IT Professional Development Program Associate

Primary location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Relocation offered: No
Employment status: Full-Time
Travel: <10%
Non-compete: No
Pay grade: 7/8

Starting Salary: $68,500 per year. Due to our college recruiting compensation structure, the salary for this role is set and not part of a salary range.

Launch your IT career through Armstrong's IT Professional Development Program. This entry-level rotational program provides broad exposure to multiple IT disciplines through 6 to 9-month assignments over a 2 to 3-year experience. Participants gain hands-on experience across areas such as cybersecurity, infrastructure and operations, enterprise applications, data and analytics, project and program management, digital workplace technologies, and business-facing technology teams. Through meaningful work, mentorship, networking, and structured development opportunities, you'll build technical expertise, business acumen, leadership capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Based primarily in Lancaster, PA, participants will also complete at least one rotation at a nearby manufacturing location, gaining valuable insight into Armstrong's business while preparing for future career opportunities within the IT organization.

What’s In It for You

• Explore Multiple IT Career Paths
  Gain hands-on experience across a variety of IT disciplines, including cybersecurity, data and analytics, infrastructure, enterprise applications, project management, digital workplace technologies, and more before choosing a long-term career direction.
• Build a Well-Rounded Skill Set
  Develop technical expertise, business acumen, leadership capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration skills through meaningful assignments and real-world projects.
• Learn from Experienced IT Leaders
  Receive mentorship and guidance from technology professionals and business leaders invested in your development and long-term success.
• Work with Emerging Technologies
  Build experience with modern technologies and AI-enabled tools while developing highly sought-after technical skills.
• Receive Ongoing Development Support
  Benefit from structured learning, mentorship, feedback, and career development resources throughout the program.
• Launch Your IT Career with Confidence
  Participate in a program specifically designed for early-career professionals seeking a strong foundation and long-term growth opportunities in information technology.

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with stakeholders to make a positive impact within your assigned IT function through a combination of project-based work and service/process improvement-oriented responsibilities
• Get good with data and systems: gather requirements, analyze information, and translate needs into technology solutions that drive decision making and business outcomes
• Partner with important stakeholders throughout the organization, receive mentorship from key leaders

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and manage multiple priorities in both independent and team environments.
• Demonstrated leadership potential through academic, extracurricular, or community involvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly learn new technologies, including AI-enabled tools.
• Growth mindset and intellectual curiosity, with a desire to understand organizational goals and contribute strategically.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Engineering, or a related field and 2+ years’ experience or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Engineering or related field
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

What Makes You Stand Out

• Exposure to one or more of the following: artificial intelligence, networking fundamentals, operating systems, cloud concepts, scripting/automation, databases, cybersecurity concepts, or enterprise applications (ERP/CRM)
• Internship, co-op, or project experience in an IT/technology role a plus
• Relevant certifications or coursework (e.g., CompTIA, cloud fundamentals, security fundamentals) a plus

AWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants receive consideration for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status