Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at it

Section 6

Begin your post this week with some background: what is your current job, program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate?

   I am currently employed by Texas A&M University – Commerce. I work in the Library as a Media Specialist. I am enrolled in the MBA program. After receiving my Bachelors I wanted to continue my education in Management I hope to obtain a management position in technology after I receive my degree.

Next , describe the kind of work you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work?

   I would like to continue working at the academic level. I would like to manage some area of teacher and faculty instruction. I currently work with faculty, helping them with Media needs such as DVD’s, streaming video and database access through the library. I also set up equipment for the instructors to make webinar’s and podcast. I really enjoy working with the faculty and providing them support and information on current technology. I enjoy helping people meet their needs. I enjoy developing new ways to use technology in the education environment; I like to think outside the box. I enjoy working with diverse cultures, I am fascinated by the effects culture has on the understanding of technology and how it should be applied to a specific situation.

  I have acquired many of the skills I will need for my desired job, but the rapidly changing technology sector will dictate what new items I will need to learn. I really liked a statement made in chapter 27 “Economic Income provides the money to survive, while psychological income provides the inspiration to thrive” I see IDT as a field where I will continually be inspired by the changing technologies and I will thrive.

  I would like to be a lifetime learner and I believe IDT will be a great field to work in to keep me challenged and not bored. As an adult with ADHD I have to be in a changing environment for it to keep me engaged and happy in my work. I plan to take all of my electives in Education technology because they will give me additional information on current trends and needed improvement to current methods.

What organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate?

 I will be joining AECT –Association for Educational Communication and Technology and  ISTE- International Society for Technology in Education. As a graduate student both of these organizations offer many opportunities for learning and networking with other individuals. As a student if you are willing to volunteer at their conferences they will waive your attendance fees or greatly reduce them. Conferences are one of the best tools to use to get a feel for the jobs that are available in that profession, and as a graduate student it is a great place to meet prospective employers.