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Begin Your Business or Tech Career at Black Hawk College

The Business, Computer and Engineering Technology Department offers a variety of career programs to prepare you to go directly into the workforce. We also offer courses that will satisfy the first two years of study at many four-year institutions. Faculty and advisors work with you to meet your career goals or create a transfer plan to the school of your choice.

 Areas of Focus

BHC students planning to transfer into business and tech-related majors to complete a bachelor’s degree can explore sample transfer plans:

 Where do you want to transfer?

If you already have a transfer school in mind, your advisor will customize a transfer plan for that college or university. BHC also has many transfer guides and agreements already established with four-year institutions in a variety of majors.

Department Highlights

Business, Computer and Engineering Technology-Related Careers

Students taking courses in the department go on to careers in many fields, such as accounting, administrative assisting, business information technology, business management, financial services management, international business, legal office professional and small business management (entrepreneurship). Opportunities for employment for engineering technicians are in aerospace, electrical and electronic, maintenance, industrial, mechanical, electromechanical, environmental, and civil engineering fields.

Hands-On Training

State-of-the-art labs and equipment offer hands-on learning.

  • Computer labs
  • Networking and hardware work stations
  • Engineering technology lab

Job Opportunities

Our instructors connect with local employers to find out what courses and skills graduates should have when entering the workforce. This means you’ll have a competitive advantage in today’s job market, and most certificates and degrees require students to complete an internship that provides real-world experience.

Students completing the Associate in Applied Science degree are required to complete nine professional networking hours as well as log 240 hours of work experience outside of the classroom before graduation. This could be through job shadowing, volunteering and attending business professional seminars and events. These experiences prepare you with the financial, decision-making and communication skills that businesses expect.

Run Your Own Business

Our business classes can help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills to manage your own business. Courses promote community involvement and require networking in the area to build lasting professional relationships, get inspired and practice soft skills necessary to succeed as a small business owner.

Engineering Technology Degree Program

Students can enter into a wide range of career fields within industrial settings after two years of study while also providing the option of university transfer upon graduation. After completing the first year of fundamentals, students will have the opportunity to focus on one of three engineering technology tracks: electrical, mechanical and manufacturing.

Court Reporting Technology (AAS)

Court reporters play a vital and valued role in courtrooms, depositions and other legal proceedings. This two-year career program includes supervised internships and prepares you for most states’ Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) exam and Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) exam.

Student Clubs and Events

Faculty serve as advisers for business and computer-related clubs, which offer students opportunities for field trip and campus events.

  • BITS – Black Hawk College IT Society
  • Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society
  • Leadercast
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Scholarship Opportunities

  • The Black Hawk College Foundation has many scholarships for students. These and many others can be found at the BHC scholarships page.
  • BHC Presidential Scholarship: In-district high school seniors in the top 10% of their graduating class at the end of seven semesters are eligible for the Black Hawk College Presidential Scholars Award.
  • Transfer scholarships are also available at many transfer institutions.

Career and Transfer Program Information

If you plan to go right into the workforce after graduation, you can earn a certificate or Associate in Applied Science degree by enrolling in one of the career programs offered through the department. If you plan to transfer to a four-year institution, you can earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree.

Faculty

The Business, Computer and Engineering Technology Department includes seven full-time faculty members. Their educational and professional backgrounds enhance your learning experience.

Darcy Jeffries, MBA
Co-Department Chair,
Professor, Accounting
309-854-1822
EC Building 2, Room 111
Jodee Werkheiser, M.S.
Co-Department Chair,
Professor, Computer Applications
309-854-1821
EC Building 2, Room 114
Ewelina Bergert, MBA
Associate Professor, Business
309-796-5268
QC Building 2, Room 266
Jacob Pender, M.S.
Instructor, Business
309-796-5278
QC Building 2, Room 154
Amy Smith, MBA
Professor, Accounting
309-796-5329
QC Building 1, Room 357
Paul Smith, AAS
Instructor, Engineering Technology
309-796-5321
QC Building 2, Room 155
Sana J. Harb, DBA
Instructor, Business
309-796-5277
QC Building 2, Room 263

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