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Knoxville Campus Information Systems Engineering graduate Lisette Whisenant is a problem solver. “I like a challenge, I like puzzles,” she says. In her job as an information technology (IT) service desk representative for a billion-dollar global biotechnology company, she puts her skills to work on a daily basis. “I troubleshoot a lot,” she continues. “It’s not monotonous…you come in, you do something different every day.”

Lisette started her job almost as soon as she graduated in August of 2007. “I had a week of vacation,” before she started, she says. “I was most excited, it was a very good opportunity right away.”

“I got into the ISE program, and really, really, really enjoyed it!”

Her new profession is worlds away from her previous occupation as a pastry chef. National College’s associate degree program was the right fit for her to begin a new career. “I loved the small atmosphere,” she adds. Although she originally enrolled in the Computer Applications Technology program, Knoxville ISE Program Director Barry Gregg (“who’s the best guy of all time,” gushes Lisette) recognized her potential. “I got into the ISE program, and really, really, really enjoyed it!”

Now Lisette is an essential part of her company’s information technology team. As a service desk representative, Lisette is “the first point of contact for anyone who needs help: hardware, software, cell phones,” she explains. For someone who likes solving puzzles, it’s a rewarding career in a high-growth field. “I love it!”