Future DCTC graduate seeking B.S. in Management Information Systems at Bethel
Leah Rumon, 18, began her academic career at Dakota County Technical College first as an E³ STEM student and then as a Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) student. Leah graduated from Apple Valley High School in 2019 and is on schedule to graduate from DCTC in 2021.
Leah is earning her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Information Systems Management at DCTC. She has also taken online photography and world history classes at Inver Hills Community College and Normandale Community College, respectively. After graduating from DCTC, she plans on attending Bethel University to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management Information Systems.
When she started her PSEO experience as a high school junior, Leah was interested in pursuing a career in architecture, but she soon discovered she has a real talent for IT.
“I wanted to work from home using my architecture software, Revit and AutoCAD, but I needed a more powerful computer,” she said. “I used the money I earned from an internship at Burnhaven Library to build my own PC.”
Leah built that computer, which cost around $2,000, all on her own, learning as she went. She has always been fascinated by computers—she enjoys playing videogames like The Elder Scrolls Online on her PC—and liked the transfer options offered by DCTC information technology programs. Her mom, Janet, was the first to suggest that she consider information systems management as a career option.
Computer and information systems manager is a very high-wage career. The median wage in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area is $60.15/hour. Higher earners make a median $82.17/hour.
— Minnesota State CAREERwise Education
“My cousin, Emily, is an information systems manager and so is my Aunt Laura,” Leah said. “Emily works for Deloitte and has amazing flexibility in her job. She can basically work from anywhere. My aunt works in the banking industry. She also has a lot of flexibility in her career.”
Leah isn’t keen on pure coding or the business aspects of IT so she likes how information systems management merges the best of programming, network oversight and leadership skills to create a career path that pays exceptionally well and is in huge demand.
“I want to get into the field of managing information systems—or as close as I can be,” Leah said. “Possibly doing research and development in that field one day.”
Natalie Shrestha is an academic and financial aid advisor at DCTC. She worked with Leah, helping her adjust to college life as a PSEO student.
“Leah started PSEO to try out different career paths,” Natalie said. “She completed quite a few generals and earned a drafting certificate at DCTC. She even went to three different colleges as a PSEO student. Leah is a great example of how PSEO gives students an opportunity to explore their futures. Leah explored careers and colleges during her time in PSEO—and she chose DCTC after graduating from high school.”
More about PSEO at DCTC…
Dakota County Technical College offers programs that allow you to earn college credits for free while you are still in high school. As a qualifying high school student, you can earn credit for college-level courses taken at DCTC through Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, or PSEO. The credits you earn at DCTC will apply to both high school graduation requirements and a college transcript. You will be able to seamlessly transfer the credits you earn to nearly any college or university in Minnesota, as well as many others nationwide.
The PSEO program was established by Minnesota State Statutes 124D.09 to “promote rigorous educational pursuits and provide a wider variety of options for students.” Through PSEO, 10th, 11th and 12th grade high school students may earn both secondary and postsecondary credit for college or university courses completed on a college or university campus, at a high school, or at another location. DCTC gladly participates in the PSEO program and offers the following information to further explain this wonderful opportunity.
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More about Leah…
Leah works between 20 and 32 hours a week while going to college at the Super Target in Lakeville, Minnesota. She’s on the general merchandise team, but took on a more supervisory role when her boss went on paternity leave.
Leah has two older sisters, Sarah, 24, who’s married and works as an actuary at Travelers; Sarah graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a B.S. in Actuarial Science. Hannah, 21, is studying math education at St. Thomas.
Leah’s mom, Janet, is in early childhood education paraprofessional; her dad, Tim, is a management contractor with a degree in chemical engineering. Leah has an 11-year old black Lab named Ellie.
In her free time, Leah enjoys photography, hiking and playing videogames as well as playing with Ellie and her sisters’ dogs.
Information Systems Management at DCTC
Information Systems Management is an interdisciplinary program that combines courses from Networking Administration, Software Development and Information Systems Management to teach a unique blend of networking, programming and management skills. Graduates are prepared to function in small business firms as the sole computer resource person or, matched with entrepreneurial knowledge, start their own computer consulting firms.
Information systems managers experience a high level of social interaction and employ well-developed analytical skills on the job. Their duties generally keep them indoors, and they typically work a regular business week.
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Leah Rumon • Q & A
Leah Rumon
Why did you choose DCTC?
I chose DCTC originally because I had taken summer courses through the E³ STEM program there. When I started PSEO, I continued my education in the Architectural Technology program, and graduated high school with a certificate in Architectural Drafting. I really like the college and had the best experiences at DCTC with my teachers, which is why I continued to go here.
What did you like best about PSEO?
I really liked the flexibility and the education that I got. I was able to work and go to school with PSEO, which was really nice for me during the school year. I took both online and on-campus classes, adding to the flexibility and ability to do what was best for me. The classes at DCTC really were the education that I was needing to stay focused and interested in my studies. The professors have always been so willing to help and have a desire to really help students learn and succeed in the courses, not just teach out of the book.
How did PSEO help you succeed in college?
PSEO helped me know what to expect from the classes and the workload that I would have. It was also good to learn time management since I was attending high school part-time, college part-time and working.
Three words that describe you as a college student:
DEDICATED. ORGANIZED. HARDWORKING.
How did PSEO help you choose your career path?
PSEO helped me get exposed to different options that I may have had, including fields that you can’t take classes about in high school.
What advice would you give students thinking about PSEO?
You really need to know your learning style and how you learn best. Also, make sure that you are driven to do your own work and stay focused on school.
What person has influenced you the most in life?
My mom—she has always driven me and influenced me to be the best person that I can be.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Ideally, I want to be successful in my career.
One word that describes your experience at DCTC:
UNSURPASSED
Leah Rumon • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Swimming, but I also enjoy weightlifting
Place you would most like to visit: New Zealand- The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Rode in a parade at Disney World
- Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Travel 2) Donate money 3) Build a nice house on the beach
- Favorite TV show you’re watching now: Anne with an E
- Best movie you’ve seen lately: Captain America: The First Avenger
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: To be happy and help others
Your national bird if you were your own country: Pelican- Dream occupation: Professional traveler
- Person you would most like to meet: Orlando Bloom
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Photography and videography
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Global warming
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Oversee information technology (IT) duties for an organization.
WAGE
This is a very high-wage career. It pays well above the statewide median of $20.07/hour
Minnesota
Median: $65.14/hour
High: $80.01/hourSeven-county Twin Cities metro
Median: $68.16/hour
High: $82.17/hourOUTLOOK
This career is currently in very high demand and is seeing high growth compared to other careers. Growth rate is 8.4 percent, or above the statewide average. There will be a need for about 8,651 new Computer and Information Systems Managers to meet market demand between 2016–2026. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Learn more about PSEO at DCTC by contacting:
Natalie Shrestha
Academic and Financial Aid Advisor
651-423-8537
Learn more about Information Systems Management at DCTC by contacting:
Betty Krueger
Information Systems Technology Faculty
651-423-8560
Judy Suddendorf
Information Systems Technology Faculty
651-423-8385
Nathan Blommel
Information Systems Technology Faculty
651-423-8616
Jeff Owens
Information Systems Technology Faculty
651-423-8587
