Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in the United StatesTo get started, select a state from the list below.
Alabama Student and Graduate Profile
Angela first heard about the Networking Academy through one of her relatives. Though she had virtually no technical experience when she signed up for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course, she succeeded and obtained her CCNA certification. “I really felt the hands-on lab exercises, small group projects, and instructor one-on-one time led to my success with the program.
In 2000, Angela joined Deltacom, Inc., a full-service telecommunications and technology solutions company, as a data install technician where she routinely configured Cisco routers remotely for new customers. Throughout the past seven years at Deltacom, Angela has built upon her skills learned in the Networking Academy and advanced through the company from the routing group to the maintenance group where she was recently promoted to manager.
Angela’s future plans include spending quality time with her friends and family, spreading the word about the Networking Academy, and obtaining her bachelor of science degree.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Gadsden State Community College, visit: http://www.gadsdenstate.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Alaska Student and Graduate ProfileWhen Allen Sagoonick decided to pursue a career in IT (information technology) he wanted to find a program and school that would provide him with the same level of challenge and satisfaction he has experienced by serving his country and community for most of his adult life. His commitment to duty has included enlisting in the Alaska National Guard, joining the United States Marine Corps, and working as a local police officer for eight years.
Allen began his journey into IT when he crashed a computer he had recently purchased, then repaired it himself without any previous computer training or technical support. Once Allen discovered that he had a knack for technology, he began researching education and training programs and found the IT field to be full of opportunities. In his usual disciplined manner, Allen conducted an exhaustive search and selected the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) as his school of choice where he enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course. As Allen notes, “I wasn’t looking for just any school, I was looking for the best school, and AVTEC was the only one that was certified by everyone and his brother.”
Selecting AVTEC and the Networking Academy has definitely paid off for Allen and others. In fact, 14 of the 16 students in his graduating class were hired two weeks before they graduated. Allen attributes his and the other students’ success to their instructor, Mark Ganser. In Allen’s words, the high employment rate among graduates “shows you how good Mark is. … He has a lot of success stories.” Allen can’t say enough good things about Mark, who has a deep understanding of networking, and was able “to explain something seven different ways to get through to different people” until it made sense.
Mark brushes off the praise, saying that Allen would be successful at anything he chose to do. From Mark’s standpoint, “What sets Allen apart from many others is that he recognizes the responsibility that comes with success: the responsibility to contribute something. Allen actively encourages others from the Northwest Region of Alaska to pursue careers in IT and provides a role model young people can relate to.” Mark adds, “Because of Allen’s encouragement, several other students from the northwest region have attended AVTEC’s program and then returned to Northwestern Alaska to begin their careers.”
Allen is an Inupiat Eskimo who attributes his success to listening to his elders. They taught him to be patient, and to take incremental steps toward a long-term goal. Some of his success is also due to having “a mind like a sponge and a steel trap—I absorb a lot and don’t let it go.” His energy, drive, and positive attitude must also have been factors. While he was enrolled in the academy Allen was balancing being a father to three active children, serving as president of AVTEC’s Student Council, mentoring a troubled youth, and serving in the Alaska National Guard.
Allen is currently employed at Kawerak, Inc., a non-profit corporation that provides education, housing, natural resource management, and economic development services to residents throughout the Bering Strait region. Through his job at Kawerak, Allen is able to continue his focus on giving back. Although he is not literally in the line of fire as an Information Systems Tech at Kawerak, he has faced his share of challenges on the job, including a rigorous travel schedule that was necessary when he was setting up the LAN, MAN, WAN, and providing PC support for a large geographic area roughly the size of the state of Iowa. Having completed the initial set-up, Allen is now responsible for upgrades and ongoing maintenance of the network.
Besides his work at Kawerak, Inc., Allen provides technical support on a contract basis to other organizations in the area. In fact, he is considering starting his own business and is in the process of preparing his business plan. But Allen is not all work and no play. He makes time for personal interests such as hunting, fishing, and reading, and helps his children with special projects for school or for fun. Between his natural ability to troubleshoot and his personal motto of “no problems, only solutions,” Allen has found his niche. He loves what he does and the quality of his work experience has exceeded his expectations.
When asked what advice he would give to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy, Allen says, “Go do it! It can only help you. Funding might be a problem, but after the Networking Academy you’ll get paid more. … The benefits are far greater than the initial cost of paying for the program. … Borrow the money if you have to. It’ll pay off.”
His enthusiasm for information technology and networking may be contagious. Allen’s 17-year-old son appears to be leaning toward the IT field. Who knows, AVTEC may soon have a second generation Sagoonick.
For more information on the Networking Academy at AVTEC, visit: http://avtec.labor.state.ak.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Arizona Student and Graduate ProfileRandy Kessler began his career path in a local grocery store at the age of 15. More than 20 years later, his interest in computers led to his enrollment in the Cisco Networking Academy at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona. Thanks to the skills he learned and the Cisco Career Connection job board, Randy has found his ideal job in computer networking. “It was the exposure and experience that I obtained from the Networking Academy that enabled me to successfully interview and obtain employment in the networking field. I was able to discuss networking and give examples from the Networking Academy that put me ahead of the competition in the interviewing process.”
Randy decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree later in life with the encouragement of his family and friends. He enrolled in DeVry University and joined a peer support group. The group worked on projects together and attended the same classes. For their senior project, Randy’s team approached local businesses to set up remote access for their networks. Afterward, the university’s administrators asked the group to replicate their project for the university using Cisco router configurations that would allow students to work remotely using Cisco equipment.
After graduating from DeVry with a degree in network and communication management, Randy wanted to add certification to his credentials and researched various certification programs. He decided that the Networking Academy offered the best preparation for certification by providing students with hands-on lab experience using the same equipment that is used in the workplace. Based on this information, Randy and two of his peers enrolled in Networking Academy courses. “I found the hands-on experience was the key to the program.”
With his degree and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification in hand, Randy took advantage of the Cisco Career Connection job board and now works with a networking company, installing and maintaining networks across the state of Arizona. “I am really enjoying the job,” he says, “and it’s exactly what I envisioned myself doing. The amount of experience I’ve obtained in a couple months as a team member of a Cisco Gold Certified Partner is invaluable. I am thankful for all the tools and information available through the Cisco site, in addition to the support available to engineers in the field.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at AVTEC, visit: http://avtec.labor.state.ak.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Arkansas Student and Graduate Profile
Gil credits his flying experience with giving him an “aerial” perspective on how to advance along an IT career path. He quickly recognized the value of having networking knowledge, which was a common requirement in many job descriptions, and that a Cisco certification was a “must have” for career advancement. While taking the Networking Academy classes at Mid-South, Gil further developed his technical skills by working as an IT technician collaborating with others to set up the school’s network, all without the benefit of any prior networking experience.
Since that time, Gil has completed Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Fundamentals of Network Security courses. Gil says the Networking Academy experience gave him a strong foundation, and he is convinced that it was a major factor in his being offered the position of Director of Information Technology at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City, Arkansas. As Director of IT, Gil manages four staff members and is responsible for most IT-related issues at the college. Despite working in an academic setting, Gil retains a practical orientation and would encourage prospective students to “maintain a working environment perspective and ask for real-world examples.”
Gil says his academy instructor Bill Vance encouraged and inspired students to learn, promoted teamwork as well as individual effort, and suggested that students bring in real-world situations. “Bill presented the lessons in an understandable way that encouraged beginning students to continue, and was always available for extra help,” says Gil. Although Gil has graduated, he keeps in touch with Bill and, as colleagues, they exchange experiences and information.
Bill says of Gil, “He is successful because he continues to expand his knowledge in IT by always looking for new solutions and reading about new methods of addressing issues. Gil understands that this career field is ever-changing and he is willing to adapt to new technologies as they develop.”
Gil is an insatiable lifelong learner. He is currently taking graduate-level courses in transport and logistics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and, in his spare time, he is learning quantum physics and getting involved in green technologies and renewable resources. Gil attributes his success to persistence and a desire to learn. From Portugal to Brazil to the United States, Gil has worked hard, followed his passion, and creating his own opportunities. Even if his head was in the clouds, he planted his feet firmly in the Networking Academy, and once he was there his career in IT took off.
For more information on the Networking Academy at AVTEC, visit: http://avtec.labor.state.ak.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
California Student and Graduate Profile
In 1998, after 15 years working in supermarkets, Christopher was ready for a dramatic change in direction, so he took the first step and enrolled in a Cisco Networking Academy. Just two years later, Christopher had earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and was well on his way to a new and exciting career. In part, he has his grandmother to thank. She encouraged Christopher to do something that he really loved. Inspired by her advice, Christopher left his grocery store position and began his new career path.
Christopher didn’t waste any time pursuing his new career. He prepared for two certifications, CCNA and Microsoft MCSE, while still enrolled in the Networking Academy. Christopher also took advantage of an intern/extern position with Stanbridge College where he quickly put his new skills to use on the job. His responsibilities included various consulting jobs as well as building networks for the college.
From there, Christopher landed a job with FrontBridge Technologies, an email filtering company. Christopher was hired just before FrontBridge was acquired by Microsoft and he found himself having to make a decision about relocating his family to Seattle. “I was not prepared to uproot my family at that time, so I contacted a recruiter and started to look elsewhere.” And that’s when the “dream job” with DreamWorks came his way. After a grueling four-month interview process, Christopher was finally selected as their senior network engineer.
Today, Christopher continues his work at Paramount Pictures. His responsibilities include traffic engineering, performance tuning and analysis, and network management and monitoring. Christopher says Paramount is currently working with Cisco on a LAN redesign to build a new digital campus. The project is a multi-year effort to enable production companies to easily connect to the Paramount campus and receive a package of services including IP and VPNs as well as a host of amenities tailored to individual production needs.
Christopher’s role is vital in keeping the studio’s network backbone running smoothly so that movie production can continue without interruption. When asked about his favorite part of the job Christopher said, “The ongoing ‘science projects’ and development work are the most fun aspects of my job. I really love trying new Cisco products at work.” Christopher has also created his own lab environment as a test area for new hardware he wants to use in the movie production environment.
Christopher’s future plans include earning his Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification, continuing a rewarding career at Paramount Pictures, and spending quality time with his family. “I’m really passionate about my life and my work now,” says Christopher.
For more information on the Networking Academy at AVTEC, visit: http://avtec.labor.state.ak.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Colorado Student and Graduate ProfileFor the past ten years, Jami Everett of Colorado Springs has been making a difference in the lives of students and administrators at Pikes Peak Community College. Her work in Cisco Networking Academy prepared Jami for an entry level job at Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) in Colorado Springs and the beginning of a rewarding information technology (IT) career. “The Networking Academy has helped me in so many ways,” says Jami. She is proud to be able to say, “To this day, what I learned in the Networking Academy has allowed me to over-deliver and produce quality results. My involvement with technology has led to the advancement of teaching techniques and expanded computerized programs and degree studies.”
Jami learned of the Networking Academy in her freshman year at college at PPCC. Her work-study job in the computer lab was being eliminated and, to prepare herself for her next job, Jami changed majors and started taking Networking Academy courses. The Networking Academy was a factor not only in Jami being hired by PPCC as a full-time IT Technician but also being able to make an immediate contribution. “The college was converting its technology,” says Jami “and I was able to apply my knowledge of design to assist with implementation of the network infrastructure. Nearly ten years later, I am still using the knowledge learned through the Networking Academy in my daily responsibilities.”
As an IT professional at Pikes Peak Community College, Jami’s responsibilities include LAN support, IP Telephony, and IP-based video conferencing. Jami is currently on the Communication and Distribution team for IT Support Services at PPCC and has used her Cisco training on a wide variety of Cisco switches and routers. She and her team are currently designing a campus-wide Wi-Fi network and implementing a Cisco IP Telephony solution. Jami asserts that, “The education from the Networking Academy continues to be pertinent in my everyday tasks.” She finds working in the college environment highly rewarding and appreciates being able to see the results of her work immediately. “I love going to work knowing that what I do helps someone else: people pursuing their education and their futures.”
Richard Reynolds, Jami’s academy instructor, says, “Jami is a forward-looking individual who saw the market opportunity along with employment and a program that would enable her to achieve her goals. Through dedication to her classroom and Web-enabled studies, Jami changed her life and found a career. Jami has continued to advance her position through on-the-job training and self-learning. She has set a very high standard for IT technicians at PPCC and throughout the Networking Academy.”
Jami is currently taking classes to finish her associate’s degree. She has already earned her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and is considering additional certifications as well as bachelor’s degree options.
When asked what advice she would give others considering enrolling in the Networking Academy, Jami says she can’t stress enough the dedication it takes to complete all the requirements: “I think the Cisco program was a lot like hiking to the top of a mountain where some days you couldn't see the top. I won't deny that it was hard work, but receiving the certification was one of those times I was very proud of myself and I knew I gave it my all to come out on top. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at AVTEC, visit: http://avtec.labor.state.ak.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Connecticut Student and Graduate Profile
As CIO/CTO for SourceAid, Tom was able to apply the skills he learned through the Networking Academy, including developing networked software backboned securely through remote networks. Tom has since moved on, but he remains on the Board of Directors at the company he co-founded.
Tom’s participation in the Networking Academy came through a pilot academy at Hall High School in West Hartford, Connecticut. He had always been interested in computers and was aware of the technology certifications Cisco offered, so he was excited to be in the program. Tom thought the curriculum was comprehensive but easy to follow, and credits his instructor, Chet Bacon, with really sparking his interest in networking.
Tom maintains that he would not be as successful had it not been for his teacher: “Chet deserves most of the credit” insists Tom, “he was a leader and really challenged his students to learn.” Chet is equally complementary of his student, noting that “Tom Fox has received my respect—he got a 950+ on the final and held five Microsoft certifications graduating in his junior year of high school. He started SourceAid.com shortly after going to college—a remarkable student all around!”
Upon graduating from high school with his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, Tom worked as a senior systems engineer at a Web hosting company, supporting more than 200 private networks. Even though Tom didn’t yet have his college degree, he found that employers viewed his CCNA certification as equivalent to a college degree. Nevertheless, Tom went on to Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he graduated in 2006 with a major in management information systems and a minor in computer science.
Tom says the knowledge and experience he gained during his Networking Academy days at Hall High School have been factors in his success to date and were instrumental in the development of his leadership abilities. “The Networking Academy was different from other high school classes,” says Tom, “It was more like a college class where people broke out into teams to complete various project assignments.” Tom also appreciated the fact that “a lot of the courses were hands-on, not just theoretical problems,” and he particularly enjoyed the labs and other experiences for the real-world practice they provided. One of the real-world experiences Tom engaged in consisted of setting up networks at neighboring schools on the weekends.
On a personal level, Tom attributes his success to his resourcefulness, desire to learn, self-motivation, and skills as a team leader and team member. As he notes, “the more you learn, the more you realize how much you don’t know… and learning how to find information is important.” In keeping with the value he places on acquiring information and real-world experience and skills, Tom has earned a number of other industry certifications in addition to his CCNA, including his MCSE, MCDBA, A+, I-Net+, Network+, and MOUS. He intends to earn his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certifications and pursue his passion for network security. Currently, he is a product manager in the publishing services division of EBSCO Industries, Inc. where he develops and manages new products and technology and is responsible for collaborating with other companies and committees to establish new standards.
When asked what advice he would impart to someone interested in Networking Academy, Tom replies “It is a really good program that can set you up with the skills to lead in a cutting edge professional environment and offers great opportunities for professional networking.”
Additional information on the academy at Hall High School may be found at: http://www.whps.org/schools/hall/network/network.asp Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Delaware Student and Graduate Profile
While completing his studies, Bakary worked as a network support specialist at a major telecommunications provider and when a telecom engineer position opened up at the company, he applied for and was offered his current job. “The CCNA certification helped me secure this position,” asserts Bakary. He graduated from DTCC with his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and an associate’s degree in computer network engineering (magna cum laude). Bakary intends to earn his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification this summer.
Although Bakary found the entire Networking Academy experience valuable, he especially enjoyed the labs. With free access to the labs, Bakary easily spent half a day learning and practicing the material and often woke up at 2 a.m. to study. “There was lots of hands-on training, you could study at home, and the professors were always available to help.” When asked about his Networking Academy experience, Bakary says the Networking Academy is a “very wonderful program – if you’re interested in technology, this is the best.” Bakary attributes his success at the academy to hard work and studies. It was challenging to keep his grade point average up while working full-time, but Bakary saw the Networking Academy as a stepping stone towards a degree in telecommunications, his true passion.
In his current position as a provisioning technical engineer, Bakary designs customers’ networks including technical assessments, building the network, and ordering and configuring routers and other equipment. He is also working toward a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and information technology at Kean University in New Jersey and expects to graduate in December 2008. Bakary plans to enroll in a master’s degree program in the next two years and says, “The Networking Academy influenced my decision to follow this educational and career path.”
Bakary feels certain that he can make a difference. He has a strong desire to “bring people closer through technology, and bridge the gap in technology between the developed and developing countries.” He plans to someday return to Gambia and have his own business. First, he would like to establish an academy in Gambia to help train others in his homeland in technology and networking; then, he would like to create a telecom company to provide cable and communication services.
Bakary’s advice to others who are interested in technology is simple and straightforward: “Get into the Cisco Networking Academy. The certifications are in high demand, and they will easily get you a job.”
For information on the Networking Academy at Delaware Technical & Community College, go to: http://www.dtcc.edu/wilmington/cis/cisco.html Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
District of Columbia Student and Graduate ProfileIn 2004, Uthman Adamoh-Fanixan was one of only ten students from the Cisco Networking Academy at Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. nominated to participate in the Summer Youth Work Enrichment Program, a technical internship with the Department of Employment Services. The opportunity allowed Uthman to gain real-world skills in a fast-paced environment, preparing computer labs for the school district and shadowing technicians. At the end of the six-week program, the group of interns was offered part-time employment throughout the school year. Uthman has since enrolled in college, but he continues to work for the D.C. Public Schools in the Office of Information Technology as an information technology (IT) specialist.
Uthman developed a passion for technology at an early age and recalls being inspired in fourth grade by a friend’s father who worked in technology. “I remember thinking how cool it was, and how I wanted to learn more. From that point on, I would dismantle our home computers just so I could challenge myself to put them back together.” Over the years, Uthman’s interest in technology strengthened, and in September 2003 at Wilson High School he signed up for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course. “I am someone who prefers hands-on learning. I enjoyed the labs because they helped me understand the concepts better and faster than just reading a book and trying to imagine it.”
After successfully completing the first semester of CCNA, Uthman was nominated for the Summer Youth Work Enrichment Program. “The internship and the Networking Academy course have been extremely influential in my pursuit of a career in IT. Almost every day I apply what I’ve learned to real-world situations. It’s very rewarding.”
In addition to his completing his internship at D.C. Public Schools, Uthman is a sophomore at Frostburg State University in Maryland where he is pursing a degree in computer science. He says he would ultimately like to complete the CCNA program and receive his CCNA and network security certifications.
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at Wilson High School, visit: www.wilsonhs.org Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Florida Student and Graduate Profile
Ohamien is passionate about technology. Even as a high school student, he dedicated significant amounts of time to the Networking Academy, making it a real priority. “Technology is fun and challenging,” says Ohamien. “It takes time and perseverance to learn everything about a technology, but when it’s all done you end up feeling like the hero, or at the very least it seems like you’ve accomplished something for yourself or your team.”
Ohamien’s commitment to preparing himself and creating opportunities was apparent early on. He knew he would have to work his way through college, and without a car, the job would have to be on campus. So when Ohamien learned he had been admitted to the University of Central Florida, he set his sights on the University’s Network Operations Center and called to see if they were hiring. As “luck” would have it, there was an immediate job opening. Ohamien had already earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification by the time he graduated from Mainland High School, which proved to be a distinct competitive advantage. He beat out two other candidates for the job. From Ohamien’s perspective, “I had my goals, I had my priorities, and my plan had to happen.”
In addition to graduating with a bachelor of science degree in information systems technology, Ohamien has earned a number of other Cisco certifications, including CCNP, CCDA, CQS-Rich Media, CQS-Unity Design, and CCVP. He is currently working for The Revere Group, a global business and IT solutions consultancy, Cisco Premier Certified Partner, and Cisco SMB Select Partner. As a senior consultant, infrastructure engineer, and Cisco partner manager, Ohamien implements and supports Cisco products for clients, including Cisco VoIP, unified communications projects, and advanced security with Adaptive Security Algorithm and VPN.
Ohamien credits the Networking Academy for giving him the fundamentals upon which his career has been built. He says instructor Darrell Radford kept the class interesting and the labs were fun and a great opportunity to apply what he was learning. “If it were not for the Networking Academy I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was a great jump start. … Everything I needed to know in my job I learned in high school through the Networking Academy. My bachelor’s degree was a necessity to get hired, but the experience I got in high school is what I use today on a day-to-day basis.” Ohamien’s plans for the future include earning his Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification in either voice or routing/switching, continuing his career with Cisco technology, and advancing within The Revere Group.
In addition to working hard, Ohamien also plays hard. When he is not working, he is likely running, playing soccer, or keeping up with his 14-month old daughter. Ohamien’s advice to others who may be considering the Networking Academy is “Your heart must really be into Cisco devices and technology. If you have that covered you should be fine. The material isn’t difficult, but it may take time to understand. Stick with it. It is well worth it.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at Mainland High School, visit: http://www.acmtmhs.org/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Georgia Student and Graduate Profile
“I know that I’m making an impact on these soldier’s lives,” says Freeman. “It’s critical to have the technical knowledge in the field where battles are fought. Our soldiers are ensuring that our tactical networks are secure. They’re the front-line communicators that provide command and control for our networks and for commanders on the battlefield.”
Prior to being stationed at Fort Gordon, Freeman served in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, and then in Bosnia, East Timor and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout his military career, Freeman worked in several positions as a network management technician and communications engineer. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he taught soldiers how to put together data packages consisting of routers, switches, firewalls, and multiplexers. It was at this time that Freeman realized how quickly technology was changing and he wanted to keep up with the latest technological advances.
“I was primarily dealing with line-of-site and satellite transport, multiplexing, and tactical switching. I had always focused on the wide area network (WAN) as a network management technician, but Internet Protocol (IP) was the area in which I was not really proficient. After taking the CCNA courses, I decided I really liked the IP side of the WAN. It seemed as if networking and network services were transforming to IP-based technology and I did not want to become irrelevant. The Cisco program gave me the tools and skills to stay current.”
Within five months of enrolling in the Cisco course, Freeman had completed, graduated, and received his CCNA certification. Shortly afterward, he became one of only two Cisco instructors running the program at Fort Gordon responsible for training Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers in CCNA. In addition, he trains Department of the Army civilians and contractors in Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) courses.
Freeman plans to continue his Cisco education and earn both his CCNP and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certifications. In December 2007, he will receive his bachelor’s degree in business. He will begin coursework toward his master’s degree in business technology beginning in January 2008.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Ft. Gordon, visit: http://www.gordon.army.mil/sit/NMD/opcs.htm Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Hawaii Student and Graduate Profile
Elayne’s father noticed early on that his daughter was interested in computers and technology. “One day my father gave me one of his Visual Basic books. If I wanted a week's allowance, I would have to complete one of the sample programs in Visual Basic. Eventually, my father noticed I was having too much fun with programming and decided that I had to go back to washing dishes to earn an allowance.” With the encouragement and recommendation from her father, Elayne signed up for the academy at her high school, taking CCNA courses during her freshman and sophomore years.
In addition to her studies at Mililani High School, Elayne was also heavily involved in extracurricular activities. “I spent time doing SkillsUSA leadership activities, fundraisers, as well as took on additional science and technology courses.” In June 2002, Elayne placed fifth at the National SkillsUSA Internetworking competition. Due to her hard work and dedication to her education and activities, Elayne graduated from Mililani High School as their 2003 valedictorian and received her CCNA certification as well. In addition, she was able to secure a position at a local construction company as their systems and network administrator.
For the past few years, Elayne has followed her technology path and in May 2007 she earned a degree in computer science at the University of Hawaii. “The Cisco Networking Academy has opened many doors for me, one of which ultimately helped me attain a full-tuition scholarship at the University of Hawaii.”
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at Mililani High School, visit: http://www.mililanihs.k12.hi.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Idaho Student and Graduate Profile
Today, Scott is a network administrator at Western States Equipment Company, holds his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA A+ and Security+, MCSA certifications, and is working towards his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Ultimately, Scott would like to earn his Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification as well.
Scott’s interest in technology began at an early age. “When I was a kid I always played computer games and enjoyed playing with my parent’s computer. It wasn’t until high school that I knew I wanted to learn more about them, but wasn’t really sure which direction I wanted to go.” With the recommendation from his brother, a database administrator, he began his networking path at Boise State University.
While attending the Networking Academy, Scott worked full time at a local computer repair and consulting firm. “I was able to use the things I learned in the classroom in my daily activities. I started my job knowing very little about computers, but by the time I finished the Networking Academy my supervisor would come to me with questions instead of the other way around. To this day I am his IT support when he has questions, even though I no longer work for him.”
In addition to his studies and work, Scott participated in the SkillsUSA Internetworking competitions where he placed first in both the state and national competitions. “I am a huge fan of the Networking Academy. It has helped me in my personal life with time management skills as well as in my career. I have had three great job opportunities come to me, without any searching on my part since I completed the Networking Academy and placed in the SkillsUSA competition. It really has set me up perfectly to succeed in my career both now and in the future.”
In May 2006, Scott completed the Cisco CCNA courses and received his CCNA certification. He currently works at Western States Equipment Co. as a as a network administrator. “Every day I am able to apply the skills I learned through the Networking Academy. The Networking Academy helped me get my current job and allows me to leverage my skills daily.”
To learn more about the Networking Academy at Boise State University, visit: http://selland.boisestate.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Illinois Student and Graduate Profile
Derek’s interest in technology began at age ten when he received a used computer from an uncle. He was curious to learn how the machine worked, and before long he learned how to program the computer himself. When a dial-up ISP came to his hometown, Derek was one of the first customers to sign up and enjoy the Internet.
Most of Derek’s early technical skills came from troubleshooting as he tried to connect to unreliable dial-up networks and debug simple programs. He later used this experience to help out in his junior high computer lab when the school hosted “open lab nights” to provide Internet access to the community. In addition, Derek taught basic computer skills. This solidified his interest in IT as he realized the benefit of helping people do their work more efficiently.
In 2005, while in college, Derek enrolled in the Networking Academy CCNA courses. "He demonstrated high-level, critical thinking skills, grasped new ideas quickly, and produced high quality work,” says Janis Rose, academy instructor at UIS. “Derek exemplified the ideals of the Cisco Networking Academy and often offered to explain difficult concepts to help his classmates better grasp the content.”
Derek took advantage of every opportunity to advance his job and interpersonal skills, attending seminars on resume building, interviewing techniques, and business etiquette. He completed the CCNA courses in 2006 and obtained his CCNA certification. That same year, he was featured with another student as the first from UIS to be admitted into the State Farm Summer Internship Program and was invited to interview for full time employment at State Farm upon his graduation. Derek’s outstanding work helped pave the way for a recruiting relationship between the UIS Computer Science Department and State Farm.
In addition to his studies, Derek dedicates his time giving back to his community. Building on his interest in networking, Derek spends some of his free time volunteering at the Computer Banc where he refurbishes donated computers for financially challenged families with children in grade school. "Seeing the faces of the families and children who receive these computers is very rewarding for me and makes me thankful to be able to help out in some sort of way. I remember when I was first given a computer and the impact it made in my life. Hopefully, I can share some of my time, talent, and fortune with others so that they can go on to a better life," says Derek.
Derek’s current role at State Farm Insurance includes designing and writing computer applications for actuaries. Beginning in fall 2008, he intends to pursue a graduate degree in computer science and obtain additional certifications for Cisco IP Telephony and network information security.
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at the University of Illinois-Springfield, visit: csc.uis.edu Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Indiana Student and Graduate Profile
In the fall of 2006, Joe began the Networking Academy at Anthis Career Center where he is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in computer information systems networking. In addition to his Cisco studies, Joe actively participates and has placed in the SkillsUSA internetworking competitions. His future goals include becoming Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certified and competing at the SkillsUSA national competition.
Joe, who was born visually impaired, says he has always been interested in computers. He recalls being four years old when his mother bought their first home computer and that he was intrigued from the first time he used it. His mother further encouraged Joe by providing resources on DOS commands and BASIC programming. From there Joe developed his interest in IT and began learning as much as he could about computers and technology.
Since Joe has such low vision, some administrators at Anthis were uncertain of his ability to meet some of the basic Networking Academy course requirements such as terminating cables and troubleshooting cabling problems; but, Joe remained positive and was determined to prove that he could be successful. A perfect example of his ability to succeed came during spring 2007 when Joe placed second in the state-level SkillsUSA internetworking competition. That year, when four of his peers were selected to compete in the national championship, Joe attended nationals as an observer, not just to cheer on his friends but also to learn about other successful SkillsUSA chapters so he could develop an even stronger chapter back home. Having observed the national internetworking competition, Joe is now more determined then ever to earn first place at the 2008 state competitions and return to nationals, this time as a competitor.
Today, Joe continues his Cisco education at Anthis Career Center where he is one of the officers in the local SkillsUSA chapter. He plans to earn his Cisco CCNA, CompTIA A+, and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certifications by the end of 2008. “I feel that Cisco works well with people with visual impairments. I found the large print option on the Networking Academy Website for tests and curriculum extremely helpful. The CCNA Exploration curriculum is a great asset for every student, including those like me with visual impairments. I am excited to continue my journey through the Networking Academy.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at Anthis Career Center, visit: http://anthis.fwcs.k12.in.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
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Kansas Student and Graduate Profile
Within 24 hours of receiving his discharge papers at Fort Riley, Kansas, Casey drove the two and one half hours to FHSU, enrolled in the academy, and started classes the following day. Mission accomplished. Casey firmly believes that “enrolling in the Networking Academy was and still is one of the smartest choices I made.”
At first, Casey found the course challenging because of the amount of information covered and the time required to learn all the material. He also had a fiancée with two daughters, his military obligations, and was president of the Advanced Technology Student Organization (ATSO) within the Information Networking and Telecommunications Department at FHSU. But Casey turned the challenge into an exciting opportunity and with his focus, determination, and positive attitude, he was able to hone his time management skills and manage the stress.
Casey took full advantage of the virtual and physical labs, which he says were instrumental in getting everyone through the course. He was completely engaged in the hands-on experience of practicing on real routers, switches, and firewalls and enjoyed the camaraderie of working with his classmates. The class offered fun learning opportunities to building everyone’s knowledge base, like having one team set up a network and another team try to break the network. Casey insists that the Networking Academy was one of the best programs he’s ever taken and that “the tutorials, expertise of the instructor, and true lab testing environment prepared me and others to walk out the door and feel confident establishing ourselves with a new company.”
Casey attributes his success to several individuals, including Mark Bannister, Chair of the Department of Information Networking and Telecommunications at FHSU, who conveyed the advantages the Networking Academy would give Casey in the corporate world. Casey’s academy instructor Kevin Schaffer was “brilliant, and able to take his knowledge and bring it down to the students’ level so they could understand it.” And last but not least, Casey acknowledges the fellow soldier in Qatar who first told Casey about the Networking Academy. Coincidentally, they live only a few miles from each other in Kansas and have remained friends.
But the largest contributor to Casey’s success was “knowing my wife and children will benefit from my labors … knowing that what I do will enhance their life in the future.” His CCNA certification, coupled with his bachelor of science degree, has advanced Casey’s civilian and military career. Casey is now an officer in the Army Reserves and a commander of a unit. He is also a network engineer with The Coleman Company, Inc., where he is responsible for administrating servers, and overseeing the open systems backup environment and disk management (SAN), SQL, Oracle, and SAP. “The Networking Academy gave me the breadth and depth of knowledge I needed in order to get my foot in the door of a great company and dive into unfamiliar territory with the confidence that I will succeed” says Casey.
Casey is also pursuing a master’s of business administration degree and starting a business with his wife. He enjoys coaching his daughter’s soccer team, tae kwon do, back packing, camping, reading, playing Xbox, and computer games. Casey’s advice to someone considering the Networking Academy is “If there is the slightest interest in the Network Academy, it would be in your best interest and your future to put the time, effort, and dedication into the next two to four years. The fruit of your labors will present themselves based upon your efforts. Tools are available to enhance your learning experience … use them – faculty, staff, virtual servers, physical test labs, study guides, classmates, and the Networking Academy site. If you are even considering information technology or networking, this is the program you need to be a part of … it’s an absolute must.”
More information on the academy at Fort Hays State University may be found at: http://www.fhsu.edu/int/cisco_acad/index.shtml. For information on The Coleman Company, visit: http://www.coleman.com/coleman/home.asp. Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Kentucky Student and Graduate ProfileDana Brown is a pragmatic person, so when she was suddenly faced with the need to support her three children single-handedly, she began looking around for a quick way to pick up some marketable skills. She had heard from a good friend that networking skills were in demand, so when she discovered the Cisco Networking Academy at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) in Paducah, she enrolled in the network administration track.
Dana soon graduated with her associate’s degree in applied science and her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certifications. She is now an instructor in the Computer Information Technology Department at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, Kentucky.
Dana already held a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology so she was used to challenge academically but had no prior information technology (IT) background. Despite her lack of experience, Dana saw the network administration track as a personal challenge and forged ahead knowing that the skills she acquired would serve her well in building a career in IT and networking.
When she first started in the academy, Dana wasn’t sure she would be able to complete it. She felt the pressure of being one of the few women enrolled in the academy, and she shares, “I was terrified of the equipment and didn’t know anything about cabling or running things through walls.” She attributes her success at the academy to instructors John Vos and Mike Stewart. “I had fabulous teachers who knew what they were doing and knew how to teach it—a rare combination. And both were challenging and helpful and made my experience a great one,” says Dana. She also enjoyed the well-equipped labs that gave her the opportunity to work with real equipment and learn skills she would need in the real world. But overall, she gives credit to John and Mike who “encouraged me and made me feel I could do it as well as the guys … or better.” Their encouragement also helped Dana manage her hectic life, which at the time, included attending school full-time, raising three teenagers, and working 12-hour shifts on the weekend in the IT department at a local tire plant. But Dana rose to the challenge and even scored a 987 out of 1000 on her CCNA certification exam.
Dana is currently an assistant professor at Bluegrass Community and Technical College at Lexington and teaches the Networking Academy curriculum and other information technology-related classes. Despite growing up in a family of teachers, Dana did not think she would ever work in the same profession. So it came as a surprise when her love of technology converged with seemingly innate teaching abilities. Dana is now confident that her networking and teaching experience and certifications will enable her to find work anywhere she lives.
Dana’s advice to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy is “Do it. Get help if it gets hard. But once you’ve got the skills, you’ve got them forever.” As someone who gets bored easily, Dana likes the fact that information technology is a constantly changing field that will give her plenty of opportunities to learn and teach new things.
In retrospect, Dana says “I can’t imagine what I could have done that would have turned out better. I now have skills that will serve me well. I don’t think you could find anything better” Dana adds, “and I feel fortunate that the program and professors were there.”
Now that her children are grown, Dana is able to indulge her new-found passion for teaching and technology. “I do it because I love it,” says Dana. When she is not at work, Dana spends time with her family, plays with her home network, consults with local businesses, and participates in professional development activities.
For more information on the Networking Academy at West Kentucky Community and Technical College go to: http://business.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/it/
For more information on the Networking Academy at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, visit: http://www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/csis/cit/ |
Guest
In 1999, Angela Cupp was a new mother working full-time at Wal-Mart while trying to learn networking, something she had never done or heard about before. “The idea of starting something new was challenging, but my instructors at the Cisco Networking Academy and my family helped keep me focused and determined on earning a degree and certification in technology.” In 2000, Angela was one of only two women to complete the Networking Academy course at Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama. Currently, Angela works full time as a manager at Deltacom, Inc. “As a manager who has gone through the Networking Academy training, I feel confident in hiring potential candidates who have gone through the program and have achieved the level of technical experience needed to be successful in today’s business industry.” 
As a former crop dusting pilot, Gil Freitas may have had his “head in the clouds,” but when it came time to change careers, his feet were firmly planted on the ground. Originally from Portugal, Gil developed an interest in flying at a young age, but due to a spinal condition he was not eligible to join the Portuguese Air Force as he had hoped. Undaunted and determined to fly, Gil moved to Brazil to fly in the Amazon and then began piloting crop-dusting planes in other areas of the country. Later, he joined his Brazilian friend in Memphis, Tennessee to help start a crop-dusting business, but his friend’s untimely death only two short months after his arrival caused Gil to re-think his plans. He decided to stay in the United States to learn English and took some computer classes. When a Cisco Networking Academy started at Mid-South Community College (MSCC) in nearby West Memphis, Arkansas, Gil enrolled and was soon on his way to a career in information technology (IT).
Going from grocery store manager to network engineer for DreamWorks Animation SKG, Christopher Cugno is living his dream. Today Christopher is a senior network engineer for Paramount Pictures in Hollywood and his name can be spotted in the credits of such animated hits as Shrek the Third and Bee Movie. Not only does Christopher have a great job, he’s also earned his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification and is currently studying to become a Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE). Christopher attributes his success in part to Cisco Networking Academy where he gained networking skills and preparation for industry certification. “Holding a Cisco certification has enabled me to enter the career of my dreams, and now I have the opportunity to work for one of the most recognized production studios in the world,” said Chris.
When Tom Fox graduated from high school in 2001, he had no idea he would start his own company only two years later. Tom was always ahead academically (he graduated high school in three years), but his success at the Cisco Networking Academy was so transformative that in his sophomore year of college, he and his roommate were able to launch their own business, SourceAid, an e-learning company that provides research solutions to individuals and academic institutions around the world.
When Bakary Kamateh emigrated from Gambia in Western Africa to the United States, he knew there would be many opportunities awaiting him, but he never expected to be working as a technical engineer for a major telecommunications provider so soon. Determined to take advantage of every opportunity, Bakary enrolled in Cisco Networking Academy at Delaware Technical & Community College (DTCC) in Wilmington, where he wanted to live and attend school.
The best advice Ohamien Uhakheme received was that “luck is nothing more than preparation and opportunity.” Heeding that advice, Ohamien prepared himself early on for a career in information technology (IT) and proactively sought out opportunities. He enrolled in Cisco Networking Academy when he was a sophomore at Mainland High School and has been charging ahead ever since.
Freeman enjoyed his experience at the Networking Academy so much he decided to teach the program to his fellow soldiers.Twenty years ago, Freeman Myers joined the United States Army where he began working in the communications field and learning new technologies. In 2005, while stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy. Fort Gordon provides advanced training for military personnel in signal occupational specialties, training more soldiers in its Signal Corps than any other branch training center of the U.S. Army. After completing the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course and certification, Freeman enjoyed his experience at the Networking Academy so much he decided to teach the program to his fellow soldiers.
From working on her parent’s home computer to working for a leading software and internet service provider company, Elayne Man is making a place for herself in the technology industry. During her freshman year in high school, Elayne began the Cisco Networking Academy at Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. By her senior year, she had obtained her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, competed twice at the National SkillsUSA competition, and secured a full scholarship to the University of Hawaii. Elayne recently graduated and was hired at Ho’ike Technology as a software engineer. “I would not be where I am today without my mentors and instructors from the Cisco Networking Academy,” says Elayne.
For Scott Manning the idea of balancing school, work, and family life was a little overwhelming. But Scott quickly learned that with the flexibility the Cisco Networking Academy provided, he was able to balance–and enjoy–all three. Scott was able to attend school in the morning, work in the afternoon, and spend time with his family in the evening, all while pursuing a career in the technology field.
Derek Murray stepped into the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) class at the University of Illinois-Springfield (UIS) eager to see what networking was all about. As a result of his experience in the Cisco Networking Academy, he grew personally, fostered peer relationships, left a positive impact on his university program, and impacted his community through his volunteer work. In 2006, Derek completed the CCNA courses and obtained his CCNA certification. He graduated from UIS with a bachelor's degree in computer science. Currently, Derek works full time at State Farm Insurance as a statistical modeler systems analyst. 
According to Joe Miller, a Cisco Networking Academy student from Fort Wayne, living with a visual disability can be hard, especially if you are pursuing a career in the information technology (IT) field. “Throughout my life, people have thought of me as being less capable of doing certain things. This misunderstanding has caused me problems with getting jobs. One potential employer even thought I couldn’t use a computer.” Although Joe has faced many challenges, he says he has never let any of them stop him from pursuing the things that he wanted to do.
It was during Casey King’s second deployment to Qatar as an Army Reserve computer technician that he first learned of Cisco Networking Academy. As a network administrator and medical supply shipping supervisor, Casey worked with other network administrators, most of whom held Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. Casey was so impressed with their level of knowledge that when a fellow soldier told him about the Networking Academy, Casey researched the program online to see if it was something he might pursue when he got home. Ever mindful of employment opportunities when he returned stateside, Casey knew he would go to college. Once he discovered that Fort Hays State University (FHSU) near his home town had an academy, he knew it was a “perfect fit” and decided that enrolling in the FHSU academy would be his first mission upon returning home.