Chicago-Based I.T. Instructor Offers Career Advice For Getting Ahead
While many fields evolve over time, it seems nothing compares to the I.T. field. Due to rising popularity in handheld electronic devices and technologies implemented by companies to increase productivity, the I.T. field is a growing market with an abundance of career options. However, because of the ever-evolving industry, continual technological education is of the utmost importance in obtaining an I.T. position and overall success.
TrainSignal is a Chicago-based company that utilizes online training programs by top industry experts. The programs implement the latest in new technologies while combining hands-on skills for practical knowledge of technology in real-world professional careers. Ed Liberman is the lead Windows server instructor at TrainSignal. He has been with the company for five years and has some great advice for those looking to go into the I.T. field.
What is your background in education and experience?
"I was an honor roll student who went into the workforce straight out of high school. After 10 years of working various jobs, I made a decision to form a career as an I.T. professional. I signed up for a series of computer networking training courses at Harper College and went on to achieve my MCSE certification. I have been primarily an instructor in my 15-year I.T. career, but I have also held network administrator and network engineer positions. I have also worked as an independent I.T. consultant for small-to-medium corporations and as a conference speaker."
How did your education help you obtain your current position?
"The education I received at Harper has had everything to do with my very successful 15 years as an I.T. professional. I went into my classes with an expectation of what my career would be, but once in class, I was blown away by the opportunities. Education has been an ongoing process throughout my career. If you want to work in technology, then you need to be prepared for a continuing path of education. Technology is constantly changing, and if you are not prepared to keep up with those changes, it can get away from you very quickly."
What advice would you give others in terms of education for I.T.?
"Prepare to get a proper education and work hard to gain experience. Those who come into this profession with the vision that it is a way to 'get rich quick' are greatly misinformed. While it's a wonderful profession that pays well, it doesn't happen overnight and it doesn't happen without hard work, dedication and the education to back it up."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
