COMPUTER NETWORKING & SYSTEMS
CAREER GUIDE

Register online with EASE (www.sunysccc.edu/ces) to explore careers, access employment opportunities
and career events, research employers, learn to write resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews,
structure your job search, and store documents important to your search.

Schedule regular appointments with your academic advisor and a career professional on campus to
discuss your career path.

Do your best in classes and labs. Speak with SCCC faculty to get the most out of your classes, receive
job search advice, develop leads, and request letters of recommendation. Speak with classmates to
generate leads and insight.

Explore ways to build experience such as becoming an intern or volunteer. This is the best way to build
experience as a student and is often the reason you are hired after graduation. Contact your Department
Chairperson or the Career & Employment Office for assistance. Use EASE for additional information.

Research industries and trends related to your career or occupational path using the Begley or public
library. Search the employment databases at the New York Public Library: www.nypl.org.
Also, use the Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco/.

Join and then become actively involved in a professional association. Start networking with those who
work in the field, volunteer to serve on activities, and request advice from members regarding your career
interests. Visit http://www.sunysccc.edu/student/JPS/Associations.htm and
www.jobweb.com/Career_Development/prof_assoc.htm for links to professional associations.
Also, Tech Valley user groups include:
Tech Valley Net User Group
http://www.tvug.net/
Capital District Computer Enthusiasts of NY, Inc. http://www.cdceny.org

Compliment your degree with Professional Certifications highly desired by employers. See the CST
Department for campus training options or check websites including:
http://www.networkingcertifications.com, http://certification.about.com/ (A+, CCNA, Microsoft). Note: SCCC
courses that help students prepare for certifications include: CIS 110 and CIS 111 for A+; CIS 240, CIS 241
and CIS 247 for CCNA; CIS 221 for Microsoft Office.

Use business directories sponsored by chambers of commerce, associations, and local providers that
categorize organizations by service or industry type and provide access to contact information. Employer
Locator: www.acinet.org/acinet/employerlocator/employerlocator.asp.

Use industry specific websites relevant to your chosen field to access additional company information,
industry trends, and job leads in business such as www.techvalley.org, www.jobsinthemoney.com,
www.accountemps.net, www.careerbank.com, www.wetfeet.com.

Contact everyone in your large network of friends, family, neighbors, etc. who may be able to offer
additional contacts. A networking worksheet is available on our EASE website to help you organize those
important to your professional development: www.sunysccc.edu/student/JPS/Peopletoknow.html.

Use comprehensive web-based job boards to review postings from thousands of sources:
www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com - Also check our EASE website.

Regularly review county, state, and federal employment websites for potential examination procedures.
EASE also includes information about certifications in your field. Sign up for automatic notification of exam
dates at the following websites: www.cs.state.ny.us/ (civil service), www.opm.gov/ (federal jobs).

Use employment agencies that generate employment leads in your chosen field. Use the phone book or
Business Review “Book of Lists” to access their contact information.

If interested in international or government opportunities, check out the following sites:
www.joyjobs.com, www.iie.org, www.americorps.org.
RELATED EMPLOYERS
Graduates from this degree program support all industry categories including: Businesses using Internet
Technology and Shared Databases * Government Agencies * Town, City, County & State Offices *
Not-for-profit Organizations * Schools and Universities * Healthcare * Insurance & Financial
Companies * Banking * Entertainment & Hospitality Venues
Company Search Link:
www.acinet.org/acinet/employerlocator
RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Computer and Information Scientists * Researchers * Computer Programmers * Computer
Software Engineers * Systems Software and Hardware Specialists * Computer Support Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts * Database Administrators * Network and Computer Systems
Administrators * Network Systems and Data Analysts * Communications Analysts * Operations
Research Analysts
*Attainment of the above positions is dependent upon the candidate’s work experience,
professional references and networks, academic performance, and performance in the field.
Occupational Exploration Links:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco/
NYS Career Zone: www.nycareerzone.org/
CAPITAL REGION SALARY INFORMATION
Salaries may vary depending on experience, position, company, geographic location, and
education.
NYS Salary Research: www.labor.state.ny.us ~Click on Workforce Industry Data
National Salary Research: www.bls.gov; www.salary.com
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Students interested in a 4-year degree can transfer to: Sage College of Albany
College Search Link: www.collegeboard.com
Information in this handout was produced in cooperation with the Math and Science Department.
CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Elston Hall, Room 223 / 518.381.1365 / www.sunysccc.edu/ces
*Walk-in hours are available Mondays and Tuesdays between the hours of 1:00pm to 3:00pm or call for
an appointment.
Robert Frederick, Coordinator
Bernice Dunn, Career and Transfer Counselor
Margaret Anne Williams, Nontraditional Student Counselor
Dawn Jones, Nontraditional Career Specialist