Alumni Spotlight: McKenly Moua
Part 5 in our IT series concludes with McKenly Moua: IT Network Technician.
McKenly Moua, a Western graduate, IT Network Technician, and now an IT Network & Security Specialist at Citizens State Bank in La Crosse, turned his curiosity about technology into a thriving career. Just across the street from his alma mater in La Crosse, he’s using the hands-on skills he gained at Western to navigate the ever-evolving world of IT. We caught up with Moua to learn more about his journey, his advice for future IT students, and the tech gadget he’d love to invent.
Background & Education
What initially sparked your interest in IT, and how did you choose to pursue it at Western?
My interest in IT began when I wanted to learn more about how computers and the internet function. We use them every day without fully understanding how data is transmitted worldwide. I chose to pursue my education at Western because it was affordable, close to home, and provided valuable hands-on learning experiences. Here, I earned my IT-Network Technician degree.
Q: Were there any instructors, courses, or experiences at Western that had a big impact on you?
MM: Cindy Prindle made a huge impact on my experience at Western. She was incredibly supportive and always took the time to answer any questions or concerns we had. She responded quickly to emails and made me feel heard, which was important during my time as a student.
Transition to Work
Q: How did you land your job at the bank?
MM: I landed my job at the bank simply by applying. Western helped by giving me the tools and experience to feel confident in my application. The foundational knowledge I gained, especially in areas like Windows Server Administration, transferred smoothly to my job. At first, working with those tools was intimidating, but the coursework at Western gave me the knowledge and experience to handle them effectively.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you in your IT role at Citizens?
MM: My day starts with reviewing the morning logs to check for any anomalies. Then, I go through our ticketing system to see if there are any urgent requests from that morning. After that, I check my email and read daily tech news to stay informed about industry trends and security updates. The rest of my day is spent managing various projects that require timely attention while also handling helpdesk tickets as they come in.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in IT?
MM: What I enjoy most is that every day is different—no two days look the same. The variety of tickets and the level of complexity keep things interesting. I also love learning about new technological advancements and seeing how they impact the industry.
Q: How did Western prepare you for the real-world challenges of working in IT?
MM: Western gave me hands-on experience, which helped me truly understand what it’s like to work in different IT environments. While reading and theory were part of the curriculum, most of our time was spent applying what we learned—working with critical computer components and diverse programming languages. Western also introduced us to online tools for job and internship opportunities, making the transition to the workforce much smoother.
Advice & Looking Ahead
Q: What advice would you give to students considering an IT degree at Western?
MM: I’d encourage students to go for it! Western offers more tools, hands-on experience, and support than anyone could ask for. The learning environment is comfortable and enjoyable, and the instructors and staff are always willing to help with any questions.
Q: Where do you envision yourself in five years?
MM: I aspire to take on a leadership role in my IT department. I also want to mentor new IT professionals and give them the tools they need to succeed professionally and personally.
Q: If you could create your ideal tech gadget or software, what would it be and why?
MM: My dream tech gadget would be a line of baby products that monitor temperatures in real time—bath water, food, body temperature, and more. The data would be instantly available on an app, providing immediate temperature readings rather than relying on thermal tape. This would help parents ensure their baby’s comfort and safety with just a quick glance at their phone.