If you are worried about the skills and expertise section of your résumé, or planning to buy expensive software programs, as they are demanded by the job market, here is an easy solution for you. First, throw your worries out of the window. Second, stop paying heavy amounts for software programs, when you can have them for free!
The good news is that now you can install Microsoft Office Suite for FREE on your personal devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Android phone / tablets or Windows Mobile device, allowing up to 5 devices. The Microsoft bundle includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access, and Publisher. All you need is your Baruch College email and enrollment in at least one credit.
Personally, I have experienced that Baruch College not only offers courses, but also believes in professional training. The Baruch Computing and Technology Center (BCTC) provides a long list of software programs to students, including the programs demanded by coursework and countless professional programs. For example, if you are currently enrolled in a Computer Information System (CIS) course, or have passed a course with at least a C grade, then you are eligible to download Microsoft software applications and Operating Systems, such as Visual Studio (which includes variety of programs) free of charge.
The computers installed in BCTC and departmental labs are more than printing, scanning and browsing Facebook, because they are equipped with numerous professional programs. You can also use these programs for your own interests. If you are interested in or have an assignment to collect, organize, manage, analyze, communicate and distribute geographic information, then use ArcGIS (mapping software). If you are looking to mine, manage and retrieve data, then use Statistical Analysis System (aka SAS software). If you want to edit some of your favorite picnic images, or videos or want to compose music tracks, then take advantage of Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Final Cut Pro Studio.
Furthermore, you can use real estate management software known as Argus, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), project management software called Microsoft Project Professional and many more. These programs are available at CIS labs, and the School of Public Affairs lab. Additionally, Mathematics lab computers are installed with computer languages like C++ and MATLAB. PHStat, which simplifies the task of operating MS. Excel, is also available to students. Likewise, Journalism and Graphic labs have numerous professional programs, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Apple Final Cut Pro, iMovie etc. ISN’T IT COOL?
Besides the availability of software in Baruch College Labs, many programs like Microsoft Office, are also downloadable and available to students for home use. The most notable software added recently is called the VMware Academic Program (aka VMAP), which is now available to all Baruch students. This software helps students to run virtualized computing technologies, such as running a copy of Microsoft Windows on an Apple Computer.
More free and heavily discounted programs are also available through CUNYeMall. Students can access the CUNYeMall by logging into the CUNY Portal. You can download McAfee anti-virus and Maplesoft software for free.
Mastering various programs will not only prepare you for future positions in the workforce, but also provide a nice addition to a résumé. So, if you are Baruch student and interested in different software offerings, please visit the BCTC homepage. Most applications are available to students either free of charge or through heavily discounted pricing.
