 |
"When you look at my picture, you probably don't think of Cinderella -- I didn't quite start out in rags and I haven't yet made my riches. But my career is definitely a Cinderella story. I had been working at the same company, in the same position for eight years. My skills were adequate for a small business with a handful of users in a simple networked environment, but my salary was merely adequate, too. I didn't want my career to be just "adequate"; I wanted to work for a large, reputable corporation and hold an important position that would provide me with respect, opportunity for growth and a great salary. My dream was to someday be part of the IT department at First Energy or the Cleveland Clinic, but I knew that hiring managers at those corporations would not give my resume a second glance. I would have to do something significant to convince prospective employers to take a chance on me.
I decided to attend ComputerTraining.edu because it offered a really tangible investment in my future: if I followed through with studying and taking the certification exams, I could come out of it with legitimate, respected credentials that would prove to those prospective employers that I was worth hiring. It was not easy to part with what then amounted to my annual salary for the tuition. Nor was it easy to commit the time and mental energy into the coursework while still working a fulltime job. I am sure the person reading this is struggling or did struggle with the same decision.
Trust me - it's worth it.
Within a year of enrolling, I had passed seven exams and earned my MCP, MCSA and MCTS. Although I was offered a help desk position soon after I graduated, I took a chance and kept sending out my resume. I averaged about one interview each week, and every professional I spoke to was impressed with my answers to technical questions... answers I would not have been able to give if I had not attended ComputerTraining.edu. (Tip: "ipconfig /all" gets them every time.) And remember those two companies I dreamt about working for? I ended up interviewing with both of them, and now I work for one! The difference between my old salary and my new salary is almost equal to my tuition, which means I'll see a return on my investment in about a year!
I can't begin to express how grateful I am to the staff at ComputerTraining.edu for their contribution to my career. Looking at my life now, I certainly feel like Cinderella. I guess that makes ComputerTraining.edu my fairy godmother!"
Denise Harwell
MCTS, MCP, MCSA
|
|
 |
 |
"Before I went to ComputerTraining.edu, I was a mechanic for two years, and I drove a semi for eight years before that. I am also a firefighter.
I had also been into building computers for over seven years, and always wondered if I could make it in the IT world. I never seriously considered it, though. Then one time, I heard an ad on the radio. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to try the Online Skills Challenge.
I kind of forgot about it until I received a phone call a few days later. Apparently, I did a good job on the test, and was invited to go to ComputerTraining.edu to visit with the teachers and staff, and see if I qualified to enroll. Knowing that I didn’t have to make a decision right away, I went. I have to admit, I was truly impressed with what I saw! But I wasn’t quite ready to just jump in and sign up. I wanted to research the school first, and take a look at my financial situation.
My research showed me that the school is very reputable, and the course is an excellent course. After much thought, I decided to enroll. School agreed to work with my schedule, and I was able to enroll a few months later. They helped me along every step of the way.
While I was in school, I really got to know my fellow students and my teacher extremely well. We always had fun in class, and at the same time, we learned a LOT! Don’t get me wrong. It is an extremely hefty course, and you absolutely MUST study and do your work to make it through the class. But the technical trainer helped us along every step of the way, and always made it fun.
The rest of the staff was great too. I was always greeted with a warm smile when I walked through the doors, coming and going. Our Director of Placement is extremely outgoing, and really wants us to succeed! She showed us stuff that would never be considered by an interviewee while going on an interview.
After I graduated, she did an excellent job finding me interviews, and, ultimately, a job. I had a job three months after graduating because of two things: one, my MCP certification which I found out is almost impossible to find a job without, and two, because the Director of Placement was extremely persistent with potential employers, and was very supportive of me. Without her, or my certification, I would never have gotten my first or second job.
Before I finish this, I do have to make one suggestion to you, the future student here. Study as much as possible, and take the certification tests right away! It will help you with your grades, and it will help you with your job searching."
William Hanemaayer
MCTS, MCP
Technical Support
|
|
 |
 |
"I did not have any professional computer background before taking this course. I tinkered with my XP machine at home but nothing serious. I considered getting certified because I heard that it was highly valued by employers. I also received hands-on experience working with Microsoft products along with the knowledge.
I like the whole IT environment. The first time I walked into the operations room, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I also love my opportunity for growth in the IT field. I feel as though a person in IT has a better chance for growth based on their skill set and personality rather than years of experience alone. I feel as though my skills gained here will help me get promotions faster and even uncover the third dimension.
My biggest fear was not being able to find a job in IT in this economy. I overcame my fears be being better than my competition. I studied harder, put more time and effort in to getting certified and ultimately secured my job.
Have fun! A lot of people get stressed out by these exams, especially those with no computer-related experience. Of course you’re going to have to put time and effort into studying and pass tests but it will seem like a drag unless you make it fun. Also get to know your peers/classmates. Everyone has come from different walks of life. Talk with them. Some of them are quite interesting.
The overall experience has made me a lot more confident, first and foremost, in myself and my technical abilities. I also have a new career, not just a job. The initial investment was well worth the cost because the outcome is much better than anything I would have imagined."
Sunair Iqbal
MCTS, MCP
Computer Operator
|
|
 |
 |
"I was half way through my second year at a major college when I decided to change my career path to the IT field. I had always enjoyed working with computers, and being the person family and friends could count on when they had technical problems. I had already heard about ComputerTraining.edu for some time now, and decided to go online and check out the program. I loved the idea of becoming Microsoft Certified, so I decided to take the Online Skills Challenge. The next day I received a phone call, from that moment on, everything just fell into place.
One month before classes started, I was offered a job as a Help Desk Technician working with medical software. My responsibility was to provide help to the company’s clients that were having issues accessing information from the software. Within weeks however, I saw great opportunity within the company to move up in position. As my class progressed and I earned certifications, my employers saw the great investment they had made in hiring a ComputerTraining.edu student. Since I have graduated ComputerTraining.edu, I have become a network administrator at my company, and I am working toward my MCSA. I hold great responsibility within the company’s network infrastructure and perform daily task that I would have never been able to do prior to class.
Thanks to ComputerTraining.edu, I have a career which I love, and make what I deserve for all the hard work it took me to get where I am. I have acquired the skills and dedication that it takes in order to build a great foundation for the rest of my career. Thanks to everyone at ComputerTraining.edu for the wonderful opportunities that have been placed in front of me."
Nathan Eyler
MCTS
Network Administrator
|
|
 |
 |
"Before attending ComputerTraining.edu, my only computer experience was general home and work use. After getting married and realizing my current job had no growth opportunities, I knew I needed to find a new career path. I took my personal interest and decided to turn it into a marketable skill at ComputerTraining.edu.
My new career has opportunities for promotion, transfer, learning, training and personal growth that will help me advance in my new field. The skills I have learned at ComputerTraining.edu have made me a valuable asset and a wanted resource in a competitive market.
My biggest concerns were balancing my busy schedule with classes and study time, being overwhelmed with new information in a highly technical field and being outpaced by highly technical classmates. The resources and support of the ComputerTraining.edu staff took all of my concerns into account and were able to help me resolve any issues that came up.
New students should realize that they aren’t here just to get a certification and a new job. They are here to learn the tools and skills they need to start teaching themselves and earning their own certifications to start a new career. Jobs will come and go but the skills and certifications will make you an IT guy/girl wherever you go.
The experience has given me the confidence and experience to break into a challenging and exciting career. Realizing my own potential has helped me to find the motivation and assurance that I can overcome any hurtles that I may find on my path to personal success."
Ryan Ellwood
MCTS
Online CAE
|
|
 |
 |
"I was working a dead-end job doing hard labor for a company that I didn't even like and wasn't getting paid enough to do it. I had been hearing the commercials on the radio for ComputerTraining.edu and how they could help you become Microsoft Certified in about six months. I've always been good with computers, loved to play video games, and love to work on computers so I decided to check out their website and take their Online Skills Challenge.
It turns out that I did really well on their Online Skills Challenge because at the end of the quiz it says that someone will be in contact with you within three business days. I received a phone call from one of their representatives within thirty minutes of taking the quiz. The admissions support rep and I started talking for a little while about what the program offers, how long it will take, where the campus is located, and what will be involved. I have to admit, from the get go I was very interested and he was definitely sparking my interest.
I set up a meeting for that evening after work to meet with the Admissions Director and talk about enrolling into the program. Long story short, I did all the paperwork and was set to start in January. We had a few Saturday sessions that acted as a warm-up for the course and to give us a brief overview of what we would be learning during the six month program. The program itself is just amazing. The flow of information covered in the text books along with the homework, quizzes, and labs work so well together. I've never had so much fun going to class and for the first time in my life I actually looked forward to going to class. Our instructor was just absolutely amazing in his teaching methods, knowledge of things above and beyond the coursework, as well as being just an awesome person in general. He has a way to really get you motivated with working on your self-test software, scheduling your exams, and successfully passing them with flying colors.
Now comes the fun part, looking for a job. Our Career Services adviser was the best in the world! She helped you prepare for everything that you would need for a job, held discussions on what to do, what not to do, what to wear, how to act, what questions to ask and so much more. Not only did she do all of this, but along with me actively searching for jobs, she was helping me look for them too! She got my name out there and within two weeks of passing my first certification exam, I had three interviews. It took until the third one for me to get a job, but I love the job that I have now, I look forward to going to work everyday, it's a very relaxed environment, all of my coworkers are really great and I'm making more money then I ever have in my life.
I really, really recommend the ComputerTraining.edu program for anyone who enjoys working with computers and wants to further their education with them or for someone who is looking to start a career in a field that is fast-paced, fun, and will never stop growing due to the constant advancements in the technology of computers and such high demand for people with educations in this field."
Chris Yocum
MCTS
|
|
 |
 |
"Well, first of all, I am definitely the best example of bad to better. I was bouncing from job to job, with no idea of what I wanted to do in life. I was working overnight at Target when I first heard the ad for ComputerTraining.edu. I wrote the phone number down and was going to call but decided that I have no time for school. Two jobs later (over the course of two months) I decided to call the school. I received a sign when I made that decision because right at that time, two of my friends and my boss all had computer problems and I was able to resolve all of them. Each person told me that I should be working with computers on a full-time basis.
When I started at ComputerTraining.edu, I was at the far end of the tech pool. Had you said “Hey Stefano, can you configure the DHCP, DNS, and a router,” Google would have gotten some abuse that day. Now I can do it in my sleep. ComputerTraining.edu helped me further my limited knowledge so now I live comfortable at Advantec and I plan to move and up to that dream job. If you’re like me, take the step. It will be worth it!"
Stefano Humphries
MCTS
Computer Technician/Customer Support
|
|
 |
Student
Success Stories are written entirely by current or
graduate students of ComputerTraining.edu. Stories are printed
on our site only with permission. If you are a current or
former student of ComputerTraining.edu, please feel free to send
us your personal success story!
Contact your local Director of Placement to participate.
- Please include full name,
course, and instructor
- Personal Photo is encouraged!
- Attach it to your e-mail or send us the URL. Only send
your photo if you wish to have it appear on our
site. Only JPG and BMP formats will be accepted.
|