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"I started working as a customer service representative for users of proprietary software suite in early September 2005. I moved to this new position from a research and reporting job with the same company. Both of these positions are with a contractor, which is a volatile and unstable world in which to work. Shortly after beginning this position, I noticed that the position and the team I was working on didn’t provide much opportunity for advancement or growth. In addition to that, after a short while the job ceased to be challenging or exciting. I have a B.S. in Information Systems Management, and some applicable IT background, but the bulk of my professional experience has been all over the map and I have been lacking the skills and certifications most sought after by IT companies and recruiters. This meant that switching to a new position, either with my company or another, but staying in the IT world was going to prove as a bit of a challenge. I heard about ComputerTraining.com on the radio and decided to research it and several other programs online. ComputerTraining.com’s program was the only one to offer the combination of specific training and the timeline that I was seeking. Other programs were either too long or geared towards associate degree programs.
The program was tough right out the gate, but the teacher did a fine job helping us understand the tougher concepts and gave us key tips to focus our studies in preparation for the certification exams. After the first few months, I was able to pass my first test and we were off and running. The tests began to come at a rapid fire pace, but I became more comfortable with the material and maintained focus on preparing for each test. To my own surprise, I was able to complete my MCSE two days before finishing the program.
While I still hold the same position with my company (at least in title), completing my MCSE in such a short amount of time has already opened the door to numerous opportunities for me. Almost immediately after the program ended I was allowed to study for and earn my CCNA on company time. I have also been given permission to study for my Network+ certification. Additionally, I have been given several opportunities to perform additional duties assisting full time IT staff. Soon I’ll be transferring to a new position within the company as a Systems/Network Administrator at our Research and Development Laboratory, which will mean an increase in responsibility as well as an increase in pay. All I needed was an opportunity to prove to my company that I had the capabilities to work in their IT department, and this course has given me that.
This program has already proven to be well worth the time, money, and effort. It’s intimidating and difficult, but if you’re willing to work hard, the program is not only educational but fun. I’d compare the pace of this course to a Master’s level course, minus the writing. The teachers are a great help, and you have to have the ability to motivate yourself and focus on your goal."
Chris Elbrecht
MCP, MCSA, MCSE
Network Administrator
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"Today’s employment opportunities in technology related fields are immense and attractive to many career seekers. However, job competition for careers in technology has only increased and now requires skills beyond those expected several years ago.
As someone who served ten years in the United States Naval Submarine Force, with a B.S. in Adult Education and Curriculum Development, and who owned and operated a computer repair business for eight years, I was surprised that employers wanted to interview only certified individuals for available Information Technology positions.
In March 2005, I started working for the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg as a Help Desk Technician. Within one year, I was promoted to Senior Systems Engineer with a 50% increase in salary as a direct result of my training and certifications earned while attending ComputerTraining.com. I am currently on a career path to become Director of Information Technology by 2007.
I credit ComputerTraining.com’s certification programs for giving me the opportunity to quickly advance in my present position as I have earned my MCSE, MCSA, and MCP through their accreditation classes. As a result of ComputerTraining.com, my career path in Information Technology looks bright and exciting in the coming years."
Jack Beberette
MCP, MCSA, MCSE
Senior Systems Engineer
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"I had previously worked in the IT field for three years as a repair technician. I knew what I wanted to do with my life, but was having a difficult time being considered for the jobs I wanted. I made the decision to go to ComputerTraining.com and it has been a great experience for me.
The program was able to give me focus and inspire me to dedicate to something I have always enjoyed doing. Enrolling in the program pushed me harder that I would have pushed myself had I pursued these certifications on my own. The environment was open to ask questions, something that won’t be found in self study. Combining yourself with like minded peers and instructors who are able to articulate the gray areas of study and bring you a more visual overall picture is a huge benefit. If I was having trouble understanding a particular area, the instructor would be there for one-on-one instruction before class or on the weekends.
I now feel that I have the ability to be successful in the field I have chosen, and a greater understanding of what to expect. I know that I am on the right track now. The skills and knowledge, as well as the approach to learning, will prove to be a useful tool now and in the future."
Matthew Davish
MCP,
MCSA, A+
Tech Support
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"I have been using computers since I was around five years old. I can remember working on green-screened Apple II’s, running computers completely from DOS, and working with Windows 3.1 when it first came out. In the intervening years I’ve worked with every other version of Windows. Now I’m even at the point where I can build my own PC. I have always enjoyed working with every aspect of computers and have marveled at the benefits of what they can do if you know how to use them properly.
My knowledge of computers is above average, but I also know that there is much more for me to learn. In light of that, I decided to attend ComputerTraining.com in order to advance my technical knowledge. I thought that if I could focus my learning and gain enough practical knowledge, I could find a career that involved my passion.
Now that I have completed the course at ComputerTraining.com I feel more confident about my computer skills in general, and more specifically, my networking skills. By attending classes I was able to not only gain a lot of great technical know how, but I was also able to meet and interact with a wonderful group of like minded individuals. I learned just as much from my fellow students and their experiences as I did from the program itself.
Now I have a new job that I enjoy immensely; much more than any job I’ve had in the past. In my new position, I am constantly learning new and interesting things that will help me improve myself. The best part is knowing that this is only the first step in a career that will be both successful and enjoyable."
Newell R. Turner Jr.
MCP
Help Desk Agent
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"Before going to ComputerTraining.com, I knew enough about computers to get around in a business setting. I could navigate Windows XP pretty well, and figured out the programs I need or wanted to use. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the experience or knowledge needed to change my career.
ComputerTraining.com gave me the hands on experience and knowledge to break into IT. At first, I was worried about the cost of going back to school, but the pay increase and possibilities that have opened up for me have definitely made the investment worthwhile.
When I tell people I got my MCSE in six months, they are amazed. I love troubleshooting issues and helping others learn in my new position. Stay disciplined in your studies, take the tests, and don’t give up. You won’t regret it."
Frederick Edwards
MCP, MCSA, MCSE
Systems Engineer
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"Last summer I was in a job that I enjoyed, but the pay was low and there was no chance for advancement, so I started considering my options. I decided I wanted to go back to school but could not decide what for. I had seriously considered computers because I have been working with computers since I was very young and have always enjoyed them. My father had been in the computer business and almost of all my jobs required me to use computers for some function. I eventually decided that this was indeed the field that I wanted to be in. The question was…where could I get the education I still required to change my career?
On my way to work every morning I would hear this commercial for ComputerTraining.com. It was several weeks of hearing that commercial before I went onto the website and took the online entrance exam. I was very surprised to get a call that very evening asking me to come in to observe a live class.
I recall my visit that day. I was impressed with the class size and the instructors, but was still undecided. I took a week to research all of my options, but in the end came back to ComputerTraining.com. I believe this was the best decision I could have made.
I started class in December, got my MCP in February, and had a job before graduation. I went from making $28,000 to making $34,000. I love my new job! I could not successfully do my job without the things that I learned at ComputerTraining.com. Thanks for changing my life!
Tina Ritz
MCP, MCSA, MCSE
Implementation Representative
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"I’ve worked with computers in all my jobs, from basic word processing to database systems. My last job in retail involved and order entry and inventory system that had numerous screens and sub screens for customer service and order entry/tracking. As part of my job, I had to master all of these systems in order to train personnel from warehouse associates to store managers. It took several years to master those systems.
The company operated 72 remote sites with a central server system at the corporate offices. I had several opportunities to work with the IT department while setting up the new stores. As I became more familiar with the system and network setups, the IT department gave me more access and responsibility in regards to the system.
Since my time was mainly spent training new and current associates, I found myself wanting to learn more about the networking side of the system.
My biggest fear before joining ComputerTraining.com was letting go of my long term job. I had 10 years of service there, but it was only a job, not a career. I wanted more options. I took a closer look at my job history and skills and realized that I could become more. After a visit to the ComputerTraining.com classroom, I felt my best action was to go for my Microsoft Certifications. The program met my time table and the staff impressed me with their knowledge and openness. The visit enlightened me to the potential of becoming certificatied and what a new career in IT could mean for me and my family.
My new career offers more job security and earning potential than my previous retail career. Since graduating, I have found out first hand that there are many open positions for certified IT professionals in my area.
The best advice I can give is STUDY! Read the chapters before class and quiz yourself. Find a good lab partner and compare notes. You’ll be surprised that something you struggle with us shared by others. The second suggestion is to do the labs at home. This really helps on the quizzes and simulation tests.
I feel that I’m on the right path. There are more job opportunities for me now than ever before!
Joel Gordon
MCP
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Student
Success Stories are written entirely by current or
graduate students of ComputerTraining.com. Stories are printed
on our site only with permission. If you are a current or
former student of ComputerTraining.com, please feel free to send
us your personal success story! Contact your local Director of Placement to participate.
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