Ms. Joyce’s University Tour Continues: Welcome to New York City! “Are Tech Institutes only for Techies?”

I just love New York City at the very start of summer! Everyone is out and about appreciating the warmer weather, Central Park is buzzing with runners, cyclists, and strollers, and everyone seems to be in a fantastic mood! New Yorkers may have a reputation for being unfriendly, but that’s total nonsense — and I’m not biased at all here — especially this time of year! From babies peering curiously out of carriages to dogs catching frisbees in patches of grass, to birds feasting on the crumbs of the world’s best bagels, New Yorkers are a happy lot these days. It’s just wonderful that we can continue our tour as bustling New York City slides into summer mode! 

Our first stop in New York (after Central Park, of course), is New York Institute of Technology. Oftentimes, students think that “tech institutes” are only for students who are interested in becoming engineers. Sure, these are great places for STEM majors, but nowadays you will find that many tech institutes offer a wide array of degrees. Take a look at NYIT’s degree clusters as an example of what these types of universities offer (from Interior Design to School Counseling!) Which of their courses looks most interesting to you? 

I enjoy visiting tech institutes because I’m impressed with the wide variety of facilities, design workshops, 3D printer stations, science labs, and architecture studios. These are great places for hands-on learners! What about you? Do you prefer to learn in classrooms, out in the field perhaps doing an internship, or in a project-based studio setting? This is something to contemplate as you think about what you would like to do after high school. 

Tip: I spoke with one of the NYIT librarians, and he gave a great piece of advice! If you have a research assignment, and you are not sure where to start, don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment with a librarian! Most students do not know this is even an option! Other support services at most universities include writing centers, peer tutoring, wellness and mental health centers, and professor office hours. Do not be afraid to use all of your support services, and even to seek them out before you “need” them. 

NYIT, thank you for the high-tech vibes, but it’s time to move on to our next school. There are so many universities in New York City– which one shall we go to next?