Technology means perspective.

About 10 years ago, my friend and colleague Randy Gaboriault encouraged me to get involved with Tech Impact. It was a game changer for me. It was the first time I really got involved in giving back to my community in a truly meaningful way. 

I’ve always had a passion for sales and technology. As the current RVP for ePlus, I truly love helping customers solve business problems and mentoring fellow sales folks. This love of mentoring provided a natural opportunity for me to expand my experience to help others. The ITWorks program helps prepare young adults for entry-level IT careers without the need for a degree. The program features everything from hardware troubleshooting and earning certifications to resume building and optimizing your LinkedIn profile. 

Getting more

Early on, I realized that the return on my time was exponential. I learn right alongside these students. Many of the young folks have the exact same passions I did at their age: tinkering with hardware, building a “rig” of their own. I can harken back to my early jobs working in a computer store learning to connect my passion to customer service and sales. 

The students get more too. Having already overcome so much adversity, their passion to learn and acquire new skills leads them on a path to a better self and opportunity. 

One of our recent graduates, Brandon Henry (a native Philadelphian and first degree blackbelt), sums up some of his learnings:

“Having Jennifer Borkowski and David Silverstein personally look over my resume and provide feedback has helped me understand what I have accomplished professionally. It has also given me a roadmap of ways that I can give an elevator pitch about myself efficiently and effectively. I also plan to heed David’s suggestion to list a few of my interests on my resume to demonstrate a more personal view of who I am to the interviewer.”

With their new skillset, participants make connections with industry leaders, professional organizations, and a number of technology-focused businesses. Our students are excellent candidates with significant experience; earning a Cisco IP essentials hardware/software certification along the way. Companies who are involved with our program often hire or help place our students in internships or jobs after they graduate. 

Perspective 

Each time I go through the program with a new batch of kids, I gain perspective. 

• Perspective about what advantages I had that I was not even aware of. 
• Perspective about how a path that doesn’t involve a four year degree is a whole lot murkier. 
• Perspective about how much room I have yet to grow as I watch how quickly they do. 

Brandon outlines what he found most useful about the program, and his hope for where his participation may lead:

“The most memorable part of the program that I’ve experienced thus far has been setting up a virtual machine on our laptops. Initially, I found setting up the virtual machine frustrating, even with assistance from our instructor, Sharon. However, once everything was properly established I felt a sense of accomplishment in learning about the software I had no experience with using in a short period.

Ultimately I hope to learn and understand the importance of network security and be a part of a team to resolve issues with aging networks. This program has provided me with the necessary guidance to start me on the correct path in achieving my desired career. I can’t wait until I can bring my skill set back to service those who have been instrumental in helping me grow personally and professionally.”

But technology can mean more

At ePlus, we operate by the motto ‘Where technology means more.’ I have always believed that we do our best when we keep this sentiment front and center. But as I spend more and more time with young people from diverse backgrounds, I see that technology can mean more in ways that are impactful beyond taglines and mottos.

“The ITWorks program has provided me with many valuable networking opportunities that you cannot directly put a price on. During the program, the Philadelphia class has had opportunities to speak with people within the tech industry in virtually every field. As of now, I am still in the program, but with the help of the ITWorks staff, I have already established a list of possible companies to apply to for an internship.

… I encourage anyone who is considering this program to give it a chance and to not be afraid of trying new things. Wayne Gretsky once said, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.’ Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. In due time you will find the experience rewarding.”

For these young people:

• Technology can mean more access to resources, near and far. 
• Technology can mean more paths to overcome adversity that most of us professionals have never had to endure. 
• Technology can mean a path to a great career without a four year degree.

At the end of each class, I can see a glimmer of what technology can help these students to achieve. And at the end of each class I can see a touch more perspective in myself that makes me (hopefully) a better leader, partner and father. 

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With over 500 graduates, ITWorks is a proven program training young people in Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, DE; and Las Vegas, NV for entry-level IT careers. During the FREE 16-week program, students spend the first 11 weeks in the classroom learning about PC hardware, troubleshooting, IT networking, security, and much more to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification. Then, students gain real-life, hands-on experience during a five-week internship at a local corporation or nonprofit. The program is offered twice a year – Spring and Fall – and is bolstered by the support of over 100 volunteers in each location. Get Involved now or check out some recent graduates like Brandon Henry on LinkedIn.