Giving Back to Those Who Served

Last year, Andy Havens, a former airman with the U.S. Air Force, took his first step to making his dream of an IT career a reality. 

He had read on Military.com that the CompTIA Educational Foundation’s Creating Futures program gave free training to military veterans. 

“This was an opportunity beyond belief for me since I really wanted to get into the IT field. I have been fascinated and intrigued by computers and their application to real world needs since I had taken a programming class in college years earlier,” said Andy. “I had earned a BS degree in business from Indiana University and spent a career in industrial sales, with a four-year time-out for active duty service in the United States Air Force working in civil engineering.”

“I applied the use of computers as a business tool throughout my sales career. While I did well in sales, the manufacturing economy in the Midwest was allowed to be shipped overseas and I soon found myself repeatedly out of work and unable to find anything in my old career field. In my fifties, it was a very bleak picture. Having wanted to make a career change into IT, I created a resume putting forth my experiences with hardware and software applications,” added Andy.

Andy went on to earn his CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ in the past year, and  is currently working on Convergence+ and studying for the CCNA certification as well. “The training programs provided by the Creating Futures program really made the difference, and I passed each exam on the first try,” Andy commented.

When it came to his job search, the certifications really came into play.  “I won't tell you that having my certifications made my phone ring, but it certainly helped when the time came for it to help. A friend called with a tip about a company that was starting a network operations center nearby.  All he had was a name. I went online, found their website and made the call. I was hired as a network operation center technician within eight days,” Andy said.

“Having my CompTIA certifications impressed my new boss with my desire and determination to succeed in IT,” Andy added. “You can't believe how good it felt to go back to work again and especially in the profession I really wanted to be in. It is now onward and upward time with a new start and as part of a fantastic team of networking professionals. Thank you Creating Futures sponsors! You have made a positive impact on my life.”

Creating Futures is continually looking for partnerships with other non-profits to reach more vets and other individuals in need to help them move into IT careers.  Have a connection for a new partnership?  Would you like to give back to the industry through the Foundation in means of cash or in-kind donations?  Contact Charles Eaton.