Put Food on the Table

While the economy continues to improve, some workers are still struggling to put food on the table and take care of their families. Many are hard-working and dedicated individuals who have had to turn their professional lives upside down in this turbulent market.

When the market gives us lemons, it’s time to make lemonade with a tried-and-true recipe. Education and certifications give professionals the boost they need to differentiate themselves and gain employment. At the CompTIA Educational Foundation, education and certification are what we’re all about – helping individuals who counted themselves out and showing them the way to a financially stable and rewarding career. Take the story of Patrick, a dislocated worker from Illinois, who’s sitting for his CompTIA A+ exam later this week.

“I am deeply grateful to CompTIA and the Foundation’s Creating Futures program for the opportunity your organization has provided. The past three years, following a series of mergers and other career developments, have left me in a critical financial situation. I have been forced to seek out any number of alternative ways of providing for my family, including working as a substitute teacher, a band director and even driving a snow plow in the middle of the night. For someone like me, a college graduate with over 30 years of sales and marketing experience, and one who has called upon some of the country’s largest retailers and manufacturers, it’s been Hell.

“I can say without hesitation, ‘though, that the skill-set I have developed through the CompTIA A+ program already has enabled me to become more entrepreneurial, and helped me put food on the table for my two daughters. In addition to my other part-time jobs, I recently began offering basic computer troubleshooting and repair services to families and small business owners in my community. Earning my A+ certification will allow me to go even further, and qualify me to say, ‘Yes, I know some things about information technology, and I can prove it.’

“Becoming A+ Certified will not only give me credibility, it will help give me the confidence to approach an even broader range of companies for business opportunities, while further expanding the types of companies I can approach for securing full-time employment. Technology-based firms, such as a hardware or software manufacturer, for example, may view a sales/marketing candidate with his A+ certification as being more viable than one who does not possess this official recognition. And, if it turns out that I become ‘Pat, the local fix-it guy’, having that A+ certification on my shingle will tell people who are looking for a local resource that I’ve been properly trained.

“I’ll let you know how it goes at my test next week, but in the meantime, have a good thought for this old Road Warrior, and know that he is forever thankful for your group’s generosity,” said Patrick.

You can help other individuals like Patrick put food on the table. Donate to the CompTIA Education Foundation, and help them jumpstart their own IT careers.