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/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Louisiana Student and Graduate Profile
When Christen was only three, she began to amaze her parents with her ability and desire to learn about computers. Although she was still in diapers, Christen would play games and “tinker” with her father’s computer. Her interest grew over the years and eventually led her to the Networking Academy at LTC. “I decided to enroll in technical college because I knew I wanted to go into the IT field. I was inspired by my aunt who worked for NASA and now Hewlett Packard. It was encouraging to see a successful woman in an environment usually surrounded by men.”
Since 2004, Christen has worked at Noah’s Christian Preschool where, in addition to accounting and office work, she is responsible for creating ways to help children learn technology. When she arrived at the preschool they didn’t have computers, but she has since created opportunities for the children to learn about the parts of the computers and play games. “The parents are amazed at what the kids know. Even the two-year-olds can turn on the computers and use them!”
When Christen first began at the Networking Academy at LTC, she was one of the only females in class. “The guys got used to me and saw my dedication. It was nice to have them come to me with questions. I quickly earned everyone’s respect.” Since attending the Networking Academy, Christen has helped recruit other females into the program. She was recently featured on a local television program called “Check into the LTC” where she encouraged girls to enroll in the Networking Academy and pursue a career in technology.
Christen completed the CCNA course in 2005 and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) course in 2007. In addition to her studies, she participated in an internship at the local SkillsUSA chapter and competed in the internetworking competition for two years, winning the silver medal the first year and the gold medal the second year. She went on to compete at the national level, where she was one of only two females competing, and placed ninth.
Christen recently graduated from LTC with an associate of applied science degree in computer network specialist, making her the first in her family to graduate from college. She plans to earn her A+ and CCNA certifications before January 2008 and will attend Louisiana State University to pursue a bachelor’s of science degree in information technology. Her future education goals include obtaining a master’s degree in information technology, a doctorate in the science of technology, and obtaining a Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification.
“I would ultimately like to have a career developing the technology of the future which utilizes my skills and knowledge. I am thankful for the Cisco Networking Academy because it has influenced my education and career plans by giving me a jump start to where I want to be. I know my father is proud of me.”
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at Louisiana Technical College Teche Area Campus, visit: http://www.ltc.edu/greateracadianaregion/techearea/index.htm Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Maine Student and Graduate ProfileShortly after Eddie Riddle graduated from high school, he found himself on a fast-track to a career in information technology (IT). Pursuing independent study courses in high school, Eddie was able to earn five technical certifications including CompTIA’s A+, Network+, Server+, i-Net+ and ProSoft’s CIW Associate. “I have an overwhelming will to learn and am always working to learn more,” says Eddie.
Following graduation from high school in 2004, Eddie enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy at York County Community College (YCCC) and less than one year later he landed a job as a junior systems administrator with an IT consulting firm. Just seven months after that, he was promoted to IT Administrator.
By 2006, Eddie had completed the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) coursework and received yet another promotion, this time to Engineering Consultant. Eddie attributes his career success in great part to the Networking Academy: “The Networking Academy helped me a lot. It’s so much more than switching and routing. It’s a great foundation to build on.”
Another factor that contributed to Eddie’s success was the blended distance learning option that was offered by YCCC. The blended distance learning model allows students to do much of their work outside of the classroom with some of the class lectures delivered through video streaming or other technologies. “It was perfect for me since my work schedule required a lot of travel. The online labs and simulations were wonderful and then I scheduled time to be on campus for other hands-on labs. I got a more personalized environment and all the interaction I needed,” says Eddie.
Eddie feels that much of his success can also be attributed to the fact that the high school he attended offered IT courses. He developed an interest in technology early on and was fortunate to have the support of both his parents and his teacher in pursuing IT and networking as a career and being able to leverage the educational pathway from high school directly into YCCC where he could continue his learning and skill development. Eddie is also very grateful to his academy instructor, James Vogt. “He went above and beyond a normal classroom teacher and helped and inspired me,” says Eddie.
When asked what advice he would give to those considering the Networking Academy as part of their education and career development Eddie responded, “Develop the will to learn. Technology is always changing and you need to learn on the job all the time. In technology, you can say ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out.’ Then go do it.”
Eddie is currently an engineering consultant at Foedus, an IT consulting firm. He also applies his technology skills to refurbish and troubleshoot computers for Grahamtastics Connections, which donates laptops and Internet access to children and young adults with terminal illnesses for use at home or while in the hospital. Eddie has been on the board of directors of Grahamtastics Connections since high school and says “It’s a worthwhile cause I’m happy to support.”
Eddie is a “sports fanatic” and plays basketball, volleyball, football, and soccer on a regular basis. He’s translated that passion into service. Once a week, Eddie and a few of his friends rent a school gym and sponsor a weekly volleyball game for senior citizens to keep them physically active.
For information on the Networking Academy at York County Community College, go to: http://www.yccc.edu/catalog/certificate.html Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Maryland Student and Graduate Profile
In 2001, as a senior in high school, Suzanne had already earned her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and was enrolled in the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) coursework at Charles County Career and Technology Center (now North Point High School). During that time she also completed an internship at Comcast, a leading cable and Internet provider. After graduating high school, Suzanne joined the United States Air Force Reserves while working in the information technology (IT) field as a network engineer. “The Networking Academy helped me get a head start in my career and I’ve applied the skills I learned on a regular basis,” says Suzanne.
Suzanne’s passion for technology began at an early age. Her father, an electrician, first introduced her to the field of technology and would give her various materials and challenge her to use her imagination to make something functional. In high school she continued to pursue her interest in technology by enrolling in the academy at Charles County Career and Technology Center, which was the first of only seven high schools in the country to offer both the CCNA and CCNP curriculum. Suzanne became the first female junior at the school to pass the CCNA course and earn her certification.
Suzanne shared about her Networking Academy experience: “My instructors always pushed us to excel in the class. I liked how the course material was written and found that the labs allowed us to put into practice what we had learned. Most importantly, the projects we completed were also a great resource for me to look back on when I started my career.”
Today, Suzanne continues to fulfill her career and education plans. She is a network engineer at Stanley Associates, a fast growing, mid-sized government contractor. Her day-to-day duties include supporting basic network operations and troubleshooting, including adding and updating Cisco voice-over-IP phones, Unity, and VPN accounts.
“Suzie is a sharp and capable engineer. She brought a depth of training and experience to Stanley Associates that enabled her to make an immediate impact on our network and provided a strong foundation for her to develop skills with advanced technologies,” commented Lee Howard, Director of Network Engineering at Stanley Associates. “Because of her focus and dedication, she is an outstanding contributor to the network engineering team.”
Suzanne is currently working to develop an internship program at her company to provide work-based learning opportunities to other Networking Academy students. “I feel I gained so much from my experience that I want to give back,” she says.
Suzanne plans to complete her CCNP studies and earn her CCNP certification.
For additional information on the Networking Academy at North Point High School, visit: http://www.ccboe.com/teachers/gstergar/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Massachusetts Student and Graduate Profile
Hafid learned about the Cisco Networking Academy while attending an information session for incoming students at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), located in the historic Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. Although he knew he wanted a career in IT, Hafid wasn’t sure “which way to go, or which field to specialize in.” After further investigation, Hafid concluded that Cisco certifications would be valuable in the job market and enrolled in the academy as part of his studies toward an associate’s degree in network technology. Looking back, Hafid says “The Networking Academy helped me decide where to go and what to study, as I was hesitating too much on what to choose.”
Hafid was constantly busy, working full-time at multiple jobs and carrying a full course load at the same time. In addition, based on a high GPA and desire to challenge himself further, Hafid applied to the Commonwealth Honors Program at BHCC, an elite program offering a select group of students the opportunity to develop an honors research project and present the results at the annual statewide conference. Hafid was one of only a handful of students in his graduating class selected to participate in the honors program.
Reflecting upon his experience with the Networking Academy, Hafid says “Everything was great. The labs were very challenging and a good test of your ability to apply your knowledge. You could evaluate yourself to see if you were learning the material. I loved working with the Cisco equipment and the instructors were great, too.”
Hafid attributes part of his success to an internship at NWN Corporation, to which he was referred by academy instructor Andrea Lyons. Only one month into the internship, he was hired as a full-time employee despite the fact that he hadn’t yet graduated from BHCC.
Nine months later, Hafid is still at NWN where he currently works as a command center engineer. He is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting network infrastructures for client companies and finds that “almost everything I’ve learned in the Cisco program, I’ve been able to apply.” Hafid feels he is making a contribution and appreciates being viewed as a valued employee. Drew Phelps, Hafid’s supervisor at NWN, confirms Hafid’s contributions, saying, “Hafid has been a tremendous addition to our Command Center team. Thanks in part to his Networking Academy training, Hafid came to NWN with a solid understanding of networking fundamentals and quickly mastered a fast-paced and demanding role. He proves his solid work ethic, skills, and technical acumen day after day as an engineer for NWN.”
On a personal level, Hafid attributes some of his success to the discipline, respect, and commitment he learned in the process of attaining a black belt in karate. He is hard working and dedicated to education and attaining his goals. “Commitment and passion are the keys to success,” says Hafid. “You have to love what you are doing and be committed to it.” This belief is reflected in his advice to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy: “Have passion for what you’re doing and be committed. That’s all it takes.”
Hafid has earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Planet 3 CWNA, and Microsoft MCP certifications. He plans to specialize in networking security and has already started studying for the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) certification. Hafid’s night shift job at NWN enables him to enjoy his daytime interests outside of technology: traveling, exploring the outdoors, and “discovering the natural world.” He’s also an avid reader, especially in the areas of behavioral science and psychology. “Life is all about learning!” Hafid concludes enthusiastically.
For more information on the Networking Academy at BHCC, visit: http://www.bhcc.mass.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Michigan Student and Graduate Profile
A few weeks later, the night before her CCNA certification test, she was back at the book store focused on her subnetting preparation, when the same man approached her and said “I own a streaming media company here locally, and my Internet service provider is looking for a network engineer. I mentioned you to them, and they asked me to pass along their information.” Two weeks after passing the CCNA certification exam, Kelly interviewed for the position and was offered the job on the spot! In her two years there, Kelly progressed from network engineer to customer service manager, managing the team of account managers and giving presentations on the network infrastructure to Fortune 500 Companies … all at the age of 19!
Kelly’s journey began in 1999 when there was a lot of buzz about the new Cisco Networking Academy at Henry Ford Community College. Kelly wanted to be a part of the technological revolution and, after reading about the Networking Academy in the college brochure, decided to give it a shot. Driven by pure motivation and a true passion for technology, she set her sights on her goal of completing the one-year program and earning her CCNA certification. At first, the curriculum was a bit intimidating, but as one of only two women in the class, she was determined to prove herself. The course was broken down so that each objective was explored, practiced, and then integrated into real-world scenarios. And the “hands-on” nature of the curriculum and labs enabled her to develop skills instead of simply memorizing theory. Kelly was able to configure, practice, and troubleshoot Cisco equipment, and having experience with real-world network infrastructures was a real asset during her job interview.
In addition to the curriculum, Kelly also acknowledges the “dedicated instructors, eager mentors, and supportive co-workers” she’s met along the way. “They taught me to find the drive within and to always push for more. Early in my career, my employers took a chance on me, based largely on my participation in the Networking Academy. I find this profession is full of exciting, interesting, and brilliant people, many of whom I now call friends.” One of these is her academy instructor, Todd Browning. “He was passionate about the program which made it a better experience for the entire class.” Kelly remains in contact with Todd and others at the academy at Henry Ford Community College and serves on the Networking Academy Advisory Board at the community college along with several other former students.
Kelly was asked to speak at Henry Ford Community College’s Technology Day while she was still enrolled in the academy. State representatives and members of the community, neighboring educational institutions, and city council attended. Kelly shared her experience and encouraged other colleges and students to participate in the innovative, career-building Networking Academy. Kelly was also invited to speak at the Imagine Your Future Seminar at Henry Ford Community College. This seminar encourages high school girls to explore non-traditional careers for women and Kelly’s presence dispelled stereotypes many girls had about IT professionals.
Kelly’s determination, motivation, and focus were important factors in her success in the Networking Academy. She often tells people that choosing the Networking Academy was the best decision she’s made for her professional life. “It has been the foundation of my entire career. The experience of being part of this program has opened so many doors for me … for a student with an interest in information technology, attending the Networking Academy is the single best choice for building your education and your career. It truly is a lifelong investment.”
Kelly’s success has allowed her to live a life of comfort and stability, including purchasing her first home when she was only 22 years old. In retrospect, what Kelly enjoyed most about the Networking Academy was the sense of accomplishment and achievement upon completing it. “Going through an intense, career-building program and seeing the progress you have made, the knowledge you have gained, and the opportunities that lie ahead give an irreplaceable sense of achievement” says Kelly.
“Working in this industry keeps you on your toes, with technology ever-changing and so many avenues to explore. As I make steps forward in my career, I carry with me the knowledge and the solid foundation that the Networking Academy built to strengthen my networking skills and apply those concepts to become proficient in multiple platforms in the IT arena. I love my job and I am forever grateful for all of the doors this program has opened.”
For more information on the academy at Henry Ford Community College, visit: www.hfcc.edu Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Minnesota Student and Graduate Profile
According to Todd, he has always had a strong interest in technology. He remembers being eight years old and working on his first computer. “I believe it was a Macintosh Plus. I fell in love with computers and, at that point, I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” Todd remembers telling his mother at the age of ten that he wanted to be a computer programmer. Throughout high school, Todd became more interested in pursuing a path in technology, and once he enrolled at Minnesota State and Technical College in 2001 he began the Networking Academy’s Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course.
“The Networking Academy labs were great for hands-on learning, my instructors had excellent understanding of the applied technologies, and the content was detailed and easy to understand.” During Todd’s third semester, he faced a few challenges. “I became a single parent to a one- and a three-year-old. This was a very difficult and emotional time for me and working to make ends meet made it very difficult to focus on my studies.” Todd’s determination, patience, and desire to learn led him to success. He accepted an internship with a local company where he helped design and set up the company’s network, and by 2003 he had completed his Networking Academy coursework.
In his current position as a Webmaster, Todd’s responsibilities consist of server and network management and administration, computer programming, and hardware management. “The Networking Academy gave me a very clear vision of the entire process of computer communication, which I have used in wide spectrum of computer technologies, such as building online management applications, management of computer networks and operating systems, and even buying new hardware.”
Todd continues to build upon that vision. In September of 2007, he returned to MSTC to continue his studies in computer networking and programming.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Minnesota State and Technical College-Fergus Falls, visit: http://www.minnesota.edu/campuses/fergus_falls/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Mississippi Student and Graduate Profile
Interest in networking technology seems to run in the family. Charles first heard of the Networking Academy from his wife Emily who graduated from Itawamba Community College in 1999 with two degrees, one in computer networking technology and one in computer programming technology. Charles says it was tough balancing a full-time job at a furniture factory, school, and family time, but that in the end, “It was very worth the stress!” He enjoyed the hands-on experience of programming routers and working with classmates who shared his technology interests.
Charles says his wife and father-in-law were significant factors in his success. Emily is a hardware coordinator for a local computer repair business and her father is a self-employed technician whom Charles often helped on home theater, wireless, and PC installations. That’s when the road straightened out for Charles with the realization that he had found his career. “My wife and her father really influenced me by sharing what they were doing. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I realized computer networking is something I knew and something I could do and still stay in the same geographic area.”
Besides his wife and father-in-law, Charles credits his instructors as a significant factor in his success with the coursework. “They were more than willing to help out including one-on-one time to break complex ideas into more understandable ones. It made the learning process easier,” says Charles. He also appreciated the flexibility the online curriculum provided: “Having the curriculum available online to read and study was especially helpful for me with a family and full-time job. It left the decision with me as to what time I had to dedicate myself to it."
In terms of personal qualities, Charles believes his “strong work ethic, a drive to succeed, and lots of studying” were important factors in his success at the academy. Charles advises others interested in the Networking Academy to “Study and stick with it. It gets hard at times, but is worth it in the end.” When Charles is not working, most of his spare time is spent with family, working in the yard, playing video games, and going to concerts.
Charles is currently working as a network and security administrator for Central Service Association (CSA), a not-for-profit association that offers consulting, networking, Internet, hardware, and software sales to more than 100 utilities in eight states. Charles applied and was selected for the position after CSA contacted academy instructors about the job opening.
Not only does his position give Charles the opportunity to continue learning on the job, he also has the flexibility to finish his coursework and, after six months on the job, CSA will reimburse Charles for the cost of acquiring certifications, including the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), which Charles intends to earn in 2008.
“I have applied the skills learned through the Networking Academy with my job responsibilities, including monitoring our current WAN connections, installing and maintaining firewalls, routers, and spyware/filtering equipment, and helping customers through any problems they encounter. Without the technical education I received through the Networking Academy, I would not have this awesome job working in an environment I have grown to love.”
Charles enjoys his job and does not see himself leaving any time soon. His career path now is looking more and more like an information highway.
For information on the Networking Academy at Itawamba Community College: www.iccms.edu Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Missouri Student and Graduate Profile
After graduating high school, Kinzie was hired as a technology assistant with the Liberty Public School district. “The best part about the Networking Academy is the opportunities that you are given inside the course work, in your future education, and in your career,” she says.
Kinzie recalls first becoming interested in technology and computers during the seventh grade, but it wasn’t until high school that she was introduced to networking. She successfully completed the Cisco IT Essentials curriculum her junior year and was the first female student at STA to earn her CompTIA A+ and I-Net+ certifications. Near the end of her junior year, Kinzie pursued and obtained a summer internship at the Liberty Public School District. The technology director was so impressed with her that he invited her to continue the internship and asked her to consider a full-time position in the future.
As a student Kinzie won multiple awards at the SkillsUSA competitions. During her senior year, she placed second in the district Internetworking competition, which qualified her for the Missouri State SkillsUSA Championship where she took home the first place prize. Kinzie then went on to become the first female contestant to represent Missouri in the Internetworking category at the National SkillsUSA Championships, where she placed in the top five.
Kinzie’s honors continue beyond SkillsUSA. In 2007, she became one of only a handful of high school students to receive a Cisco Networking Academy 4R Recognition Award. Additionally, she was named “Senior of the Year” at her high school.
Lisa Oyler, Networking Academy instructor at STA says, “Kinzie has gone above and beyond in taking advantage of what the Networking Academy has to offer. Although she has been offered full-time employment, her future plans include completing her four-year degree.”
Through a partnership between STA and Metropolitan Community College (MCC), Kinzie earned 34 dual-credit hours during her junior and senior years in high school. She put these credits and an MCC scholarship to use when she enrolled at MCC in August 2007 to pursue an associate degree in science.
Kinzie has since earned her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and continues to work for Liberty Public Schools, helping staff with computer maintenance, assisting teachers in the classroom, and addressing additional computer projects as they arise. In July 2008, she plans to continue her education by attending DeVry University in Kansas City, Missouri where she intends to apply her MCC credits toward a bachelor’s degree in networking and communications management. Kinzie also plans to add the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) to her growing list of certifications.
For more information on the academy at Summit Technology Academy, visit: http://www.leesummit.k12.mo.us/sta/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Montana Student and Graduate Profile
Sarah credits her successful experience in the Networking Academy to her instructors, the text books, the online curriculum, and the hands-on lab experience. “They were all important factors” says Sarah. The labs enabled her to practice router and switch configurations and the books were so valuable that she would often get up at 4a.m. to read and study.
Sometimes getting to class in Frenchtown, which is located in the rugged Montana countryside, could be challenging. The eight miles of unmaintained dirt road could be icy or impassable due to snow or fallen trees. Sarah put her experiences living in Greenland and the Antarctic to good use and ensured she arrived for classes on time.
Sarah insists that her academy instructors, Penny Jakes and Rhonda Tabish, kept her focused. “Penny is a very good teacher,” says Sarah “she kept in touch with each person to see what they were going through. Penny must have seen something in me and knew I could do better.”
It must have been apparent to her instructors that Sarah was capable of some pretty extraordinary things. When she was enrolled at the Networking Academy, Sarah was living in a small solar-powered cabin, without running water, that she built herself. She was also running her 160-acre farm and working as an independent technology contractor providing local area network support to small local businesses. She did all this after beating kidney cancer in 2003. Clearly, Sarah’s positive attitude, dedication, and strong work ethic were factors in her success.
Now that she’s earned her CCNA certification, Sarah is searching for her dream job as a networking professional and is eager to work as part of an information technology team. “The Networking Academy has provided a very strong background” asserts Sarah. During interviews, Sarah is pleased to be able say that she has actually used the equipment in a lab environment instead of just having simulator experience. Her future plans include becoming a network engineer with Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) credentials, potentially specializing in VoIP.
When asked what she enjoyed most about the Networking Academy, Sarah replies “the challenge…it was definitely the longest time I ever studied and focused on earning a certification. Passing the CCNA exam was the reward for the hard work.”
Her advice to others who are interested in the Networking Academy is “stay dedicated to it and don’t stray.” In addition, she suggests “learn the material, don’t just memorize it. Don’t get discouraged … keep at it, and practice, practice, practice.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at the University of Montana, visit: www.mso.umt.edu Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Nebraska Student and Graduate Profile
Stephen became interested in technology at an early age when he installed a simple Ethernet network in his home with a hub and two computers. His curiosity led him to seek out a rigorous, technology-oriented class: the Cisco Networking Academy. In 2003, Stephen began the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) courses at Hemingford High School. He says “the hands-on laboratory assignments meshed well with the textbook theory to make the materials and concepts understandable and fun.”
In addition to his studies at Hemingford, Stephen also worked part time at Mobius Communications. “Utilizing techniques, concepts, and protocols gained from four semesters of Networking Academy CCNA training, I’ve helped my company’s networks become more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. I have found the fundamental knowledge of IP subnetting, TCP/IP, the OSI reference model, routing protocols, and VLANs very helpful in making our cross-platform technology reach its potential.”
Stephen graduated from Hemingford High School in 2006, obtained his CCNA and A+ certifications, and was accepted to the JD Edwards Honors Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he is currently studying computer engineering.
Stephen also works part-time at Mobius Communications implementing new technology, undertaking research and development, troubleshooting end user problems, and planning network expansions within their growing organization. “The training I received in the Networking Academy’s CCNA class has been instrumental in enhancing my skills and the efficiency of Mobius’ information technology.”
After completing his undergraduate degree, Stephen plans to pursue his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification. His ultimate goal is to become a network engineer or system administrator for a Fortune 500 company.
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at Hemingford High School, visit: http://hemingfordschools.org/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Nevada Student and Graduate ProfileBen Martin’s visual impairment has not hindered his ability to excel in a career as an information technology (IT) professional. He has achieved his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and is currently living in Las Vegas working as a senior network engineer. “Through the use of technology, I have been able to accomplish my goals. I encourage anybody with an interest in IT, regardless of any disability, to let the Cisco Networking Academy be their foundation.”
Legally blind since birth, Ben says he always had a keen interest in technology. He recalls taking apart computers at a young age to see how they worked and took advantage of the technology offered at the schools he attended early in his education. Ben began taking the Networking Academy’s CCNA course while in high school at Puget Sound Skills Center in Seattle, Washington. “Our class was responsible for the school’s network and other offsite locations, and I became the point person to help maintain those networks.”
After graduating from high school in 2003, Ben moved to Las Vegas to be closer to his father. He enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada specifically because they offered the Networking Academy. While taking the course, Ben worked part time in the college’s networking lab where he says he gained hands-on practical experience working on Cisco technology. In addition, he participated in the regional SkillsUSA competition and placed second in the Internetworking contest.
In 2005, Ben completed both the CCNA course and certification and soon began working full time for Connecting Point Las Vegas as a senior network engineer. “I am responsible for day-to-day operations for six individual companies, all with different environments, equipment needs, and goals. While I report to my bosses, I also directly report to the company executives and owners whose networks I manage.” Ben adds, “I use my Networking Academy knowledge and skills every day to either make my customers happy, or to make life easier for myself and my company.”
While his visual impairment has its everyday challenges, Ben says when it comes to working in networking in general, the adjustments are minor. Though he cannot read text for extended periods of time, he does utilize the larger font sizes available on most applications. Most of the time, however, he simply relies on his high-powered magnifying glass which helps him to read serial numbers and product codes.
Ben plans to complete his associate’s degree in applied science in computer internetworking and earn Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification. In addition, he aspires to become an attorney. “I’ve searched the term ‘blind lawyers’ online and have come across some cool applications being used in today’s courtrooms, like real-time narration and programs that load documents into an earpiece. Technology makes anything possible!”
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at Puget Sound Skills Center, visit: http://www.seatacosc.org
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at the College of Southern Nevada, visit: http://www.csn.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
New Hampshire Student and Graduate Profile
Initially, Daniel had little interest in computers and technology; however, after spending a high school summer working in an IT department, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in networking. “In high school I worked for a few years under the school district’s network administrator doing anything from building and repairing computers, to running network cables and wiring jacks. By the end of high school, I was very knowledgeable with computers, but did not have a great understanding of networks and how they operated.” After researching schools online, Daniel decided the Cisco Networking Academy at NHTI would be the perfect place to develop his skills within the networking field. He began his first class in 2004.
“I found the labs and instructors were the most helpful for me in successfully completing the Networking Academy’s CCNA program. It was very rewarding to work with students who had already spent time working in the field. They had great experience to share and it was exciting to learn from them.” In August 2005, Daniel was able to obtain his CCNA certification. “The biggest challenge I had was remembering all of the information covered in the Networking Academy curriculum. It takes me multiple times of reading something to fully understand and remember it. So, it took a great deal of time on my part to study for the chapter tests and the certification exam. However, getting certified and getting a great job has made it well worth it.”
As an information systems analyst at Liberty Mutual, Daniel’s responsibilities include supporting voice and data networks and remote access. He uses the skills learned in the Networking Academy in his daily activities.
Daniel hopes to obtain his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification in the near future. “I have continued with the Cisco classes after finishing with my CCNA because I enjoy learning more about networking. I feel the added knowledge will help with my career advancement.” Daniel would ultimately like to move into network administration and network security.
For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy at New Hampshire Technical Institute, visit: http://www.nhti.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
New Jersey Student and Graduate Profile
“I was really into computers and internetworking at a young age,” explains Chris. “I started out doing the basic childhood things like playing video games and then took them to another level. I gained a lot of interest in how everything worked and started getting into networking when I was 12 years old,” he says. Another factor was having family members who had worked in the technology field. They encouraged Chris’s interest and inspired him to go further. Chris noticed the comfortable lifestyle his family enjoyed as a result of working in the industry and realized that “by taking my skill to a higher level, I could have a good life, too.”
Although he was already working part-time as an entry level network administrator, Chris knew he’d need to prove his networking skills if he was to move up within the company. Chris’s high school guidance counselor told him about occupational programs offered to juniors and seniors through Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD). Since Chris was eager to strengthen his technical skills, he decided the “Networking Academy was a good fit.” He earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification through MCVSD and, with his certification in hand, has steadily moved up the career ladder.
Chris’ first career success came at age 19 when he was hired as a junior network engineer by a contractor supporting the government. His next career move came recently when he took a new position as Network Engineer at a state-of-the-art U.S. Army research laboratory where new military technologies are tested and implemented. Most of the people Chris works with are 15 to 25 years older, and they often bemoan the fact that there was no such program when they attended high school. “This is true,” says Chris, “and I think everyone should take advantage of this opportunity as it may be your stepping stone to a successful career. Even if you do not plan to attend college for some reason or another, you can use the skills learned through Cisco Networking Academy to help develop a successful career in the networking field.”
What Chris enjoyed most about the Networking Academy was interacting with students from other school districts, his down-to-earth teacher who was willing to help the class in any way possible, and being able to learn the technology hands-on. “When I started out, I did a lot of self-study,” says Chris. “All I did was read books, and I came to understand the real way to learn this stuff is by hands-on activities. The Cisco course offered all of this and more. The hands-on labs explained things better and helped develop my skills, and I had a great teacher, Marty Quigley, who was more than willing to assist me with any problems.”
Reflecting upon his experience in the Networking Academy, Chris says, “It paved the way for me. It gave me enough knowledge to get a better job.” Looking ahead, Chris’ career and education plans include continuing to work full-time, taking online classes at Colorado Technical University, and, since his CCNA certification has expired, seeking re-certification. He also plans to earn his Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certifications.
Outside of work, Chris is a weekend DJ at a local night club and is teaching himself music production. Marty recently invited Chris to serve on the advisory committee for the academy at MCVSD and Chris has accepted. When asked what advice he would give someone who may be interested in the Networking Academy, Chris says “I think the Networking Academy is a great opportunity for anyone interested in new technology. Make sure you are interested in networking, research the job opportunities, and see if this is something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Also, make sure you pay attention and learn as much as possible in the Networking Academy. Knowledge is power, and power leads to success.”
For information on the Networking Academy at Monmouth County Vocational School District: http://www.mcvsd.org/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
New Mexico Student and Graduate Profile
Chris discovered his interest in IT while fulfilling requirements for a business administration major at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). While enrolled in some required computer courses he discovered, “The classes were fun and interesting, and I realized through that experience that the IT industry was right for me.” He switched to a networking technology major and in 2005 began taking Networking Academy classes. Chris explains that through the networking arena, “I could finally do something that challenged and inspired me.”
Chris’ favorites Networking Academy components were the instructors and the content. “The instructors were helpful, knowledgeable, and inspirational,” and even though the rigorous classes challenged him academically, he was driven to continue. Every class was so helpful and fun that he wished CNM had offered more Networking Academy classes. “It was over too quickly!” laughs Chris.
While Chris was enrolled in the Networking Academy, he was offered an internship with INX, Inc., a Cisco Gold Certified Partner that provides a suite of technology solutions that support the entire life-cycle of IP communications. In addition to learning a lot in his internship, Chris caught the attention of INX. After graduating in August 2006 with an associate of applied science degree in network technology and his CCNA certification, Chris was offered a full-time job as a consulting engineer.
Working at INX has also been a great opportunity for Chris to grow and learn in the IT world. He can choose his area of expertise, take classes and certification exams, practice his knowledge in the workplace, and thrive as a productive subject matter expert in the area of Networking Security. Since graduating, Chris has earned his Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) certification and intends to pursue additional certifications including the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE).
Looking back, Chris says, “I feel that the Networking Academy provides students with a great foundation in networking and helps them start a career in IT. I feel I now have a competitive edge and I know that with Cisco's continued growth and the excellent professional environment INX provides, I will always have a place in the IT industry.”
To learn more about the Networking Academy at Central New Mexico Community College, visit: http://www.cnm.edu/depts/bit/index.php Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
New York Student and Graduate Profile
Growing up with two older brothers, one of whom works as an engineer, Sara always wanted to “be like them.” In 2002, while attending high school, she began taking courses in the Networking Academy through a vocational technology program at BOCES where her mother worked. Sara was one of only a few females to take the course, and she says she formed friendships with her classmates that continue to be strong today. “We were all there for the same reason: we wanted to learn the latest technology.” Sara says being able to dedicate two and one-half hours each day to a single course helped her absorb the Networking Academy material and laid a foundation of knowledge that has benefited her ever since.
While in high school, Sara participated in the Vocational Industries Club of America (VICA) regional and state competitions and won a gold medal in the Internetworking contest. In addition, she took on an internship at the BOCES administrative center where she had the opportunity to shadow the IT director in the data center.
Sara graduated high school in 2003 and in that same year accepted a full scholarship to study fiber optics at SUNY. By 2007 she had completed her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and, after working as a summer intern at AKF Technologies, was hired by the company full time as a design engineer.
“I mostly design IT/security/audiovisual systems for our clients as well as put together the specifications to go with the drawings and proposals,” Sara explains. “This requires coordination with all disciplines within our office and compliance with our clients’ wishes. In addition, I’m involved in the interviewing process for staffing our other five offices.” Sara says every day she applies what she learned in the Networking Academy to her current role. “In my line of work, I often have to design to Cisco standards, which makes my knowledge from the Networking Academy valuable to my employer.”
Sara’s next goal is to complete her master’s degree in telecommunications. She also hopes to own her own technology consulting firm.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Erie 1 BOCES, visit: www.eboces.wnyric.org Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
North Carolina Student and Graduate Profile
Rick grew up “when the Internet was just reaching broadband speeds.” He says, “I enjoyed working with computers and after taking a few basic computer classes in high school I decided that my future was in technology.” Rick enrolled at CVCC and took his first Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course as part of his associate’s degree program in information systems. He enjoyed the first semester so much that he decided to take all of the Networking Academy classes offered at CVCC.
Then life became more challenging. Rick was going to school full-time, working part-time, raising a child, and going through a divorce. “Raising a child and working through a divorce were two of the largest challenges I faced while in the Networking Academy,” he acknowledges. “Despite those two challenges, I rarely missed a class and if I did, I would work extra hard to make up what I missed on my own time.” Rick persevered, and completed the Networking Academy CCNA curriculum in May 2007, then earned his CCNA certification five months later.
As a student, Rick enjoyed the lab exercises, saying, “I will admit, I hate sitting down and reading text books; but, after overcoming that challenge, the hands-on labs were my reward. Having physical routers and switches to work with was definitely a large help. Simulators are nice, but having physical equipment makes what you learn really matter. Also, physical equipment adds in that ‘unknown’ factor which introduces extra challenges.”
Rick attributes his success at the Networking Academy to his instructor, Tonya Stephens. “Tonya was the biggest factor in helping me succeed in the Networking Academy. She would stay late, meet you on her off-time, and really take time to explain the concepts to you.” Tonya, on the other hand, says “Rick is successful because he sets goals. He then applies equal parts hard work, an eagerness to learn, and a can-do attitude to achieve those goals. Rick’s diligence set him apart from his fellow students, but that diligence also inspired his classmates to work harder.”
Today, Rick works for Carolina Container Company as an IT technician. He is responsible for PC hardware repair, basic networking repair, software support, and thin client support. On occasion, he also helps other technicians configure Cisco equipment and set up Cisco wireless access points. Having acquired his CCNA certification, Rick has now established a new goal of earning his Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification in Routing and Switching. He would also like to give back to the Networking Academy community by becoming an academy instructor at his alma mater CVCC.
Tonya supports her former student, saying “I believe Rick’s experience as an academy student will provide him with unique insights as an academy instructor. When a student hits a tough spot, Rick will be able to share his experiences as student and offer knowledgeable encouragement as well as quality instruction.”
Rick’s advice to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy is to “Work hard, study hard, and do your own research. The Networking Academy can teach you a great deal, but there is so much to learn that you have to take your own initiative to go out and learn on your own.”
Outside of technology, Rick most enjoys spending time with his daughter. When she is not with him, Rick enjoys reading and playing video games.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Catawba Valley Community College, visit: http://cisco.cvcc.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
North Dakota Student and Graduate ProfileIn 1998, Cole Arndt was enrolled in pre-med courses at Williston State College in North Dakota when the school began offering the Cisco Networking Academy. His plans on becoming a medical doctor changed after taking a computer class with instructor Ken Quamme. “Ken has a way of enticing you enough to lure you in and make you want to learn more.” Cole became one of the first students at the school to take the Networking Academy’s Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course and receive his CCNA certification. He currently works full time at HealthNet LLC as a technical analyst. “If it weren’t for the Networking Academy, I wouldn’t be where I am at today. It has opened the doors for me in many ways.”
As part of his degree program, Cole was required to complete an internship each semester. He assisted in teaching Semester 2 of the CCNA class and also helped managed the technology lab. “Cole was instrumental in assisting in the lab and Cisco class at a time that was very critical to the college,” says Ken. “The program was new to our college, and the only other instructor trained in the curricula was called for military duty in between semesters. I didn’t panic… I just went to Cole, who was an excellent student, and I asked if he would be willing to assist with the CCNA course and labs. His involvement benefited the students, the college, myself, and I believe it gave Cole a great experience in presenting to a group and helping one-on-one.
During his third semester, Cole’s academy class was given the opportunity to design and wire a new training facility that was added to the college campus. He says these experiences helped to reinforce his learning and provided plenty of hands-on learning. By 2000, Cole had completed his courses at the Networking Academy, obtained his CCNA certification, and graduated from Williston State College with an associate’s degree in applied science.
In 2001, Cole decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in applied science at Minot State. Soon after beginning classes, he was hired at HealthNet, LLC, where he is currently employed. Due to his work schedule and the responsibilities that come with a growing family, Cole decided to complete his courses online. “My experience in Internet-based coursework offered by the Networking Academy classes helped me settle right into my classes at Minot State.” Cole graduated from Minot State with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems in 2004.
As a technical analyst with HealthNet, Cole is responsible for managing the installation of an electronic medical record project into three of the four clinics the company services. In addition, he oversees the data center and associated hardware that is used to connect the three remote sites to the center. “The knowledge of Cisco hardware has helped me greatly since our core routers and switches are Cisco products. The methodology that I learned throughout the Networking Academy has helped in troubleshooting problems from network connectivity to programming to working out processes.”
Cole is considering pursuing his master’s degree and has plans to renew his CCNA certification and then complete the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification.
For additional information on the Networking Academy at Williston State College, visit: http://www.wsc.nodak.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Ohio Student and Graduate Profile
“While enrolled in the CCNA course, I was able to work hands-on with actual routers, setting up a simulated wide-area network (WAN) environment,” Terezia recalls. “Some of the Cisco labs were difficult to complete, but they gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learned, develop new methods of problem solving, and enhance my critical-thinking skills. The group discussions we had in class helped me gain confidence in my ideas, and I was able to develop my thoughts well enough to explain them to the other students. My goal was to become Cisco certified before I graduated, and I was very proud to accomplish that goal.”
The program also helped Terezia develop her teaching skills. “Teamwork and communication are important when working on large-scale projects like WANs,” says Terezia. “I was able to share my skills with other students so that we could achieve our common goals by working together. These skills will be of great value in my career.” Academy instructor James Martiny notes that Terezia worked daily to assist a student who had difficulties focusing on class activities. “With Terezia’s help, the student became increasingly engaged in the lab projects, and was able to absorb the knowledge that the labs had to offer,” James recalls.
Terezia is especially proud to be the first in her family to obtain a college degree. She graduated from Xavier University in May 2006 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Shortly after graduation, Terezia was hired as a customer care agent with Contingent Network Services. Within three months, she was promoted to project coordinator and is now the team lead for her department.
When asked how her education factors into her work, Terezia says, “The skills that I obtained through the Networking Academy have been beneficial in starting my career. My technical comprehension of networks, routers, and configurations has been critical in my ability to execute projects and gain credibility with my field technicians. The Networking Academy helped me develop and enhance personal skills that I use to communicate with coworkers. These skills have established a firm foundation from which to build my career.”
Shortly after graduation, Terezia was hired as a customer care agent with Contingent Network Services. Within three months, she was promoted to project coordinator and is now the team lead for her department.
To learn more about the Networking Academy at Briggs High School, visit www.columbus.k12.oh.us/brigghs Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Oklahoma Student and Graduate Profile
While attending Booker T. Washington High School, Otis enrolled in and completed both the CCNA and CCNP courses at Tulsa Technology Center where he earned dual credit for his Networking Academy coursework. Somehow Otis also found time to participate in the SkillsUSA competitions, and during his senior year he placed first at the Oklahoma state Internetworking competition.
Otis realized that it was also important for him to give back to his local academy, so he organized an opportunity for students in the program to intern at his company. Students worked with live networks, participated in customer interactions, and shadowed employees.
Although Otis’ greatest challenge was managing his ISP while going to school, he says he would not trade this experience, as it set him up for his success. Otis credits the Networking Academy for training him on the use of Cisco equipment, which he uses on a daily basis while managing his ISP.
Otis is currently a sophomore attending the University of Tulsa and plans to obtain his CCNA and CCNP certifications and earn his bachelor of science in information systems technology. He works full time as the Director of Operations for his ISP company and has aspires to start a new telecommunications company, OCOSA TeleCom, LLC.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Tulsa Technology Center, visit: http://www.tulsatech.com/bcd_econ_dev_tip.htm Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Oregon Student and Graduate Profile
Jeff learned about Cisco Networking Academy from his grandfather, an electrical engineer who has worked in the telecommunications industry for a number of years. Jeff had always been interested in electronics, but never really worked in the field, pursuing religious studies and working for a short time in the insurance industry instead. Heeding his grandfather’s advice to acquire additional skills, Jeff returned to Southwest Oregon Community College in the fall of 2001, this time enrolling in the Networking Academy to learn Cisco equipment and networking principles. While Jeff was studying the Networking Academy curriculum, his “general knowledge of computers, ability to pick things up quickly, and a desire to know the material” served him well. Class time with instructors and hands-on labs also were important. Jeff shares, “It gave a focused environment to learn the material that trying to learn it on your own doesn’t give.”
Jeff earned his Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) certification in 2002, which was quickly followed by three other certifications: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft MCP Small Business Specialist. When asked about his pursuit of multiple certifications, Jeff commented, “The Networking Academy was my first experience with certifications and something I really enjoyed.”
In February 2002, Jeff started his own company, ComputerWorks, which has since been awarded contracts with the City of Coos Bay and a number of local businesses. “For the work I do, including a lot of desktop support and Windows server, I needed a broad knowledge base. There is plenty of work here for those skills” says Jeff. “Until recently it was primarily the general networking principles that were most important; however, we picked up a client that uses Cisco equipment and since then I have been able to put that specific knowledge to good use.”
When he is not working, Jeff engages in religious studies and coaches a boys’ basketball team. His future career goals include earning his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification and completing a bachelor’s degree in Bible studies and possibly engineering. But for now, he intends to “stay where I am and be a part of everything with my family.” With a business of his own, a wife and four children at home, and extended family nearby, life is good and Jeff is thankful for his grandfather’s good advice.
Jeff’s advice to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy is to “Go for it! Make sure you’re ready to focus on the coursework and immerse yourself in the labs. The courses are a great foundation: they give you the networking principles and [the] OSI [model] applies to more than networking.”
For information on the Networking Academy at Southwest Oregon Community College: http://www.socc.edu/index.html Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Pennsylvania Student and Graduate Profile
Growing up with her parents and three siblings, Kasey’s dream was to become a cardiologist so that she could heal and help people. Kasey attended Philadelphia High School for Girls, considered to be the best public high school in Philadelphia, where she knew she would be prepared for colleges and universities of higher education. She excelled at Girls’ High School, taking Advanced Placement courses in nearly every subject, playing the viola, studying dance, and volunteering for a number of community programs. All the while, her sights were set on medical school. In the spring of her senior year, however, Kasey's options were broadened with the opening of Cisco Networking Academy at Girls’ High School.
One of the first 20 students to enroll in the Networking Academy at Girls High School, Kasey completed two courses of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum. Networking Academy classes required a commitment above and beyond standard course work with classes held from 7 to 8:15 a.m., before the start of the school day. But it was well worth the effort for Kasey.
“The Networking Academy gave me a new and different learning experience,” says Kasey. “First, it encouraged independent thinking. The focus is on learning rather than cramming and regurgitating information. Second, I was actually learning how the Internet works through a refreshing approach to teaching that combined videos, Internet access, and Cisco resources.”
“My experiences with the Networking Academy and the RCN opened my eyes to how engineering and computer technology can impact people’s lives. I thought the world of networking was cool and that in the long run it would be helpful to my academic career,” recalls Kasey.
In the fall of 2000, Kasey enrolled as a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “I wouldn’t have considered going to an engineering school were it not for the Networking Academy,” says Kasey. She notes, “Men have dominated engineering and science for so long that stereotypes have evolved that exclude women. So, women lack support when it comes to a career in engineering and technology. Women need good role models in this field and the Networking Academy helped me understand that, as a woman, I could succeed in an engineering environment.”
While Kasey had considered majoring in computer science, during her sophomore year she declared a major in chemical engineering with a minor in biotechnology and a concentration in Japanese. Her interests lie at the intersection of computer science and nano- and biotechnology in areas such as bioinformatics, silicon biology, and drug delivery.
In addition to academic study, Kasey performed research at Langer Labs where she worked on bioengineering projects that involved the development of fluorescent markers for cancer detection and microchip drug delivery. Kasey was also the president of a dance company, treasurer of the Black Students’ Union, and a member of the Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Black Woman’s Alliance, and the Red Cross Disaster Action Team.
As part of MIT’s Women’s Initiative, Kasey visited high schools throughout the country meeting with high school students, especially girls, to encourage them to enter science and engineering fields. As Kasey continues to be a role model for other young women, she credits her own role model with her success and achievement. “My mother is my role model. Responsible, dedicated, committed, a great friend, and a great parent.’
After graduating from MIT, Kasey worked at Hitachi Research Lab in Japan. She recently returned to Philadelphia to attend Temple Law School with a tuition scholarship and other merit and need-based awards. Kasey is scheduled to graduate in May 2008.
During the summer of 2007 Kasey was an intern at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office. She also worked at Temple Legal Aid in the spring and Legal Advocacy for Patients in the fall. Kasey has many interests which include public interest law as well as a possible career in politics or as a judge. She has also completed research in intellectual property law and is interested in working at an intellectual property or patent law firm after graduating from Temple Law School.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Girls High School, visit: http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/g/girlshigh Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Rhode Island Student and Graduate Profile
Three years and eight surgeries later, the doctor told David that he would no longer be able to work as an auto mechanic. David began investigating other careers and his brother, who was already working in a networking position, suggested David investigate the field of information technology (IT). David looked in to Cisco Networking Academy at the Community College of Rhode Island and, less than four years later, earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
At times it was a challenge for David to balance school, studying, marriage, and raising two children, all while undergoing rehabilitation from a life-changing injury, but David was driven by a desire to do better in life and to make a good living for his family. He invested much of his time in study, which was evidenced by his graduation at the top of his class. “I was not like this in high school” laughs David. By his own admission, “I did not have the drive then, and the material was just not interesting; but now, I would rather read a Cisco manual than a novel!”
David says he enjoyed the entire program, especially the labs. “There was lots of equipment, and I loved being able to work hands-on with actual Cisco equipment. We could set up test networks in the classroom and that was better than just a simulator. The books and online curriculum were also great. They were laid out well and pretty easy to follow,” David says enthusiastically. “And the instructors were great, I had an excellent instructor who believed in me,” he adds.
David is so passionate about the Networking Academy that he was instrumental in getting his brother— who was already working in the networking area but had no formal information technology education or training— to enroll. Today, some of the same teachers who taught David are now teaching his brother. David has encouraged a mechanic friend to enroll in the academy as well!
David’s younger brother, Adam, also has his CCNA certification. They attended classes for CCNA 3 and 4 together and, at times, would get into friendly competitions and strive to outdo each other. David believes this friendly competition caused both of them to raise the level of their game and do better as a result. The Networking Academy “has changed my life” says David. “It gave me a good base education for networking that I can apply in the future and I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in networks, TCP/IP, or technology.”
David has since begun a career as a network/systems engineer for ACS Services, Inc., a consulting firm that provides information technology service and support for small to mid-sized companies in Massachusetts. His responsibilities include administering and maintaining networks and equipment for clients and he says he applies the skills that he’s learned through the Networking Academy on a daily basis. David is delighted with his job—he has a lot of variety, never gets bored, and learns something new every day—and he’s enthusiastic about his life, which he describes as less stressful and more financially rewarding. When he talks about his experience with Networking Academy David says, “It is a great program and an excellent way to obtain a career in the networking field,” says David.
His injured arm may limit what he can do, but it will not stop David from eventually earning his Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certifications, especially since his brother is already studying for the
CCNP certification exams. Outside of work, David enjoys playing and watching baseball, snowboarding, fishing … and reading Cisco manuals.
For additional information on the Networking Academy at the Community College of Rhode Island, go to: http://faculty.ccri.edu/tonyrashid/ccna.htm Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
South Carolina Student and Graduate Profile
Scott originally enrolled at Piedmont Technical College in 1997 to pursue a degree in business administration. To earn enough money for college, Scott worked nearly 60 hours each week as a bartender and waiter and lived in a friend’s garage. “Those first years were tough,” Scott recalls, “So I took a break from school so I could earn some money.” To help out, his manager at the restaurant where Scott worked offered Scott a room in his home and even let Scott borrow his car. “I was blown away. You don’t meet people like that every day.”
Through those difficult times, Scott never lost his desire to pursue his education. Even though he had never been on the Internet and considered himself “PC illiterate,” when he came across a flyer promoting the Networking Academy at Piedmont Tech, Scott decided to enroll in the Networking Academy’s Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course. “I didn’t even know what Cisco was, but I knew I didn’t want to wait tables forever, so I decided to take charge of my life.” Soon he was taking classes full time while working part time at the college as a network technician troubleshooting networks and repairing computers.
Scott’s academy instructor Norm Wiseman was a source of inspiration for Scott. “He was always there for me. I knew nothing about computers and networking before I started his class. Norm and the Networking Academy gave me the confidence to pursue my career goals.”
Scott was able to take advantage of a National Science Foundation scholarship while at Piedmont Tech and graduated in 2004 with an associate’s degree in computer technology. Scott’s instructor wasn’t surprised by Scott’s success, “Scott was one of my best students and received top grades.”
Scott continued working for the college until 2006 when he interviewed at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina as a desktop support technician. “I was hired the day of my interview. I believe having gone through the CCNA course gave
Scott plans to earn his CCNA certification within the next few months. “The Networking Academy changed my life. It gave me a career path and the direction I needed to succeed. Over the three years I have been in the IT field, I have learned to seek out challenges and to never stop trying. You don’t really know what you’re capable of until you push yourself.”
To learn more about the Networking Academy at Piedmont Technical College visit: http://www.ptc.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
South Dakota Student and Graduate Profile
Houston has been on the technology track since the seventh grade when he dual-enrolled in his first course at LATI in the computer information services program. “Investigating the workings of technology has always intrigued me. Computers and networking technologies are areas where I was able to focus my interest,” says Houston. Having completed the majority of his required high school courses by his junior year, in May 2007 Houston earned an associate of science degree from LATI and his CCNA and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certifications just two weeks before he received his high school diploma. “I enjoyed the mix of both the practical hands-on experience and higher level theory that the Networking Academy introduced. I am excited to use my skills to obtain a job and excel at my studies at MIT.”
Along with his academic studies, Houston served as Vice President of LATI’s tech club and placed second at the national 2007 SkillsUSA internetworking competition. Houston has also given back to his community, working as a Website collaborator and serving as the multimedia technician for his local church, all the while maintaining a 3.95 GPA.
In the spring of 2007, Houston was a recipient of a Cisco Networking Academy 4R Recognition Award in the Results category, which recognizes students and graduates who demonstrate the impact of the Networking Academy in creating opportunities for career, educational, or personal development. “Houston has several interests and very lofty goals. He does not do anything halfheartedly,” says his academy instructor at LATI, Mark Wayt. “Knowing Houston as I do, I expect him to continue to achieve the goals he sets for himself.”
Currently, Houston is enrolled at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned early acceptance in December 2006. He is pursuing a degree in computer science and hopes to graduate in 2011. His ultimate goal is to obtain a job in information technology and earn Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) certification by age 20.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Lake Area Technical Institute, visit: http://lati.tec.sd.us/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Tennessee Student and Graduate Profile
Betty signed up for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course to fulfill a degree requirement, and became a Cisco enthusiast during the first semester. In her words, “The course challenged me and brought me over a learning curve I had never experienced. The way the content was written and labs were taught made me think in a different way.”
After Betty experienced learning “the Cisco way,” she was hooked. “The Cisco Networking Academy measures not what you’ve read, but what you understand and can do,” Betty explains. “It builds conceptual and technical understanding. When you’re taught how to do something, it’s a deeper learning experience and it produces consistent performance.”
Shortly after returning to school, Betty was offered a position as an enterprise technologist III at First Tennessee Bank, which had become First Horizon National. She moved into the enterprise technology division of the bank, monitoring their ATM, server, switch, and router environments, while attending school. “I finished all of my degree-required classes in December 2005,” Betty recalls, “but I wanted to complete the Networking Academy courses, and did so in May 2006.” The additional work allowed Betty to earn an IT communications degree rather than an IT generalist degree. She obtained her CCNA certification in April 2006 and graduated summa cum laude the following month.
Betty has recently taken on additional responsibilities which allow her to apply her CCNA networking knowledge in a LAN environment and provide second-level desktop and application support to more than 500 users at the check processing center. She has also been tasked with providing remote support for the bank’s switches state-wide. “Although my title stayed the same, I earned a raise and an opportunity to broaden my skill set,” says Betty. She plans to enroll in the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) classes to expand her certifications.
“Having met the Cisco challenge is a source of encouragement for me,” adds Betty. “I’m a mother of three who finally completed college. There is no stopping point now. I am not limited. I can do anything.” Betty recently completed her Networking Academy instructor training and is teaching in the continuing education program at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
To learn more about the Networking Academy at Southwest Tennessee Community College, visit www.soutwest.tn.edu Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Texas Student and Graduate Profile
Lelia has overcome her share of challenges both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to working a full-time job, going to school, and single-handedly running a household while raising teenagers, Lelia had to overcome the challenge of being one of only a handful of women in the academy, and the only older woman returning to school.
Lelia recalls a day when she walked into the classroom and discovered a male classmate had already cabled her router for her. When Lelia asked him why, he replied “Well, because you’re a girl!” Determined to maximize her learning experience and do it on her own, Lelia made it clear that she would not be requiring any help. She followed that up with being the first one to scramble up the ladder to pull wires through the ceiling, and soon the rest of the class became entwined in friendly competitions that made the class even more fun.
In retrospect, Lelia recalls feeling intimidated by a classroom full of men, but her drive to learn the material and determination to face her fears got her through. Having demonstrated she was a force to be reckoned with, Lelia continued to work hard, earned an associate of science degree and an associate of applied science network administration degree, and then transferred to the University of Houston at Victoria where she earned her bachelor of science degree in computer science, information systems.
Then came the challenge of job interviews. Lelia had interviewed for various positions and, even though she was qualified, it took her almost one year to secure her current position. She remembers all too well sitting across from inattentive male interviewers who were not about to give a newly-minted, middle-aged, female graduate a break in a male dominated industry. She persisted, and is now working at a company which runs its network on Cisco equipment where she says she feels right at home.
Lelia attributes a large part of her success to the labs and to her Networking Academy instructor. Says Lelia: “Sharon Wagner was very encouraging and made the course fun. We played Jeopardy against each other to instill knowledge of terms and protocols and she held competitions to see who could get their network up and running first. Sharon was able to create an environment where students could learn through trial and error, giving instructions and turning the students loose, but always there to help students learn through their mistakes. She even allowed the students to perform the upgrade for the academy lab equipment.” Lelia enjoyed the hands-on experience of being able to actually configure a network from scratch and the satisfaction of watching it come up and “talk” across the wires. She also enjoyed surprising herself by what she was able to accomplish.
As Network Specialist at the Fort Bend County Libraries, Leila is in charge of the network, routing, switching, servers, firewall, and security for all eight library branches. “I have been involved in configuring and bringing up two new voice over IP switches in the network and I have also been involved in adding network modules and configuring existing routers in order to bring up new T1 lines to existing library branches. We will be adding two more library branches onto the network within the next two years and that is an exciting adventure on the horizon.”
With the library expansion and the possibilities that her college degree and networking knowledge and experience have created for her, Lelia is excited about future opportunities. “It was difficult breaking into the networking field as a middle-aged woman,” says Lelia, but she is now confident that “with this experience under my belt I can go anywhere and obtain any job.” Plus, having surprised herself with her achievements, Lelia now enjoys surprising others and seeing their reaction when they learn she is the networking administrator.
Outside of technology, Lelia enjoys traveling, fishing, camping, and sewing. Her children are now grown and on their own and extremely proud of their mother. Her advice to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy is, “Go for it. … If you have an analytical mind, enjoy command line type of computing, and can ’see’ the big picture as far as being able to picture a network and analyze what is happening, then success will abound in the Networking Academy.”
To learn more about the Networking Academy at Victoria College, go to: http://www.victoriacollege.edu/workforce/cis/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Utah Student and Graduate Profile
Rachael first learned of the Networking Academy through the Weber State telecommunications administration program and her advisor and instructor, Ken Cuddeback. Since Rachel had no prior knowledge or experience in networking, she was nervous about taking the Cisco classes, which were required as part of the telecom program. But Rachael could see that “technology is everywhere you turn, in everything you do. I wanted to be one of the people working in technology and to know the ins and outs of it. I knew that in order to grow my career, I would need to know technology.” So with Ken’s encouragement and support, Rachael set out to learn networking and telecommunications.
“Watching Rachael grow over the past few years has been an inspiration for me. Seeing her tenacity inspired me to continue working on my Ph.D. knowing that her obstacles were far higher than my own,” says Ken.
Being a single mother, working full-time, and attending school full-time made every day a challenge. It was a struggle at times, but Rachael took it day by day, class by class, and paper by paper. “I don’t know how I did it,” exclaims Rachael, “but I was determined to meet my goal and make a better life for my son and myself.” Although the networking courses were challenging, she never gave up, and Rachael is now studying for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam, which she plans to sit for in 2008. As far as she knows, no woman at Weber State University has earned her CCNA certification, and Rachael had made up her mind that she will be the first.
In retrospect, Rachael says what she enjoyed most about the Networking Academy was the “experience I gained, the knowledge I never ever imagined I would gain, and the friendships I made.” She attributes her success to the course content, instructor, labs, and classmates. “I was able to gain hands-on experience with new and interesting equipment. Without the labs I don’t know if I would have been able to fully grasp the ideas. The content and labs gave me a better understanding of what was being taught and to have a knowledgeable instructor available to help out only solidified my success,” says Rachael. She especially enjoyed the labs and would deliberately mess something up so she could fix it, experimenting with different paths to solving the problem knowing that real-life situations would require multiple options to problem-solving.
A lot has changed for Rachael. Simply put, Rachael says “I am 100% more confident in everything I do.” She enjoys knowing that she can effectively collaborate with her co-workers as a peer, and that she has earned the respect of her colleagues. Recently married, Rachael is now employed as a telecommunication specialist for MarketStar Corporation and is responsible for the cellular equipment. With MarketStar’s plan to migrate to Cisco Call Manager, Rachael is excited about the experience she will gain assisting in the migration.
When asked what advice she would give to others who might be interested in the Networking Academy, Rachael says “Don’t give up. No matter how difficult life becomes, don’t give up.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at Webster State University, go to: http://departments.weber.edu/ce/pd/Cisco/default.htm Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Vermont Student and Graduate Profile
Melissa’s interest in computers and information technology (IT) began when her brother gave her an old IBM PC. It booted up with DOS and, as she recalls, was “massive.” She picked up computer technology pretty fast and, from there, her interest in IT grew. Melissa drew upon that interest years later to get through her Networking Academy days, which included commuting 45 minutes to CCV and working nearly 40 hours a week at a local grocery store to put herself through school.
Melissa particularly enjoyed the labs and routers in the Networking Academy, acknowledging “I’m more of a hands-on person. I have to do it myself or I won’t get it. I really learned a lot more that way.” She also liked her classmates and her teacher, Jane Donahue-Holt, whom Melissa says “was absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable. If I had trouble, she would come over to help, explain what happened, and what to do next time.”
Melissa attributes her success to working hard and trying her best at everything she does. “I’m not satisfied with just getting by. I’ll keep at it until I learn it and can apply it. I want to get the ‘A’ instead of being satisfied with the ‘C.’ She applies this same desire to excel in her current studies at Champlain College where she is working on her thesis for her degree in computer and digital forensics. Little has been written on the importance of storing digital forensics information and Melissa is excited to contribute both to the literature and the case for establishing forensic databases at the police department, state, and national levels to facilitate the sharing, integration, and analysis of information.
Melissa’s advice to others who may be interested in the Networking Academy is to “Prepare yourself for a lot of hard work. It’s very enjoyable, but you have to be able to put the time in to be successful at it.” Hard work notwithstanding, Melissa says, “All the information is worth it and the rewards are definitely there at the end.”
When she is not working or studying, Melissa enjoys a variety of hobbies and interests. Her outdoor interests include hiking, biking, swimming, and white water rafting. Her indoor interests include a passion for cooking and experimenting with new recipes, spending time with friends and family, reading, and constant learning. “I’m always wanting to learn something new. … I love learning!” Melissa says enthusiastically.
For information on the Networking Academy at Community College of Vermont at Burlington: http://www.ccv.edu/degree/network_admin Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Virginia Student and Graduate Profile
Charles enrolled in Cisco Networking Academy as a sophomore at James River High School in Midlothian, Virginia and, within the next two years, not only earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification but also began his own PC repair and network installation service. By the time he graduated from college, Charles had leveraged his three years of experience as an information technology (IT) business owner to land a corporate IT job where he soon earned a promotion.
Charles first heard of the Networking Academy from Linda Lester, his freshman computer instructor at James River High School. Charles notes, “Cisco seemed to be the major network vendor to know, so when there was an opportunity for me to learn it, I jumped at it.” Linda, who taught some of the Networking Academy classes, allowed Charles to enroll as a sophomore even though the school restricted the curriculum to juniors and seniors.
He continued his technical education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). “The Cisco courses gave me a huge leap ahead of nearly every other student enrolled in the Information Systems program,” Charles explains. “I had already learned the basics behind the technologies, which allowed me to work on the content of various projects through my college career instead of having to first catch up to the principles. The courses gave me the background necessary to open doors to other information systems disciplines such as programming, hardware prototyping, and database design.”
Although Charles had been running his small network installation and PC repair business for three years, in his junior year of college he decided he needed more corporate experience. Charles began working as a seasonal information systems technician at Kings Dominion, a theme park in nearby Doswell, and was promoted to Information Systems engineer where he is now responsible for the network infrastructure and designing and modifying corporate and local level applications used throughout the organization. Charles also maintains back office and point-of-sale systems and administers two of the primary SQL servers.
Charles commented on his Networking Academy education: “Many of the things I learned taking the Cisco courses I still apply today, even in an environment that is not fully network based. Many of the diagnostic skills you learn in Cisco carry over with you no matter what field of IS you are working in.”
Charles graduated from VCU in December 2007 with a bachelor’s degree of science in information systems. He plans to earn a master’s degree in computer information systems security in the next two years.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the Networking Academy, Charles replied “I felt challenged throughout the program, more so than most of my classes at the time. I had an interest in the material and principles, and I knew it would benefit me throughout my career. Finally, the teacher, Ms. Lester is one of the best I have ever had.”
Charles remains in touch with his former instructor, serving on the advisory committee at Chesterfield Technical Center where Linda now teaches. Linda adds, “Charles has been an active member of our advisory council for the past year. He attends and participates in all activities such as speaking to the classes and working with the second year students on their gaming event and capstone project. He is a great guy and continues to work with our students.”
When Charles is not working on computers, he builds houses and enjoys fishing, going to the beach, and gaming. Looking back he says, “The Networking Academy has given me a distinct advantage throughout my career. It provides both the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to work in the real world. It opened doors for me and gave me the confidence to walk through them.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at James River High School: http://jrhs.ccpsnet.net/ or http://jrhs.ccpsnet.net/cte_infosystech.php Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Washington Student and Graduate Profile
Laura recalls always planning for the future while attending New Market Skills Center. While in school, she developed a student portfolio and attended several job fairs and lectures on interviewing skills. As a Networking Academy student, she participated in a six-day, 15-hour job-shadowing internship at the Olympia Auto Mall. There, she learned the dynamics of an office environment and the importance of interpersonal and technology skills in the workplace.
To foster her interest in technology while earning her degree, Laura applied to be a volunteer in the Northwest University’s information technology (IT) department. Impressed with her abilities and certification credentials, the director of the department not only gave Laura the position, but also offered her a $4,000 scholarship per semester to be used toward tuition. Laura enjoys her current intern position at Northwest as it allows her to both utilize her networking skills and offset the cost of tuition. “The fact that I have already been offered a full-time job with the college once I graduate has really made all my work in the Networking Academy worth the hours of time and effort.”
In addition to her studies and work, Laura has also been active in SkillsUSA, a national student leadership organization. In her first year of participation, she took home third place in the state Internetworking competition. The following year she won the gold medal and subsequently attended the National Skills USA competition.
Laura has earned an associate in arts and sciences degree as well as received nine scholarships and awards. In 2007, she was the recipient of a Cisco Networking Academy 4R Award for her achievements in the program. In addition, Laura has earmed seven industry certifications which include CCNA and CIW as well as Microsoft Office Specialist in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint.
Laura finds time to give back to her community by volunteering network assistance at the Boys and Girls Club of America, Wenatchee Skills Center, and Timberland Regional Library. She aspires to earn a degree in business administration, pursue Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) coursework, and eventually open her own nonprofit IT consulting business.
“If it hadn't been for the people in my life willing to take an interest and helping me, I wouldn't have tapped into the self-confidence that I have today. I am really thankful for my teachers, classmates, mentors and coworkers.”
For more information on the Networking Academy at New Market Skills Center, visit: http://www.nmvsc.com/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
West Virginia Student and Graduate Profile
Joe helped organize study sessions and, along with other students, created competitive scenarios for classmates using the lab exercises. “A fellow student and I used to go out and buy Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE) lab books early in the CCNA program and try to work through the labs. We would go in on Saturday mornings and find labs that would work on our devices and work all day to make it through the lab exercises.” As he gained more knowledge, Joe found other students started looking to him for help, and once that expectation was placed on him, Joe felt he had to live up to it. Joe’s leadership, teaching, and mentoring talents emerged and eventually led to teaching opportunities and job promotions.
Joe was already working a full-time PC support job at the U.S. Department of the Treasury when he enrolled in the academy. Working full-time and going to school was demanding; but, true to form, Joe rose to the challenge and worked hard at both. With the knowledge and experience he was gaining in the academy, he was promoted from PC support to a network administrator position while still in college.
Additionally, explaining Cisco course material to fellow students laid the groundwork for gaining a weekend teaching position at a technical college in Ohio. “There was a five-year period where I was stretched pretty thin,” remembers Joe, but the challenge to always learn something new kept him going. In 2004, a few semesters after completing his last class, Joe returned to the academy at WVU-P as an instructor.
Looking back, Joe credits the hands-on experience and the CCNA capstone project for helping him succeed. With the hands-on experience, “You knew you could walk into any position working on Cisco equipment and know what you were doing.” The capstone project entailed designing a network for a fictitious school system; but, recognizing the opportunity to learn even more about network design, Joe worked beyond the basic project requirements. He explains: “The more I added to my project, the more I wanted to explore. Even after the class was over, I continued to work on the project and used it as part of my job application when I applied for my first systems administrator job.”
Joe is currently the project manager and team lead for the Department of Treasury’s PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) Shared Service Provider (SSP) program. As a result, Joe says “Treasury now provides a trusted, audited, federally-approved infrastructure that is recognized by and interoperable with other government agencies. Since being approved, we have signed on NASA, Social Security Administration, Main Treasury, and Department of Homeland Security, among other agencies.”
For his work with achieving SSP Status for Treasury's PKI program, Joe was honored as a Mulligan Award Finalist this year. The Patrick J. Mulligan Service Award is a special act award given annually to one Public Debt employee who demonstrates exemplary service to the Public Debt community and customers as demonstrated by a positive “can-do” attitude, productive interactions with customers, and conscientious attempts to provide service.
Joe hopes to continue advancing at the Department of Treasury, expand his scope of influence, and help improve government IT in as many areas as he can. Although he has taken a few semesters off from teaching, he intends to return to the academy as a Cisco instructor in the near future. “It really is rewarding” says Joe. “You have the opportunity to turn someone on to technology, to shape someone’s career, and affect their life.”
In addition to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification and Cisco Certified Academy Instructor (CCAI) designation, Joe has earned a number of Microsoft, Dell, and other industry certifications. He has his sights set on Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and perhaps Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certifications as well.
When he is not working for the Treasury, Joe provides Web design services and has fun being a dad to his 19-month old son. He also enjoys online gaming and hosts large gaming events for co-workers (including several former Networking Academy students) at his home three times a year.
For more information on the Networking Academy at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, visit: http://www.wvup.edu/ Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Wisconsin Student and Graduate Profile
When Mark enrolled in the Networking Academy in 2001, he had several reasons. In addition to his desire to enhance his knowledge of networking technologies and Cisco equipment, Mark wanted to gain earn his CCNA certification and help one of his children prepare for college. Mark’s oldest son Ryan was a senior in high school at the time and preparing to attend college and major in electrical engineering. Ryan wanted some exposure to networking technologies, so when Mark suggested Cisco networking classes, Ryan agreed, and soon father and son were attending classes together. Mark completed his coursework in 2004 and went on to earn his CCNA certification. By the time Ryan headed off to college, he had finished two-thirds of the curriculum. When asked what it was like going to school with his son, Mark exclaims “It was a lot of fun! We got to spend extra time together, played off each others’ strengths, and worked on labs together.”
Time management was often an issue when Mark was enrolled in the academy. “You get out of the class what you put into it,” he says and “I needed to adjust my lifestyle to ensure I had adequate time to prepare for the class and exams.” Working full-time at a job where Cisco equipment was being used while at the same time attending Networking Academy classes and labs at night had a synergistic effect. Mark was able to apply what he learned in the labs to enhance the configuration of the network at work. He was pleased to discover that many of his classmates also worked full-time and brought different strengths and ideas to the academy discussions.
The Networking Academy’s online format made it easy for Mark to work at his own pace and as time allowed. “As a working adult, this was very important to my success,” affirms Mark. “The hands-on labs were a great way for people to learn things and the instructor, Elizabeth Halweg, was always available to assist as needed and help keep the students focused.”
In his position as Director of Information Technology Infrastructure for Appleton Papers, Mark has overall responsibility for the enterprise-wide infrastructure. “The Networking Academy helped solidify my knowledge, enabling me to better develop technology plans to meet our strategic objectives,” says Mark.
Mark also has some responsibility for professional development, and believing in the value of the CCNA curriculum, has encouraged his team members to enroll in the Networking Academy. A few of them have followed his advice and are currently taking Networking Academy classes and pursuing CCNA certification. “It will be a boost for the company,” says Mark.
To those who may be interested in the Networking Academy, Mark offers this advice: “It is well worth the investment in time and effort. It is the stepping stone to a career in networking and provides you with a solid understanding of the principles and technologies that support the infrastructure. Get as much knowledge as you can. You can advance your career even more by improving skills and getting additional certifications like CCNP. The need for IT infrastructure will never diminish. There are great career opportunities
You get to work with new technology and there’s always something new coming out. If you apply yourself, you can really make the equipment dance, and make it a great experience for your customers.”
For information on the Networking Academy at Fox Valley Technical College, go to: http://www.fvtc.edu/public/academics/subjectarea.aspx?area=10 Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
Wyoming Student and Graduate Profile
When Richard was a senior at Dubois High School, a counselor told him about the new Cisco Networking Academy that was starting up at the school. Richard had been interested in computer technology for quite some time, playing video games and helping teachers after school with their computer needs, so he decided to give it a shot. “Doing these things really spiked my interest in technology” says Richard. But around the same time, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Because of his weakened immune system and the chemotherapy he was undergoing, Richard was home-schooled for much of the year and could not attend school with his fellow classmates. With the help of his instructors who would carefully disinfect the equipment, Richard was able to complete the labs after school hours when there were fewer students around.
After high school, Richard took a few Networking Academy classes at the Central Wyoming College and worked as an academy lab tech, tutoring academy students in lower grade levels, and serving as an academy teacher’s aide. When he transferred to the Montana Tech of the University of Montana in Butte, he continued taking Networking Academy classes. In May 2007, Richard graduated with a bachelor of science degree in information technology and design. Richard attributes his past accomplishments to his good attitude, work ethic, and easy-going personality. He is a hard worker who once he sets his mind on doing something, tries his best to carry it out.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the Networking Academy, Richard replies: “The labs, instructors, and fellow classmates. They all contributed to a great learning experience” he says. “The labs were hands-on and I think they gave me skills that will make me marketable in the job market” says Richard. His instructors, in particular, were a great help: “They were interested in me as a person and wanted me to excel in my education.” In fact, it was his academy instructor, Martha Davey, who referred Richard to an internship that eventually led to full-time employment. It was also Martha who told Richard about a position that was vacant at Central Wyoming College.
As a result of both of these referrals, Richard is now an IT onsite analyst with Brunton, Inc., with responsibilities related to help desk, desktop support, and hardware maintenance. In addition, Richard serves as a Cisco adjunct instructor at Central Wyoming College, where he teaches the CCNA curriculum. “The Cisco Networking Academy has given me opportunities I would not otherwise have had,” says Richard.
When asked what he would say to others who may be interested in the Cisco Networking Academy, Richard replies “I think that it’s a very good program. … It gives you skills that today’s employers want to see in their new hires. The Networking Academy has given me the foundation in technology that I need for today’s world.” Richard’s goal is to become an IT manager and is now working toward obtaining his CCNA certification and has plans to take the CCNP exam as well.
When Richard is not working, he enjoys playing video games, Frisbee golf, fishing, boating, hunting, watching the Green Bay Packers.
For more information on the Networking Academy at Central Wyoming College, visit: www.cwc.edu Learn more about Cisco Networking Academy in this state
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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. 
During the middle of her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training at Louisiana Technical College (LTC) Teche Area Campus in New Iberia, Louisiana, Christen Tauzin’s father suddenly passed away. “He was my biggest cheerleader, always inspiring me to be my best. He told me he was proud of me every day, and when he was gone, my desire to go on with my studies was gone too.” Faced with the challenge of continuing her studies and dealing with her grief, Christen reached out to family, friends, and peers in the Cisco Networking Academy to get her through her difficult time. Through their encouragement, Christen was able to move forward and has since enjoyed a high level of satisfaction through her career achievements.
At age 23, Suzanne Jones has accomplished more than some adults twice her age. When talking about her accomplishments, Suzanne credits her experiences in the Cisco Networking Academy as well as her drive to achieve the very best in a career in technology.
As a high school student in Morocco, Hafid Benamara knew he wanted to move to the United States to attend college and pursue his passion for a career in information technology (IT). After graduating from high school in 1995, Hafid worked several years teaching French, Arabic, math, and science and eventually applied for lawful permanent residence (or a “green card”) in the United States. Once his application was approved, Hafid moved to the United States and, today, works at one of the fastest growing IT companies in the country.
Kelly Gheesling never imagined that her career in networking would be launched by a casual conversation in the Cisco section of a book store. Nor did she imagine that conversation would eventually lead to her first professional job as a network engineer. As she was preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification test and browsing the bookshelves for additional Cisco resources another customer commented to her, "Funny, you never really see women interested in networking." Kelly smiled and told him she was preparing for her CCNA exam, and that yes, women could configure routers, too.
In 2001, Todd Hamilton was a single parent to two children, working full time, and attending college. Although it was a difficult time for him and his family, Todd persevered and graduated from the Cisco Networking Academy at Minnesota State and Technical College (MSTC) in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 2003. Today, Todd is working full time at Communicating for America Education Programs, LLC as a Webmaster, continuing his studies in computer programming, and pursuing his dream of working in the technology industry. “The Networking Academy was a perfect choice for me. It really exposed a side of computer technology I had never seen and gave me a clear view of how big the world really is.”
Sometimes finding the right career feels more like climbing a mountain than traveling on a highway. After dropping out of high school, earning his GED, and working different jobs in various fields, Charles Morris wondered if he would ever find his niche. In 2007, as a result of some influence and inspiration from his wife and father-in-law, Charles enrolled at Itawamba Community College (ICC) in Tupelo and starting taking Cisco Networking Academy classes. By July of that year, Charles had landed a full-time job as a network and security administrator for a local employer. He has completed all of his coursework and will receive his associate of applied science degree in LAN/computer servicing technology in May 2008.
At just 18 years old, Kinzie Doll is already well on her way to building a successful career in Information Technology (IT). Her journey in networking began in 2005 when, as a junior at the Summit Technology Academy (STA) in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Kinzie decided to enroll in the Cisco Networking Academy. Since then, Kinzie has not only competed and won at local and state technology competitions but also became the first female to receive a computer certification at STA.
After working in the Antarctic for 11 years providing logistical support to research scientists, Sarah Gundlach was ready to master something new. When she returned home to Frenchtown, Montana, Sarah completed several courses at a local technical college. One of these was a one-week program on routers and switches during which she learned about the Cisco Networking Academy and Cisco certifications. She was so interested in the material that after the one-week course, she actually tried to pass the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam. “Imagine my score after one week” says Sarah. Nevertheless, she was hooked and soon enrolled in the Networking Academy at the University of Montana at Missoula. Two years later, Sarah took the exam again, passed, and earned her CCNA certification. 
When Mobius Communications Company, a high-speed Internet service provider for businesses and homes throughout western Nebraska, contacted Hemingford High School looking for a part-time employee, instructors in the Cisco Networking Academy knew Stephen Stewart would be an excellent fit for their company. In 2002 Stephen, then a freshman at Hemingford High school, was given the opportunity to tour Mobius’ facilities and interview with the general manager. This ultimately led him to a position as an information systems technician.
From interning in his high school information technology (IT) department to working full time as an information systems analyst at Liberty Mutual, Daniel Graichen is pursuing his career goals in the networking industry. After a few short years, he has obtained his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and A+ certifications and is on his way to completing his studies at New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) in Concord, New Hampshire. 
At just 19 years of age, Chris Boker was already well on his way to a rewarding and successful career in network engineering. He attributes his success to the skills and experience he obtained through Cisco Networking Academy.
From the age of 16, Chris Perkins of Albuquerque has lived on his own, working to support himself and attending school. After eight years working a variety of jobs, from security at a local nightclub to assisting a metal fabricator/welder, Chris found his place in the information technology (IT) world through the Cisco Networking Academy. As a result of changing majors and enrolling in the Networking Academy, Chris earned an internship with a high-tech company and turned that experience into an employment offer. Chris feels he has found an industry and company in which he can thrive. He has earned a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) certifications and plans to pursuing additional Cisco certifications down the road. 
Sara Howe is “living a dream.” After taking the Cisco Networking Academy Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) course at Erie 1 BOCES in Buffalo, she received a full scholarship to complete her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications at State University of New York (SUNY) Institute of Technology. She is now pursuing her master’s degree at SUNY while working in Manhattan as an information technology (IT) design engineer at a technical consulting firm. “I love what I do. You never get bored.”
At only 21 years of age, Rick Black has experienced personal challenges that might have sidetracked a less determined individual. As a student at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) in Hickory, Rick was working his way through college, studying for a degree in information systems, going through a divorce, and raising a child. His life has since settled down a bit and today Rick enjoys being a dad and working at his first professional job. He finds himself excited about the future: “Every day, there is something new to learn in technology. My skills grow with each new experience and I look forward to utilizing all the skills I learned in the Cisco Networking Academy in the field.”
When Terezia Matejovic enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy during her last two years at Briggs High School in Columbus, Ohio, she had little knowledge of information technologies. “I just jumped in,” says Terezia, who completed all four Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) courses within the program and received her CCNA certification prior to graduation. At the end of the school year, she was chosen to represent her school and the Networking Academy at a regional Cisco conference.
Otis Surratt Jr. can remember being interested in computers as far back as the age of six. So it wasn’t much of a surprise to learn that by his sophomore year in high school, he had started and is now running his own Internet service provider (ISP), OCOSA Communication, LLC that services clients in both the United States and India. By the time Otis graduated from high school, he had completed two Cisco Networking Academy courses of study, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and had started an internship program for Networking Academy students at his company.
For Jeff Swank, being able to live and work in his home community and having the flexibility that comes from running a business of his own is about as good as it gets. Despite earning an associate of applied science degree in engineering from Southwest Oregon Community College in 1998, three years passed before Jeff focused on technology for his livelihood.
Kasetta “Kasey” Coleman grew up in Philadelphia’s inner city where teen pregnancy, drugs, and minimum wage jobs were the norm. Kasey, however, wanted a different life. By the age of 19, she knew she wanted a college education and a career that would provide her with a good paying job and an opportunity to make a contribution to the community in which she was raised.
When a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee fell from a mechanic’s lift and crushed his arm, David St. Laurent knew the event would be life-changing. But he had no idea that the change would ultimately be positive.
After graduating high school in Texas, Scott Lewis embarked on a journey that led him to South Carolina. With few financial resources but plenty of determination, Scott was able to find success through the Cisco Networking Academy at Piedmont Technical College, earning straight A’s and eventually becoming technical support engineer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina. “I now have a clear direction in life. I am proud of who I am and where I am going, and I know that with the right choices and hard work, I can be successful at whatever I do.”
With an appetite for knowledge and a passion for technology, Houston King excelled in his academic pursuits at an early age. He earned an associate of science degree and early acceptance to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) before his high school graduation. At the same time, while he was attending Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI) in Watertown, South Dakota, Houston completed the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum and passed his CCNA certification. “The Cisco Networking Academy has given me the jumpstart needed to pursue a higher degree in education and has opened the door for obtaining a rewarding career in the information technology industry.”
Betty DeSeck had 17 years of experience in the banking industry when she decided to return to school. She had been working for First Tennessee Bank in Memphis since 1986, first as a teller, then as an ATM specialist, and ultimately as a help desk agent through IBM. In 2003, her contract was ending and Betty knew it was time to pursue something new. “Being a 40-year-old female without a degree made the prospect of finding comparable employment seem pretty grim,” Betty recalls. Since IBM monitored the bank’s network and provided desktop support, this pointed Betty in the direction of a technology degree, and she enrolled in the IT generalist degree program at Southwest Tennessee Community College (STCC) in Memphis, Tennessee.
When Lelia Warner was suddenly on her own, raising three junior high and high school children, she had no idea what the future would hold. Deciding she needed more tools in her tool kit, Lelia enrolled at Victoria College in Victoria, Texas, in 2004. Although she had no specific direction in mind, Lelia decided to take an introductory networking class and soon discovered she took to networking “like a duck to water.” She subsequently enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy and today, is successfully employed as the network specialist for Fort Bend County Libraries.
As a single mother with a young son, Rachael Lark worked hard, but never harder than when she was laid off from a major telecommunications provider back in 2002. Rachael was determined to create stability for her son and to give him a better future. So she made a plan, established her goals, and enrolled at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. It was there that Rachael began taking Cisco Networking Academy classes. Within four years she earned a bachelor’s of science degree in telecommunications administration and was on her way to earning her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. “The Cisco classes were probably the biggest contributors to my self-confidence,” says Rachael.
About halfway through her computer systems program at Community College of Vermont (CCV) at Burlington, Melissa Choiniere changed majors. Even though she wasn’t exactly sure what it entailed, Melissa switched to the network administration program in 2003 because she felt it was more rigorous and had more interesting classes, including the Cisco Networking Academy CCNA curriculum. She “absolutely loved the program” and by 2005 when Melissa graduated with her associate of applied science degree in network administration she knew she had made the right decision. The Networking Academy provided her with solid foundational knowledge she continues to use in her current studies at Champlain College where she is earning a bachelor of science degree in computer and digital forensics. Melissa will graduate in May 2008 and is looking forward to establishing herself in the computer and digital forensics field.
Charles Stembridge’s early interest in technology was a clear indication of things to come. “I have been fascinated with computers and networks since I was a toddler,” says Charles. “It started with electrical circuits and eventually progressed to computers and telephony by the time I was in elementary school,” he recalls. Charles’ attraction to computer networking emerged when in second grade he noticed that the Apple II computers could all share the same network. Five years later, in seventh grade, Charles built his own PC using a “bare-bones” kit his father ordered for him that included the case, motherboard, and processor. Charles ordered the memory, hard drive, floppy, and CD-ROM and then built the computer from the ground up.
When Laura Lewkowski was 13, she was intrigued by Web design and when she was older she began studying for her Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) exam. During this time, Laura realized her weakest area was networking, so she decided to enroll in the Cisco Networking Academy at New Market Skills Center in Tumwater. While there, she successfully completed all four Networking Academy courses and passed her Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam in June 2004. Upon graduation, Laura enrolled in Northwest University’s school of Business Administration and, because of her abilities, was awarded a $4000 scholarship per semester. In addition, she has been offered a job with the university upon graduation. Laura contributes much of her success to her participation in the Networking Academy.
Joe Gribble was looking for a challenge when in 2000 he enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU-P) and, as he looks back on his experiences, feels he not only found but also met that challenge. Joe was already in WVU-P’s Computer Information Technology program when he learned the university had registered as a Networking Academy. He was eager to enter a profession that would offer new challenges on a daily basis and wanted to enter the workforce at a higher level. Joe knew the Networking Academy would be a great way to achieve both goals. Once he learned about the new curriculum being offered, he enrolled as quickly as he could. “I knew that gaining the hands-on experience on the Cisco devices would be a valuable skill set. I saw this as a rare opportunity to broaden my knowledge base and gain experience that would be extremely valuable when searching for an IT (information technology) job.”
With more than 20 years in the telecommunications industry, Mark Kools understands the importance of staying current in technology. Mark’s employer, Appleton Papers (“Appleton”), had been a Cisco customer for years so Mark was somewhat familiar with Cisco equipment. But as Manager of Telecommunications he wanted to optimize use of the equipment that was already in place, so he enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy at Fox Valley Technical College and earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. Mark is now the Director of Information Technology Infrastructure at Appleton. He has been able to directly apply the skills, knowledge and experience he gained through Cisco Networking Academy to successfully fine-tune Appleton’s network configurations, increase security, and increase functionality.
Richard Rohde has achieved a level of success that would have eluded most people given the extraordinary difficulties and set-backs he has experienced. At 25 years of age, Richard has battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, skin cancer, the death of his father, the loss of his family home, the resulting separation from surviving members of his family, and brief periods of homelessness. Despite all these challenges, Richard received his undergraduate degree, earned a number of industry certifications, and is closing in on earning his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification passing three out of the four Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) exams.