Certifications Earned: CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, MS MTS Networking Fundamentals
Kendra Cole has big dreams and is taking the necessary steps to make them a reality. As a 17-year-old high school student attending Jackson County Technology Center in the rural town of Vancleave, Mississippi, she uses IT certifications to lay a foundation for her future.
Before attending an information technology class at school, Kendra knew almost nothing about computers. "I had no idea what a computer looked like on the inside. The only thing I knew how to do was get on the internet and watch YouTube videos." As Kendra helped her dad in his auto mechanic shop, however, she found that she loved working on cars. That led her to realize that "fixing computers is like fixing cars, only on a smaller scale and much, much cleaner—most of the time." Kendra's knack for figuring things out was a natural fit for IT, and she soon found great satisfaction in tackling tech problems.
Her interest in solving IT puzzles got her started on certification, and she quickly earned six certs: PC Pro and Network Pro, offered by TestOut; CompTIA's Strata IT Fundamentals (now called Tech+), A+, and Network+; and Microsoft's MTA: Networking Fundamentals. Now, she's moved up to a particularly IT hot specialization. Kendra's next certs will be Security Pro (TestOut), Security+ (CompTIA), and (ISC) 2's Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP). After finishing high school, Kendra plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and dive into their Information Technology—Networking program. Eventually, Kendra said she eventually hopes to become "a network administrator for a big company or hospital."
Kendra has participated in the nationwide SkillsUSA competition and is a state champion in Computer Maintenance. For those seeking to become IT certified, she advises them to work hard, study, and ask lots of questions. "The certifications won't just happen; you have to earn them," she said. Don't procrastinate and don't cut yourself short. Everyone has the ability to overcome any obstacles."
Where are you headed on your certification journey? As Kendra Cole knows, vision and commitment can make anyone's certification goals a reality.