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When I arrived to the United States from Mexico, I attended school for three years to study English. After completing my education, I started working at different companies – one of which was Motorola. While at my previous employer, I was only contracted for one year, but I ended up staying for seven years! Unfortunately, I was laid off after seven years for lack of work. As time passed, I was still out of work, and my unemployment compensation ended. The feeling of insecurity invaded my life. It was around this time that I decided I should go back to school. I learned of National Able Network (Able) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding that could help me continue my education. I arrived at the Chicago Workforce Center in Pilsen and was introduced to IT Career Lab, a program that would allow me to increase my technology training. Through IT Career Lab, I gained three globally-recognized certifications: CompTIA Network +, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, and Cisco Certified Network Associate.

After graduating, IT Career Lab helped to prepare me for my job search and provide me with employment opportunities. After a few months, I accepted an IT internship at National Able Network and my self-confidence began to increase thanks to the guidance of Able’s IT staff, particularly Laurie Stein, and the rest of the Able staff. I remained interning for a few months until a full-time IT Specialist position opened up at Able’s Headquarters, which I immediately applied for. I am now, thankfully, one of Able’s newest employees!

I consider myself a product of Able because they have touched my life in many ways, and now I am “able.”

To learn more about IT Career Lab, click here or call 855-944-8300.