Mainframe programming skills are highly marketable
Computer Programming student Elizabeth Bell, "Working on a mainframe just makes sense."
Mainframe computers may not be considered part of today's hot new technology but Computer Programming student Elizabeth Bell's mainframe skills are highly marketable. Someone's got to be able to program all the legacy systems out there! And the second-year student's programming skills are already paying off – she didn't even have to apply for her second co-op position, Bank of Montreal sought her out.
During her third semester at Georgian, Elizabeth participated in an IBM contest called Master the Mainframe in which students race to complete a series of technical challenges. While there, she was invited to the launch of IBM's revolutionary new mainframe, the System z10. At the launch, Elizabeth caught the attention of a reporter from the Wall St. Journal who wondered where businesses find people who remember how to program the things (mainframes).
"Most computer science students these days view mainframe programming as the tech equivalent of learning Latin," the article says, but goes on to explain IBM's successful attempts to get colleges and universities to include mainframe classes in their curriculum. Elizabeth Bell is mentioned as a perfect example of the way young people have changed their way of thinking about mainframe programming.
"There are so many legacy systems out there that it isn't feasible to think businesses will phase them out over the next 10 or 20 years," said Elizabeth. "I may be the youngest now," she continued, "But there are smart, practical kids who are in school because they want a career, who realize that the mainframe is the way to go."
Georgian College offers a two-year Computer Programmer and three-year Computer Programmer/Analyst programs at its Barrie Campus. Students in these programs enjoy a great mix of courses, beginning with a common first semester, followed by the opportunity to select options that suit their interests, skills and career goals. For more information about these programs, visit www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.php?major=COPR or www.georgianc.on.ca/academics/programs/program_info.php?major=COPA or contact program co-ordinator Greg Rodrigo at grodrigo@georgianc.on.ca.
IBM is a good friend to Georgian
Georgian's relationship with computer giant IBM has had numerous benefits for the Georgian community. The IBM Academic Initiative for System z program provides students and professors with hands-on access to a mainframe, curriculum, industry experts and training. In fact, Georgian uses IBM's hub at Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to teach mainframe skills to its students. IBM has also helped Georgian connect with the Government of Ontario's Infrastructure Technology Services group where the College's Computer Studies students will be participating in the co-op program.
"It's been estimated that 70 percent of all business data today is stored on mainframe systems - and that means businesses are continuously going to need experts in mainframe programming, development and innovation. It's a fact that, as an IT student preparing to enter the job market, I can't ignore," said Elizabeth. "There is always the urge to jump on the bandwagon of the latest IT technology. However, when considering a career for the long term, working on a mainframe just makes sense."