Bill Calteaux
Communications/Business Computers, May 1991
Microsoft Office Specialist-Master Instructor
Milwaukee Career College, Milwaukee, WI
Contact Bill Calteaux at
wcalteaux@mkecc.com.
Since your graduation from MU, what has been your career path?
Primarily as a Computer Trainer JOB Path & Titles, since graduation: Telemarketing Sales/Purchaser, Computer Trainer/Reference-Line Rep/Computer Based Tutorial Administrator, Contracted Computer Trainer, Computer Trainer, Part-Time Computer Trainer, IT/Corporate Instructor/Placement Team Representative/Certification Test Administrator/Alumni Committee Coordinator/Editor: "Graduate Gazette" - Monthly Newsletter
Describe your typical workday.
I assist students (mostly adults displaced from jobs) in learning/furthering their computer skills. I also assist them in resume writing and interview skills in order to help them get placed in new jobs.
What is the best or most exciting part of your profession?
Seeing the "Oh, I get it!" look on their faces while explaining a new concept—their appreciation of my showing them a simple short-cut.
What advice would you provide for a job seeker in your field?
Keep up with the latest versions of programs (Microsoft Office: 2000, XP, 2003, etc.) Get your Certifications! Become a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) or even a MOS-Master. I even went the step further and became a MOS-Master Instructor... It's Worth It! Something to be proud of ... Recognized World-Wide ... Great resume content!
What are essential skills one must posses for success in your field?
Be well rounded: Learn the major applications (MS Office), but get to know others; and learn to use programs on different platforms (PC AND Mac). PATIENCE! Always remind yourself, "*I* know this program, but these students are new to this program -- what was it like MY first time learning the program? That's what *I* have to remember in order to present these new concepts to THEM..."
What can a current Marquette student do to effectively prepare for a career in your field?
GET EXPERIENCE! While at MU, I worked in the Business Building's computer lab, checking out software to other students and assisting them when they had questions/problems. THAT is what made me realize I did not want to work with just computers, but with people AND computers. So I switched from Business to Communications and worked towards becoming a trainer. But that early experience (and future ones, too) really helped in formulating my methods of presentation.
How does one find a summer job or internship in your field, and are there any other opportunities to gain experience before graduation?
In order to GET EXPERIENCE, you need to find the opportunities! I was lucky enough to find a training job within a year after graduating, but 9 years later I was displaced (those early 2000's cut-backs & lay-off...). The next few jobs I found were with pay-cuts, but I was furthering my experience. I even started contracting with the Milwaukee Public Libraries between jobs (and "on the side", too). Whether it's Part-time, Contracted, Volunteer, whatever is needed, GET EXPERIENCE! Then list all of it on your resume!
