Former IBMer Returns to School, Gets Back to Programming Roots
Michael Mueller’s career in computer programming took him from coding sonar and combat systems for the U.S. government, to the pastoral town of Southbury when he accepted a job at IBM in 1989.
In 2007, due to operational reorganization, Michael’s job was transitioned elsewhere.
“It has been a struggle to secure a position in another company,” said Michael. “Providing operational support to IBM applications involved skills that were specific
to IBM and not applicable to other companies.”
In 2009, the Foundation established the Community College Scholarship Program to better meet the needs of area students seeking scholarships.
“It is very important to support students looking to attend our local community colleges,” said trustee Jack Baker. “Whether they are straight out of high school or returning to education, these students will become more skilled and educated members of our local work force and become higher wage earners for their families.”
Major funding to establish the Community College Scholarship Program was generously donated by Timex Group USA, Inc. in Middlebury, an anonymous donor, and other individual and corporate donors.
Among the first group of Community College Scholarship recipients, Michael was able to get back to his programming roots to make himself more marketable. He entered the “Object Oriented Programming” certificate program at Naugatuck Valley Community College last fall. As a part-time student, Michael will complete his 18 credits and earn his certificate in May 2010.
“I feel more qualified to move ahead and apply for programming positions with local companies now,” he said. “My wife and I love living in Southbury. Our daughter just started high school. I did not want to leave the area to find employment elsewhere.”
“It is very important to support students looking to attend our local community colleges. Whether they are straight out of high school or returning to education, these students will become more skilled and educated members of our local work force and become higher wage earners for their families.”