Meet George Rukavina, a junior majoring in information technology and minoring in computer security and forensics. Mr. Rukavina is the team leader of La Roche's student-run help desk, TechTIPS.
Tell us about your role with TechTIPS and how your classes have prepared you for it.
I serve as the TechTIPS team lead. This means that I oversee communication with clients and technicians. When a student, faculty member, administrator or staff member calls the TechTIPS line or sends an email, I evaluate the issue and assign them to a technician. The technician then emails the client and schedules a meeting to help them solve their technical issues.
La Roche’s information technology program allows students to become knowledgeable in all the different information technology branches. This includes aspects such as hardware, networking and programming languages such as Java and much more. These aspects of my information technology classes prepared me for TechTIPS.
I apply my skills to real-world, face-to-face, troubleshooting and problem-solving experiences. Working as a technician has allowed me to sharpen both social and technical skills. Employers want to know that you have experience in the field. I believe that this volunteer experience will make me stand out in the crowd.
Are you involved with any other clubs/activities? If so, which ones and how have they enhanced your college experience?
In addition to TechTIPS and TechSOLVE, I am a member of the LRU Movie Club and the La Roche Car Society, both of which host entertaining and fun events around campus and off campus. I also serve as vice president of La Roche’s chapter of Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP).
AITP enhances my college experience by giving me the opportunity to gain leadership experience in my field. It allows me to spend time around those who have the same passion for technology as I do.
Why did you choose La Roche?
La Roche stood out to me for a few reasons. I really liked the size of La Roche’s classes. The professors know me by name, and they are quick to respond and meet with me when I need help.
La Roche’s centralized location in the North Hills of Pittsburgh also was appealing. There's a lot to do in the area.
I also thought La Roche had a good scholarship program. The merit scholarship that La Roche offered me when I was accepted was very generous and lightened the load of my student loans.
What do you like to do off campus?
Sometimes I like to head over to Chipotle and go see a movie with friends on $5 Tuesdays at Cinemark in McCandless Crossing.
La Roche’s location is one of the features that make it so attractive. I love being across the street from McCandless Crossing, where it's easy to go shopping, go out to eat or see a movie. McKnight Road has a lot to offer as well, with many restaurants, Target, Best Buy and easy access to Ross Park Mall.
On top of all that, La Roche is only a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh.
What do you enjoy most about living in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a fantastic city with so much to offer when it comes to job opportunities for college graduates and college students. There is a wide variety of potential employers and companies in the area.
What advice do you have for new students?
New students should take advantage of La Roche’s wide range of clubs and activities to meet new people on campus. Resident assistants often have fun events where you can meet other on-campus students. I found that I often become good friends with the people I interact with in my classes. I also would tell new students that the professors at La Roche are extremely nice and want to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to reach out and meet with them if you need help.