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The Computer and IT Student's Guide to Phoenix Education and Careers

...for students of Computer Science, Computer Training, IT Certification and Other Hi-Tech Fields.

Visit our Complete Directory of Phoenix Computer Schools and Institutes!

C.J. Gustafson
ComputerSchools.com Contributing Writer

The Hohokam Indians lived in the area around Phoenix for nearly 2,000 years, building irrigation canals to bring water through the desert to their villages. In the 1400s, the Hohokams left the area for reasons that are still not understood. Smaller groups of Indians eventually moved into the area, and in the 1860s the Army built Fort McDowell there. Jack Swilling, a former soldier and prospector, decided to reestablish the Hohokam irrigation canals and use them to grow food for the troops stationed at the fort. From there, a town was established in 1870, and the area was incorporated as a city in 1881 -- over three decades before Arizona became a state. Because the city originally developed as a result of the Hohokam canals, it was suggested that it had "risen from the ashes" of the Hohokam site like the legendary phoenix.

Phoenix, ArizonaTechnology Tames the Desert

Over the next 20 years, the city named for that resilient creature remained relatively small due to the limited water supply, but the completion of the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River in 1911, along with the railroad expansion, brought many visitors and new residents to the area. The subsequent diversion of the Colorado River for increased water supply, in tandem with the invention of air conditioning, added to Phoenix's appeal. The city was one of the fastest growing areas in the 1980s, with over 100,000 newcomers arriving annually.

Today, Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the U.S. with a population of over 1.4 million. When the surrounding areas of Tempe and Mesa are included, the Greater Phoenix area boasts a population of 3.3 million. Contrary to popular belief, the population of Phoenix is younger than the national average with over 50 percent of the population ranging between 18 and 54 years of age. The city itself is expansive, covering over 500 square miles so, despite the large population, it does not feel overly crowded.

In Good Company

The warm, sunny climate and solid economic base have led many companies to establish headquarters or regional facilities in the Phoenix area. Motorola, Intel, Honeywell, STMicroelectronics, Mayo Clinic, and Boeing are among the companies that have major operations in Phoenix. Verizon Communications, SBC Communications, and many of the other major telephone companies are located in the city as well. The list of big names in computers and technology companies located in Phoenix is quite extensive and the organizations are a major factor in the overall employment base for the city. Both Honeywell and Intel employ over 9,000 people each.

Versatile and Viable Career Environment

This wealth of computer and technology careers creates a versatile and exciting career environment for individuals with relevant skills and training. Bob Horton began his career in Arizona as a computer programmer. As the Internet industry grew, he developed new skills and was able to move to higher paying positions at different companies in the dot com field. "It was an amazing time," Horton shared. "The Internet-based companies were simply exploding and they couldn't find enough people with the right knowledge. I was pretty much able to write my own ticket."

Although the company Horton was with ultimately folded in the dot com bust, he had many job possibilities, based on his degree in programming and experience in several different areas. But rather than hire on with one company, he chose to establish himself as an Internet consultant instead and now contracts with a wide variety of businesses to help them with different computer and Internet solutions. "I get to work from home about half the time and I'm involved with some of the biggest companies in the world, as well as innovative newcomers," Horton shared. "It doesn't get much better than this."

One reason for this healthy employment base is an active effort to develop a presence in technology fields as well as important partnerships between resources and organizations. As explained by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council Information Center, "The Arizona Technology Council works with member organizations to grow the technology industry in Arizona, helping it to become a top-tier center for technology-based industries and businesses. The technology sector of Greater Phoenix is also supported by Arizona State University, which graduated more than 300 students in computer information systems, computer science and engineering in the 2003-2004 academic year."

Computer CareersGet Your Degree

In addition to Arizona State University, there are several other education and training facilities located in Phoenix including Western International University, and the Arizona campuses for DeVry University and The Art Institutes.

Students in these programs can prepare for Microsoft certifications and other industry credentialing. They can also earn degrees in Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer Animation/Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Computer Programming and Security, Networking, Information Technology, Computer Repair and other computer science fields.

Training centers like Training to You, Inc. also provide opportunities for hands-on education and certification prep.

Thanks in part to a solid economy and an average of 300 sunny days each year, Phoenix has become a popular choice for people who enjoy a warm, dry climate and a spacious southwestern city with a thriving technology base.