Computer Technology Grad Making a Name in Abbeville

Patrick Campbell is in high demand in Abbeville. The owner and operator of Abbeville Computer Service is finding that he stays busy meeting the needs of local residents and businesses.

Business is booming, he says. After making a full-time commitment to his business in 2009, demand for his services has been constant. “I rarely have time to sit down and not have anything to do,” Campbell said.

Campbell said he always knew he was going to college; he just wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. Upon graduation from Abbeville High School in 2004, he enrolled at Lander University. After one year, though, he decided that he wanted to take a different path, so he came to Piedmont Technical College and enrolled in the computer technology program. He graduated in 2007 with the networking concentration.

“I liked the hands-on training at Piedmont Tech,” he said. “I liked the smaller class size and the overall homey feel.”

He worked with the housing department after graduating, but budget cuts in 2009 eliminated his job. Campbell didn’t see this as a setback, though. He saw it as an opportunity and opened Abbeville Computer Service.

"This is a great program that will fully prepare you for an IT job just about anywhere."

“I had been doing this on the side, so I decided to go into business full time,” he said.

Campbell’s work involves cleaning, repairing and building computers and providing technical support. He also provides electronic supplies and works with approximately 10-20 small businesses in Abbeville – businesses who have no need for a full-time IT professional. Working with those businesses is one of the things he says he enjoys most.

“I like challenges,” said Campbell. “I like helping with problems that are different than just cleaning up viruses and spyware.”

Campbell said he would highly recommend the computer technology program to anyone who is looking for an ever-changing field.

“This is a great program that will fully prepare you for an IT job just about anywhere,” he said. “With the labs and the hands-on work, you will be able to step into any position.”