular turn-over means that there are a large number of job openings in which to gain related work experience. By earning a CompTIA certification, individuals demonstrate that they have the kind of skills and dedication needed for a career in the field. By completing a sequence of seven (7) for-credit courses, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to pass industry certification; meet the requisites for the next-level of IT training, and become qualified to work in computer retail sales.

IT Job Titles: Help Desk Technician

Help desk technicians are needed by virtually every company that produces or uses sophisticated computer equipment. When either customers or colleagues run into technical problems, the help desk technician identifies, troubleshoots, and resolves the issue. They are often expected to update mobile devices, networks, and related software; and typically field calls or emails from end users who are having trouble with some aspect of a sophisticated system. By listening to a description of the problem and accessing information about the specific system or application the user is trying to operate, the technician attempts to guide the user in resolving the problem. It is essential for help desk technicians to have a friendly phone disposition, along with advanced technology skills. Access to computer support is important for maintaining productivity and customers, so Help Desk Technicians often work varying schedules often.

A Help Desk Technician earns an average wage of $15.94 per hour. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 20 years' experience in this career. A skill in Help Desk / Desktop Support (Tier 2) is associated with high pay for this job. Employment of computer support specialists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. More support services will be needed as the economy adapts to technology advanced and user mobility. Although some IT positions require a 4-year degree, many Help Desk positions are available for those with training, and industry certification such as A+ or MCSE.

IT Job Titles: Information Technology Technician

Information technology (IT) support specialist is a generalist position devoted to all aspects of computer set-up, installation, troubleshooting, service, upgrades, and maintenance. The position can also include handling how computers connect to each other or the rest of the network; printing, both locally and on the network; and auxiliary devices such as tablets, PDAs, and smartphones. Technicians must be knowledgeable in all aspects of computer support, diligent, and analytical; they also must possess outstanding communication skills. This specialist is not only a technical worker but often deals directly with the customer, offering advice, training, solutions, and guidance. The position is employed in many types of companies as internal support for computers and networks, and many companies also hire contractors as IT support.

Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist earns an average salary of $45,691 per year. Most people with this job move on to other positions after 20 years in this career. Employment of computer and information technology sector is projected to grow 12 percent, and are expected to add about 488,500 new jobs to the economy between 2014 to 2024. This growth is in part due to a greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, more everyday items becoming connected to the Internet in what is commonly referred to as the "Internet of things," and the continued demand for mobile computing. Advancing beyond basic Help Desk/User Support requires greater technical knowledge and specialization, as there are different directions of employment growth the advanced courses offered in this IT Technician Career Pathway teach the advanced concepts in security, database management, programming, and virtualization.

BIW I Job Titles: Office Clerk, Receptionist, or Customer Service Representative

A Business Information Worker is trusted with carrying out office tasks for one or many individuals within a department. Administrative assistants have secretarial duties, such as accounting, data entry, billing, inventory, record-keeping, and sales, so strong typing skills (including 10-key) and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs are very important.

According to 2012 labor market information, which covers a ten-year period (2010-2020), there are more than 15,000 positions for office clerks, receptionists, and/or customer service representatives in Los Angeles that do not require actual job experience. Clerks and other office staff dealing with import/ export procedures are included as part of the broad statistical labor market information offered by the Bureau of Labor.

GTL I Job Titles: Warehouse Associate, Logistics Clerk

Warehouse Associates play a pivotal role in supply chain management by performing a variety of jobs in warehouse and distribution centers. They generally work on the back-end of the organization performing tasks such as: loading and unloading materials; ensuring safety compliance by maintaining "working clean" conditions; verifying inventory computations compared to physical counts of stock, investigating discrepancies and adjusting errors in handling and packaging of products; labeling products correctly; band receiving, storing, moving items from the distribution center. Individuals with strong administrative skills are good candidates for office clerk positions in logistics or import/export. The knowledge gained in this sequence of courses is required to pass CGBP, APICS, MHI, and ISM and other industry certifications.

As of Dec. 2016, the average wage for a Warehouse Associate is $12.07 per hour, plus bonuses and occasionally profit sharing. Additional upskilling in inventory management is also associated with higher rates of pay for this position, and a forklift certification will be expected. Import/Export Clerk salaries range from $38,815 to $51,474. Individuals who are interested in working in global trade and logistics often find that these entry-level jobs provide the stepping stones to a professional career in international business, logistics, and supply chain management.

Los Angeles Harbor College is a member of the California Community College Pro-GTL Regional Consortium and the Transportation Workforce Institute. Experiential exercises, simulations, and related resources can be found in the Career Education Skills Lab (GC 102). Faculty: Please contact Michael Caress at 310-233-4042 or @email to set-up an appointment to review the labs usage and content.

GTL II Job Titles: Import-Export Clerk

Some business information workers prepare import/export documents in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. They check shipping invoices for accuracy, calculate the value of duties and tariffs due on transported goods. All clerks have a strong familiarity with standard trade concepts, practices, and procedures usually within a particular field or sector of the economy. The more opportunities a clerk takes to expand their industry knowledge, on-the-job administrative skills, and business acumen the more supervisory career opportunities will be available.

Salaries for individuals with the title Import/Export Clerk vary depending on a number of factors including industry, company size, location, years of experience and level of education, and industry certification. The median Import/Export Clerk salary in Los Angeles, CA is $44,105. The skills gained in the GTL II sequence of courses will provide an overview of the knowledge needed to pass the Certified Global Professionals (CGBP) exam. CGBP credentials demonstrate that a candidate has at least 2-years of knowledge in international trade. Along with education, credentials can often be the primary factor in employment and advancement.

Los Angeles Harbor College is a member of the California Community College Pro-GTL Regional Consortium and the Transportation Workforce Institute. Experiential exercises, simulations, and related resources can be found in the Career Education Skills Lab (GC 102). Faculty: Please contact Michael Caress at 310-233-4042 or @email to set-up an appointment to review the labs usage and content.

Certificate of Completion, Not for Credit (Prerequisite: Bringing Out the Best in Yourself at Work

What Type of Leader Are You? is a highly interactive, competency and feedback based program that elegantly intertwines Enneagram theory with industry-recognize leadership competencies. In these 8-sessions, participants will learn to function as member of a small learning group to explore core leadership competencies, shares how competencies relate to personality type, and learn self-development approaches to enhancing their own capabilities. At the end of each smaller group exercise, groups participate in larger group activities that illuminate the specific competency and the particular way leaders of each personality type uses their related strengths, development areas, and unique development paths. The competencies learned in this program include: Leadership Profiling, Driving for Results, Striving for Self-Mastery, Thinking & Acting Strategically, Becoming an Excellent Communicator, Leading High-Performing Teams, Making Optimal Decisions, and Taking Charge of Change. Each attendee will receive a copy of What Kind of Leader are You?, Ginger Lapid-Bogda, and a Leadership Competency ToolKit.