Computer Information Systems grads programmed for success

The unique ability to understand computer talk as well as the language of the boardroom is helping two Computer Information Systems graduates gain a competitive edge for their small IT company.

Rob Pittman and Johan Rothzen say the bilingual business skills they learned in the Mount Royal program are exactly what they needed to succeed and they're now using that knowledge to communicate with technology and financial experts in their own languages.

"Being able to speak both languages really helps us be successful in what we do because we can go in and talk to the IT department and then get the information we need to get our job done. We can then relay that information back to upper management and the decision makers," said Pittman.

Pittman and Rothzen own Urban Lighthouse, a computer company that builds custom software applications for businesses. They started the company a couple of years ago as a Directed Field Study (DFS) for their program and kept it going after they graduated in 2004.

To Judy Gartaganis of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, the young entrepreneurs are shining examples of what the program is all about.

"They have demonstrated what can happen when you measure out the right balance of technical and business skills and combine them with entrepreneurial spirit," said Gartaganis.

Gartaganis says the department has invited Pittman and Rothzen back on several occasions to speak to other MRC students about their experience.

"Their story inspires current students because it's real and a good example of what you can do through hard work," she said.

Rothzen says he's always had an interest in business, so the program was a perfect fit for him.

"It's always been one of my dreams to be able to affect the outcome of my life and you can do that better by running your own business than by working for someone else," he said. "Mount Royal's program is a solid mix of business and computer classes that prepares you for the future."

"Both Johan and I are strong advocates of the program," said Pittman. "That's why we went back looking for a DFS student there. We thought the program did a great job in preparing us to do whatever we wanted to do when we graduated."

DFS student Luke Obodzinski was one of two people hired by Urban Lighthouse in 2005 to help handle the increased workload. Obodzinski graduates from the Bachelor of Applied Computer Information Systems program this year and was surprised to find out his new employers were MRC graduates themselves.

Pittman says the experience that he and Rothzen have gained by running their own business is something they would never have gotten, if they had gone to work for a large company.

"What attracted me to the small business side of things is the ability to control your fate. You get out what you put in. You also get to experience a lot more a lot quicker."

After several years of hard work, Pittman and Rothzen's efforts appear to be paying off. They have some major contracts, including one with the Calgary Flames, and they're confident that they are equipped with the right skills and experience to succeed in today's demanding field of IT.