Joseph Martinez’s fascination with computers dates back to his teenage years.

“I remember the days of the dial-up internet and using floppy disks to play video games,” he said. “I knew then that I would want to work with computers as a career.”

Martinez is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration at Texas State Technical College.

“My wife is a teacher and coach, so I wanted to be able to find a job wherever we were living,” he said. 

Martinez said computer networkers are in high demand around the state and nation. The average annual salary for network and computer systems administrators in Texas is $85,380, according to onetonline.org. The website showed that the need for these specialists in the state was forecast to grow 20% between 2020 and 2030.

“This is a growing field in the United States, and I want to be part of it,” he said.

Spending three days a week at the Brownwood campus is a way for Martinez to learn as much as possible under the direction of instructor Renee Blackshear.

“She is very open and easy to discuss the class assignments with,” he said. “I am able to approach her with any problem I may have. She is always there to help me and the other students.”

Blackshear envisions a promising future for Martinez.

“Joseph is always prepared and ready to tackle any tasks that are set in front of him,” she said. “It is exciting to experience his enthusiasm for the information technology industry, and we look forward to the great successes Joseph will achieve.”

Martinez said he hopes that more people take advantage of the programs offered at the Brownwood campus.

“Growing up in Brownwood, a lot of people forget TSTC is here,” he said. “It is more of the hands-on learning experience many people like, and it is available in our hometown.”

In TSTC’s Computer Networking and Systems Administration program, students can choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration, certificates of completion in IT Support Tier 1 and IT Support Tier II, and an advanced technical certificate in Cloud Computing.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.