The start of a new school year is always fun and exciting, and full of promise. In fact, after so many years as a student and a mom of students, I think my annual rhythm is set to start in September, not January. There are new calendars, new goals and fresh energies to capture as we get back to the routines of school, either for our families or ourselves. And of course, rolling start programs get this “start energy” on your timeline.
CompTIA is honored to join your back-to-school journey. The first day of school is an incredibly special day for students, and it is our honor to congratulate you on your commitment to starting the program. We also want to thank the faculty and staff who will invest in your educational experience. We are excited for their partnership in helping us to provide industry certifications in IT degree programs.
CompTIA certifications are an excellent way for tech graduates to demonstrate to employers that you possess a solid and valuable foundation for future challenges.
Here’s why CompTIA has credibility
CompTIA was #1 in aggregate tech job postings mentions in 2023.
We have awarded more than 2.7 million certifications in areas such as cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing and technical support.
We are a leading voice for a $5-trillion industry that powers the world’s economy, not just the U.S. economy.
We have interacted with over 10 million people around the globe who use technology to power the world’s economy.
We are advocates for 75 million workers – the people who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that touches each of our lives every day in one way or another.
We work with and for those people. Designing technical certifications that deepen their knowledge, studying business and society to publish research that broadens their perspective, enhancing the curriculum of the educational institutions that serve them, [like Western Governors University], and cultivating greater opportunity for middle school students, through our philanthropic foundation, CompTIA Spark.
So, when we say “congratulations” to you, we say so with the authority of an organization with 40 years’ experience helping people tap their talents and unlock their potential.
Now, those of you who are not IT majors might say:
“But I’m not a technologist. I didn’t study information technology. I earned my degree in business, nursing, or teaching or another great program at [Western Governors University.]”
Well, we assure you that you are indeed a technologist
Anyone with the grit to persevere through the challenges of the last couple of years...
... flexing the muscles need to balance family and work life, with the requirements of learning...
...is a technologist.
Because we define technologists as tenacious learners, who know how to mix and apply technical skills and business acumen.
To earn your certification, you surely
Refined your communication and collaboration abilities to bridge virtual space and connect with peers
Solved an array of problems, from fitting classes and homework into your busy schedule, to juggling multiple projects to successful completion
Mastered multiple technologies and software programs
That is what technologists do. They get it done. Then, take it to the next level, and do it again there.
And when you complete your program, that is exactly what you will have done. You will have achieved something that will follow you throughout your career, whatever direction you take. We’ve created a new free resource called the Career Explorer to point learners just like you toward the different avenues you can pursue. You’ll also find inspiration from real-life stories.
We know there is a lot on your plate
So I’d love to share some words of wisdom with you.
Learn how to re-energize yourself. That is a literal durable skill. Everyone needs to learn how to best refresh their energy.
Remind yourself to look ahead. Check out the Career Explorer.
Find a fun, new community of peers.
Make a personal plan to keep and add healthy habits.
First, though, celebrate, pause, and relax for a bit. Be proud of yourself.
When you are working at making a difference in your classes, company, in your industry, in your community, and in your home life, you may get tired. Sometimes you will be frustrated. That’s normal.
Thank you for allowing us to partner in your journey – and congratulations on a new school year. I am so excited for what the year will have in store for all of us!
Amy Kardel, VP Academic Strategy
