One day back in June 2007, I was working at my desk, for my own Union Door Installation company, and had to call my uncle, yet again, because I needed his help to upgrade my QuickBooks program. I felt every time I needed to do anything with my computer, I had to call someone for help. This was the only piece of my business that I could not do myself, and it was very frustrating. I feared the day that something would go wrong, and how helpless I would feel. I decided at that moment, in order to further my career I would have to learn more about computers.

Lo and behold, that day in my car on my way to the bank I heard the commercial for ComputerTraining.edu. I knew I had to log on to take the Online Skills Challenge. I did ok on the challenge, but it made me realize how much I did not know, especially for someone who had been working with computers most of my career. I decided it was time to do something about it, so I signed up for the program and began my classes in December 2007. I graduated by June 2008, even earned an early achiever award for earning all three of the Microsoft Certifications by graduation.

The program was not easy and there were times I thought I was in over my head. I kept working hard and studying and eventually, by the end of the class, a light bulb went on in my head, and I got it. All the material we were learning finally came together and made sense. I read every page of the course materials, I studied every piece of study material that came my way and took full advantage of what was offered to me to learn this valuable computer knowledge.

I have since sold my ownership shares of the door business and have moved on to a new career in the Information Technology field. My official title is Business Systems Analyst for Samsonite Corp. in the corporate office. I work on the help desk second shift and also in the retail department. I feel confident learning real world computer issues as they come my way because the training from ComputerTraining.edu was so strong. I am building registers, and answering help desk calls for both the retail stores and also the Samsonite network and users. Now I can actually evaluate and fix computer problems. The more I learn the more valuable I become, and now my supervisor wants me to learn Mac. I no longer fear a broken computer, I thrive on them."

Rachael Smith
MCP, MCSA, MCSE
IT Analyst

I was always interested in computers my whole life but always saw it as a hobby more than a career. I would help my family and friends whenever they had problems and they would always tell me “you should get a job in computers” I thought they were crazy. I always thought you would have to go to school for many years to get a job in computers. I was wrong, there was ComputerTraining.edu.

The first time I learned about ComputerTraining.edu was hearing the commercial on the radio during work. I heard the commercial many times through the years, I always thought to myself. “What kind of school is that? I’ve never heard of it.” So I figure to find out more about this school and give it a shot. At the beginning of the program I thought this is too much information to be able to remember in that short time. I started to doubt my decision; did I make the right choice? But always having my wife and kids as my motivation I stuck to completing the program.

As a graduate of ComputerTraining.edu I would highly recommend this program to anyone who loves computers and would like to pursue a new career. I’m currently working as a Technical Support Specialist for a software development company and loving every moment of it. It’s a big career change for me, but working hard and having the instructor and the staff there to help I have accomplished my goal."

Mark Rodriguez
MCP
Technical Support Representative

"I have had an interest in computers for fifteen years. I used them for personal use and work. Last year, I decided since I enjoy them so much I should pursue a career in IT. I did some research and ComputerTraining.edu offered exactly what I was looking for.

First, I’m finally doing something I love all day. People get stressed when their computers act up but that’s when I’m in my element. Beyond that I now have skills that will ensure my career stability for years to come.

I was concerned about how much information we would have to absorb in six months. Getting a job as soon as possible was also a concern. My fears were gradually lifted as I found the course is well in the realm of achievement if you work hard. Of course, I’m now an IT Administrator, so no more concern about employment.

Study, study, study! This information can be learned and understood, but you have to keep focused and work for it. Other than that, don’t give up. There were moments when I and others in my class got frustrated and questioned if this was still the right choice. In time, our fears were replaced with confidence and pride.

The overall experience changed my life in way too many ways to list, but mostly what is revealed is that anyone can take this course and succeed. I no longer question how I’m going to make my dreams reality. It’s not just the course either; the staff couldn’t do a better job! You’re treated like family at ComputerTraining.edu and I will never forget the amazing time I spent there."

Andrew Huester
MCTS, MCP, MCSA
IT Support

"My computer background was very basic. I used the computer mainly to check emails. I was working as an auto body technician and I had wanted to be in the IT field for a long time. I knew the certifications were the only way I could get my start in the IT industry. There are now enormous opportunities to put to use the skills I have learned in this school. The sky is the limit to what you can build upon these skills.

I was concerned about whether or not I could complete the course while working fulltime and taking care of my family. I wasn’t sure I’d have time to study enough. After the first week, my fears were gone, because I saw how great the instructor, Director of Admissions and Director of Placement were. All of the help and support took care of these fears. My classmates also helped eliminate any fears I had. Another helpful thing was reading some of the other success stories and seeing what their goals were coming into the school and how they followed the path to success. These stories helped tell me what I needed to do to succeed.

I would tell new students to make sure they follow the advice that the instructor and Director of Placement give to you. Concentrate on your studies and don’t fall behind. Keep at it.

I am now Vista certified and in an unexplored land. During all of this, I am taking it one step at a time and learning a lot, which has helped me to build a new career."

Faruque Sattar
MCTS
Client Support Specialist

"I use to work with computers in my previous job, and I was very interested in how everything worked. This lead me to start thinking that there could possibly be great career paths in IT. Also, getting certified in Microsoft could better my chances of success and improve my future.

My present job as an IT Help Desk Support person is very rewarding. I get to help people and the company on a regular basis. The hours are great, plus the people I work with are great to work with. It is a fun company to work for, especially when you like what you are doing.

The biggest concern I had entering the program was that I was not sure if I would enjoy working with computers. Also, I was unclear if I could learn all of the new software. To smooth it over, I had a great teacher that explained everything to us in great detail, and she made it fun to come to class. She shed a new light on working with computers and how rewarding and exciting it will be.

The advice I would give to new students is to be prepared to study. It will also pay off if you listen to the instructor and the advice given. They are there for you when you need it most.

My overall experience at ComputerTraining.edu has been great. I have met a lot of interesting people, and have gained more knowledge in six months than I thought I ever would have. On top of that, I have gained additional knowledge at my new job to add to the six months at ComputerTraining.edu that will add to my success in future IT roles."

Lukasz Jedrzejczyk
MCP
IT Help Desk Support

"When I first had heard of ComputerTraining.edu, I had a very limited background in computers. I would work on my own computer or others’ computers trying to troubleshoot any and all problems that may have arisen, however I never really had any formal professional technological experience. After taking a programming course in college, I knew Information Technology is where my passion and future rested. While working in retail sales, I found myself wanting more and more to get into the field as soon as possible and that’s where I found this program. The six months of intensive training, along with documentation of my skills, with both certifications and labs, appealed greatly to me.

After four months into the program, working closely with the trainers and Career Services department, they had found me a job as a Technical Consultant, the job I had been shooting for since I started the program! Everything that I have learned in class has come into play at my job and my company is extremely pleased with my performance. I am expanding on everything I’ve learned in class and applying it to my job everyday.

At first the program seemed to go really fast, it took some adjusting to find the time to study and get everything done in a couple of weeks. My biggest fear was that I would not have the time to learn everything I would need to perform on the job. However, the trainers were always there for me when I needed help. Without their help, I wouldn’t be where I am today! That’s my biggest piece of advice to anyone coming into the program. Ask the trainers for any help you may need, they are there for you and always willing to answer questions that may arise.

Joining the ComputerTraining.edu program has been the best decision I have made. Not only have I found a career I wish to continue for the rest of my life, I have made friends for life. After going through the program and seeing the impact that these courses have had, not only on me, but others also, I wished to teach others with the same desire that I had. I have been given the opportunity to return as an intern, and taking up that offer, I can only hope to open as many doors for others as the trainers and this program have opened up for me."

Shane Collins
MCTS, MCP, MCSA

"I have been using computers since the early 1990’s to better assist me with my main profession: sales and sales management. From trial and error, as well as guidance from others with more knowledge than myself, I became fairly adept at the user-side of operating systems as well as software applications. I soon became the “unofficial go-to-guy” for IT-related questions when our full-time IT guy was not available. Unfortunately, the industry that I had been in for the last fifteen years hit its peak around 2003, and I can only see it trending downward in the future. It was time for me to reinvent myself in a career that would allow me to grow professionally and be in-demand for the remainder of my work life.

Then, along came a radio advertisement from ComputerTraining.edu that my wife heard in April of 2008. We had been discussing several new career paths for me and had narrowed it down to two: IT or physical therapy. We decided on the IT field after meeting the sales staff as well as my future instructor at ComputerTraining.edu for two main reasons: 1) Time – only six months of intensive class-time versus two years of traditional schooling, and 2) Interest – I believe that the IT field will continue to evolve and change drastically over the next twenty years.

My advice to someone considering enrolling is simple: If you decide to enroll, commit yourself to the process completely. Devote the necessary time and energy to learn as much as possible. Follow the study guidelines and adhere to S.M.A.R.T. (you will have to enroll to get the definition of this acronym.) Lastly, try to remain as consistent as possible over the course of the six months. The course has a natural ebb and flow, but you do need to stay consistent to not fall behind.

I began my new career in the IT field eighteen weeks into the program as a Microsoft Systems Engineer Consultant. I had yet at the time completed my MCSA testing as well as did not yet graduate from ComputerTraining.edu. However, the education and certifications that I earned are truly just a starting point. I believe that to be successful in this industry one must adopt a philosophy of continuous learning. As much as I have learned over the past six months, it is really just the tip of the iceberg. I sincerely want to thank everyone at ComputerTraining.edu for all of their help and ongoing support."

David Goodin
MCTS, MCP
IT Consultant