Queenster Dwumah successfully entered the workforce as a barista and a bartender in the hospitality industry. She initially found the work challenging and rewarding, especially as she fine-tuned her soft skills while managing interactions with all kinds of customers. However, at the age of 23, Queenster knew she wanted to pursue a more challenging and rewarding career. “I had gained all the skills I could in that industry,” she says, “I wanted to challenge my brain in different ways.” She made a life-changing decision: Queenster was determined to transition into the world of Information Technology (IT). IT matched her ambition and curiosity! She entered a costly cybersecurity training bootcamp, which was fast-paced and provided practical skills, but upon completion she struggled to land a role – despite the large investment. The program lacked career support and real-world career connections for graduates. Still determined to build a career in IT, Queenster connected with National Able Network and IT Career Lab. 

At IT Career Lab, Queenster received hands-on training toward industry-recognized certifications including, the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST), Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) training. “I felt like I was finally learning what I needed,” she says, “Every day I showed up (7 a.m. classes and all!) because I knew I was getting real value. Also, IT Career Lab gave me access to the exact tools and resources I needed to prepare for real interviews…it wasn’t just about passing tests, it was about understanding how to talk tech, how to build a network diagram, and how to confidently explain your knowledge.” 

After completing the program, Queenster started applying for jobs with a new level of confidence. As she interviewed for careers, she noted the importance of being able to speak confidently about technology as a huge value. One of her interviews even included a live assessment – a completely different interview process than other industries. She says, “They put a computer in front of me and asked me to build a network using the OSI model. That’s when I realized—everything I learned paid off.” 

Queenster is now working full-time as an IT Project Administrator, thriving in an industry she once dreamed about. She shares her advice to others interested in pursuing a new career: “Show up! Even when it’s hard, even when you don’t feel like it…lock in. Keep your camera on, stay present, and try your best. What you put in is what you’ll get out, and the opportunities are endless.”