Mitch Canote

Please describe your position and what you enjoy most about it.

I wear a few hats in my position – I support our staff’s technology needs, help plan A/V logistics for MBC events, and provide A/V support for those events. I also get the opportunity to help our Missouri Baptist churches with technology. I enjoy the challenge that comes with the work I do and I love learning from it, but above all the best part of my job is getting to invest in and train others.

What aspects of your HLGU experience helped you prepare for your career?

The countless number of people that were genuinely interested in every aspect of my development. Of course I learned a lot in my classes, but I don’t think I would be who I am today without them pushing me to grow. To name everyone would take a great while. Instead, a few groups that were important to me include the CIS department, the Office of Computer Services, the Campus Sound Team, Student Activities, Phi Beta Delta and my Resident staff. Even now these relationships are impacting my life and helping me to serve the Kingdom of God better.

What have you enjoyed most about your career?

Technology in general is fun, but my favorite part of the job is having interns over the summer. I’ve had a lot of people invest heavily in me and I love passing that on.

Have you or are you currently continuing your education? If so, please list the institution(s) and degree(s) you earned or are working toward.

It’s important in technology to always be continuing your education. Certifications are a great way to do that and bolster your resume. I’ve earned my A+ and Dante Level 3 certifications.

Please share a specific example from your career or life when the skills you gained at HLGU helped you most.

I learned a lot about customer service at HLGU. I worked for the Office of Computer Services (after I completed an internship with them) and the Campus Sound Team, both of which put me in a position to frequently interact with people. I never had all the answers, but it allowed me to make mistakes and grow into a willing, understanding, and loving servant. This is directly applicable to what I do now. I get to interact with our MBC staff and churches, often times when they are frustrated with their technology. Being loving in the approach to help makes a world of difference to everyone involved.

What HLGU professors played a part in your success? How did your relationship with faculty help you succeed?

I could name people all day, but Mrs. Michelle Todd, CIS chair, had an enormous impact on me. She always encouraged me to take my education into my own hands and strive for excellence in my work, qualities that have stuck with me to this day. Not to mention she was incredibly patient with me. Professors outside my degree field that helped me succeed include Jerry Allen, Sabrina Brookshire, Michael Chlebanowski, and so many more.

Do you have any tips to share with students interested in this field?

Never stop learning, never undervalue building relationships, and be loving to everyone. Technology will continue to change until the end of time so it’s important to keep up, but the people you are helping are so much more important. You never know what their life is like so abound in love and mercy. Internships are great too.

Find Mitch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchellcanote/