"I began working as an administrative assistant for a farm cooperative that was in the process of moving their headquarters to a new location and I was implementing a computer network. Part of my job responsibility became maintaining and expanding their computer network to include not only the corporate headquarters, but also their branch locations. After working for several years for them, I thought that it would be beneficial to me to get formal training by earning my Microsoft certifications.

I most enjoy the fact that I am getting to apply my knowledge on a daily basis for my current employer by maintaining their computer network. This knowledge has given me the confidence to feel that when I troubleshoot an issue, I will be able to correctly resolve it.

My biggest concern going into the program was a fear of not being able to find a job after completing the program. I overcame this fear by continuing to keep in contact with colleagues I had been working with while at the Co-op. This continued communication lead to an internship while I was in the program and then my first full time IT job as a Systems Engineer with a computer consulting firm.

The best advice I can give incoming students is to be diligent in your studies and to ask questions of your fellow students or the instructor on concepts that are unclear to you. Also the best way to learn the material is to actively participate in the labs that correspond with the reading material as well as the build labs that accompany the completion of each section of the program.

The overall experience of the program has made a considerable change in my outlook of my career path. The program allowed me to meet many new people and create many new friendships. Those friendships have lead to my current job as a network administrator, and I love it!"

Matthew Heckard
MCP, MCSA
Network Administrator