Student taking notes during the specialization workshop
During their first year of training, various activities are organized so that our students hold all the cards to make the best choice for their specialization.
Specializations aim to focus on a specific topic allowing our students to develop their expertise. We offer two main ones: System & Network Administration (SNA) and Web Programming (WEP). Visits to companies, the Specialization Workshop and Virtual Company 1 are the main steps helping students of Class 2020 to select their specialization.
Company Visits
Before selecting their specialization, our external relations team organize on-site visits to six different partner companies from the ICT sector for students of Class 2020. Company visits (depending on the company’s expertise) are important as they give them an opportunity to observe the use of each specialization in the reality of the IT industry and thus understand the business processes, as well as meeting and talking with employees who may share their experiences and provide knowledge, advice and challenges.
Class 2020 students during company visits
Virtual Company 1 (VC1)
VC1 started on June 14th and finished on July 3st, 2019 (10 days in 3 weeks). Students do not choose their specialization during the first year of their training. They receive general and basic training on both System & Network Administration and Web Programming. In addition, VC1 is a good opportunity to put into practice what they have learnt and experience these two paths. It also helps them to identify their strengths and weaknesses so as to be ready for their second year’s training.
The teachers give 1st-year students, split into groups, tasks or projects to complete within two weeks. The Training team designs the VC1 to offer students an opportunity to carry out real tasks or projects which they will face in their future working environment.
Students working on VC1 projects
To make sure students understand this training programme, they have to perform the following activities:
- Setup a basic network infrastructure (connect a router with computers, design an IP address scheme, cable and connect all devices to work and access the Internet).
- Install a web server and workstations with Linux and Windows operating systems.
- Design a leaflet about their virtual company and product.
- Develop a static website (using HTML and CSS).
- Manage their tasks with a Trello board.
- Improve their soft and professional skills (presentation, teamwork, writing emails, interpersonal skills, problem-solving and decision making).
Specializations Workshop
On 31th May 2019, a Specializations Workshop was designed to present the 2 specializations to the students: System & Network Administration (SNA) and Web Programming (WEP) to make sure they had all the information required to make the right choice for their second year training and future career path.
Presentation by an Alumni guest speaker during the specializations workshop
The Training team, with support from the External Relations team, invited speakers from partner companies, the alumni community, and trainers in different fields to present and share with students their know-how, experience and advice to determine which major would be right for them.
To help them, they also have access to their first-year results; so in view of their talent, skills, as well as motivation and all the above-mentioned guidance, they can make the right choice.
All in all, the specializations of Class 2020 perfectly matched our plan for their second year: 25 students for SNA and 50 for WEP.
We would like to thank all the PN Cambodia staff, partners and alumni for this big step in our students’ training programme!