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“When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That’s the old adage that many of us have heard for years. However, there aren’t instructions on what to do when life gives said lemons three years in a row, enter National Able Network’s IT Career Lab.

For years, I worked in the healthcare industry. Not only did I know a little about every aspect of my profession, I knew the fancy lingo to match. I threw around terms such as:  I&Os, NAS, BP and ambulate like a heavyweight. I was comfortable in my healthcare skin, a little too comfortable. In December 2011, I decided it was time to make a move after many years with the same company and expand my career prospects.

I knew someone who arranged an interviewed for me with a hiring manager from a company that was hiring, and I got hired: perfect! As I settled into my position, my new employer reorganized the company and began laying off employees. Unfortunately, this included me and like that first bite of a lemon, it left me with a twisted face and sour taste in my mouth. “No Problem,” I thought; with a degree and years of experience, surely I’ll find a job right away. Fast forward to 2015, a couple of part-time jobs and numerous failed applications later (thanks, applicant tracking systems), I found myself with more lemons than I knew what to do with.  I was on the verge of throwing in the towel.

National Able Network IT Intern, Cassandra Simpson.

In February 2015, I noticed an IT Career Lab advertisement that claimed I could expound on my interest in technology, learn more about computer networks and earn three IT certifications! This was my sweet opportunity to learn a new skill as well as strengthen my resume. I thought, “Why wouldn’t I sign up?” For the first time in years, I started to imagine using those stored lemons for good.

My IT Career Lab application process was seamless.  Everyone at National Able Network was helpful and genuinely kind and made me feel welcome. In April 2015, I was officially enrolled in IT Career Lab. Terms such as: OSI model, LAN/WAN, Frame Relay and HSRP helped to rebuild my lingo chops.  Plus, I was able to practice configuring networks on Cisco’s Packet Tracer software.  Moreover, I successfully completed the CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician certification, and Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. An added bonus was my recent placement in an internship where I’m learning how to navigate Active Directory along with Windows Server plus!

I strongly implore anyone interested in IT Career Lab to apply right now! For the first time in a long time, I’m hopeful and excited about new learning experiences and opportunities.  IT Career Lab proved to be the perfect sugar-coated recipe I needed to turn my stash of lemons into lemonade!

Cassandra is currently an intern at National Able Network and will soon be entering the job market! As always, our placement services are offered at no cost. If you are a hiring manager interested in interviewing Cassandra or any of our other certified IT interns, please contact National Able Network today at 855-994-8300 or by visiting our website at www.nationalable.org.