From basics to career skills, NVCC's Woodbridge Campus has the course for you
Interested in getting more enjoyment from your computer by building a blog to express your point of view or gaining certifications that can help you move up in your career?
Editor's Note: Are you grappling with a tech issue and can't seem to find the answer? Submit your questions to laurenj@patch.com with the subject line "Ask the Techie" by Mondays at 5 p.m. Jean Westcott will answer one question a week in her column.
One benefit of living in Woodbridge is having a campus of the Northern Virginia Community College in our neighborhood. Affordable and quality college courses are available every semester for those pursuing degrees. The school also offers non-credit courses through their Workforce Development & Continuing Education.
The classes range from the strictly business courses on Federal Contract Management, to the more creative such as earning a Wedding Coordinator Certificate. And they aren't all business related, you can learn to sail at the Leesylvania marina or learn a new language such as Spanish or Korean.
The school has a wide range of offerings in beefing up your technology skills. If you want to learn more about digital photography you could start try the one session course "Photo Editing & Enhancing Quick Course" ($200). If you want to be more confident in handling the books for your small business, you could try "QuickBooks Essentials" ($320) which is a five session class that may also serve as a networking opportunity.
If you want to learn the basics, there are courses designed for beginner "Computer Basics for Seniors" ($175) and "Basic Computer Skills for ESL Students" ($100) which will help build confidence for students of any age.
For the more advanced user there are introductions to all of the features of Windows 7, Visual Basic, Unix/Linux and the Java Programming Language. There are also preparatory programs for the CompTIA A+ and the Network+ certifications to help prove to your current or potential employers that you have the chops to maintain the computers in their business.
A new year is a perfect opportunity to discovering your hidden talents. Having the guidance provided by discipline of taking a course makes it easier to follow through on your goals. Take advantage of having a jewel like NVCC so close to home.
