Hatboro-Horsham Grad Transforms Computer Hobby to Career

Like students everywhere, Jim Bishop is readying for back to school.

But, instead of sitting in a classroom, Bishop a 2009 and Eastern Center for Arts and Technology graduate, will be working to make sure the computer network and servers perform properly throughout Upper Moreland School District.

Bishop is the district's network administrator. A computer hobbyist growing up, Bishop turned his interest in computers into a successful career in the networking field, while gaining a head start at Eastern.

While in 10th-grade, Bishop became interested in the programs offered at Eastern. Of the 14 programs offered, Bishop chose Computer Network Administration. He was so successful in the program that by the end of his first year, he was hired as a paid intern for Eastern’s Technology Management Systems Department.

After high school graduation, Bishop completed his Associate Degree in Computer Networking at Montgomery County Community College.

After his internship at Eastern ended in 2011, he saw a job posting for the Upper Moreland School District Network Administrator position. During his second interview he was asked to respond to potential network problems explaining how he would approach the issues in each scenario. He was hired by Eastern alumnus, Ian Carder, Upper Moreland School District’s IT coordinator. Bishop is responsible for the network and server maintenance for all of Upper Moreland School District. He works with all administrators and staff on a daily basis.

“Computer Network Administration is not an easy class, but if you work hard, the field can take you far," said Bishop in a press release. "Or if you are like me – it can take you right across the street from Eastern.”

Eastern’s Computer Network Administration program is a two-year half-day program for high school juniors and seniors in which students must pass the Certified Linux Administrator exam in the first year and are prepared for two other industry certification exams: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist and Novell Certified Administrator. First-year seniors are welcome providing there is room in the class.