ST FAQ's

What is the ST program?
ST stands for "Student Technologist." The growing need for informational technology in an academic environment presents itself as an excellent opportunity for advancement and creativity. The ST program is an opportunity for students with computer-related aptitudes to learn support facilities, gain valuable work experience, expand their skill sets, and work in a professional environment doing important work for the college.

The Student Technology program at MCC promotes student enrichment while advancing MCC using technology. ST's are instrumental at fostering development of instructional technology through student and faculty partnerships.

What does an ST do?
A Student Technologist can do any number of computer-related tasks. These can range from assisting faculty in the development of online courses, simple web page design, and providing technical instruction for faculty.

An ST comes to work and clocks into our database application on the web. We have dedicated servers where you will receive web space to test, document, and post your complete projects.

Why become an ST?
If you are a student studying Computer Science (CSC), Computer Information Systems (CIS), and/or seeking a career in the Information Technology (IT) Field, it is key to note that many employers in this area are seeking job candidates who not only possess academic merit, but also on-the-job experience. Wouldn't it be great to go into a job interview and respond to the question, "Why should I hire you over anybody else?", with "I have a college degree and I was part of the ST program at MCC. Here is what I did..."

There are even individuals who are getting high paying jobs in the IT field without degrees simply because the demand is high and these people know the skills that are in high demand. A college degree paired with experience in the field is a tremendous "1-2 punch" towards a stable high paying career.

What qualifications are required be an ST?
One does not have to be a computer scientist to work as an ST. In order to better serve the community we seek to draw from a large pool and actively recruit from all academic areas. Willingness to learn, maturity, and responsibility are the most important prerequisites. Interpersonal communications skills, listening and responding to user concerns are key attributes of a successful Student Technologist. Of course, being an MCC student is the preliminary requirement because an ST position is funded by the college district.

While you needn't possess all sorts of computer knowledge to be hired as an ST (Remember, this is a learning environment), successful ST's possess any or all of the following qualifications:

• At least one year (academic, personal, or otherwise) of computer coding experience in any of the following languages: HTML, C++, Java, JavaScript, Basic, Visual Basic.
• Desktop computer operation, support and troubleshooting -- both PC and Macintosh.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to effectively communicate to others on all levels.
• A professional mantle, maturity, responsibility, and dependability.

These are qualities any employer would desire in an employee. ST candidates who possess these attributes will be given the most consideration. All MCC students are welcome to apply for the program.

How does one become an ST?

1. Click here to fill out an application. Our facility is in room BA-2W.
2. If you are contacted by the ST Coordinator, you will be directed to meet with the director and/or coordinator(s) for an interview.
3. After your interview, you will be notified of your hire status. If you are hired, congratulations! You will need to obtain a Student Personnel Referral from the Business department once you have been contacted by the ST Director. You will have to have two forms of proper identification such as a driver's license and a social security card to complete this form. Return completed form to the Business Department office. That form will be signed and processed.
4. At this point you can begin to work. As a common policy to all new hirees, you will be put on a two week probationary period. This is a chance for both you as the ST and the coordinators to see if you are a good fit for the program. At the end of this 2-week period an assessment will be made. It is at this point that you may be awarded a permanent position, or released.

What is the pay rate for an ST?
Pay starts at $6.25 an hour and scales up to $8.00. Promotions are based on the demonstration of skills and the successful completion of projects and/or training experiences.

Keep in mind that a minimum of 8 hours/week is required. The maximum is 15 hours or 19.5 with permission from a supervisor.