Technologist Talk

CompTIA’s Cyberstates 2021™ research shows progress toward greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the U.S. tech workforce. But not much – especially at this critical time, as workers and employers of all kinds work to recover from the pandemic’s economic damage. Listen as Nancy Hammervik, CEO of CompTIA Tech Career Academy and Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures discuss how their organizations are working to help.

As another installment in our series tracking successful graduates of CompTIA Tech’s IT-Ready Technical Support program, we revisit the “technologist triumph” of Theo Hysell. Listen as he tells the tale of developing a role as the “family IT guy” into a lucrative career in cybersecurity that has helped him weather the pandemic’s negative economic effects.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

CompTIA’s Cyberstates 2021™ research shows progress toward greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the U.S. tech workforce. But the latest data also indicate that companies on this journey still have many more miles to go. Listen as Nancy Hammervik, CEO of CompTIA Tech Career Academy, explains how the organization’s Custom Training team is helping diversify businesses by helping to diversify our nation’s tech workforce.

How often does a technologist’s journey wind through the lecture halls of law school and the corridors of Capitol Hill? Listen to this tale celebrating Women’s History Month, as Randi Parker, senior director at Creating IT Futures, shares how her career evolved from advocating for the technology industry to making tech careers more accessible.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange 

In honor of Women’s History Month, and on the eve of the WITS Spring 2021 Virtual Summit, Technologist Tales producer Celine Dirkes connects with Gloria Bell, Co-Founder and Operations Director of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS), the only technical conference series featuring all women speakers. Bell explains how the pandemic’s challenges have deepened WITS’ mission to educate, inspire and connect women working with technology across the spectrum of industries.

How does hauling pickle barrels prepare you for a successful career as a technologist? Nancy Hammervik, incoming CEO of the CompTIA Tech Career Academy and leader of CompTIA’s membership organization explains in this tale celebrating Women’s History Month. 

Revisit the “Technologist Triumph” of Angela Curtis, a graduate of IT-Ready Technical Support training. Hear how CompTIA Tech Career Academy helped Angela translate her passion for solving problems into an IT help desk career at international medical technology maker Medtronic that provides personal financial stability and professional growth opportunities.

True technologists think strategy first. That makes them planners. And good planning requires perspective on your past, present and future. Listen as Randi Parker, Senior Director, Partner Engagement for Creating IT Futures leads a conversation with CompTIA strategists Debra McCraw, Director, Content Strategy, and Kelly Stone, Senior Director, Digital Strategy, about the privilege and process of putting the “Core Beliefs” of their organization into words.

Revisit the “Technologist Triumph” of Nate Perkins, a graduate of IT-Ready Technical Support training from the CompTIA Tech Career Academy. Hear how Nate’s decision to pursue certified tech skills – such as CompTIA’s A+ certification – has provided professional growth opportunities for him and sustainable financial stability for his family.

Is pursuing a typical technical education– first high school STEM, next college computer science, then off to the workforce – the best way to fill hundreds of thousands of technology positions available in today’s job market? Not if you want to put people – from aspiring students to eager career changers – to work quickly. Listen as Nancy Hammervik, new CEO of the CompTIA Tech Career Academy, explains how the IT-Ready Technical Support program fills tech jobs faster by disrupting the traditional technology education track.

How are relationships between Creating IT Futures and our philanthropic partners holistic and integrated? This chapter offers two prime examples: Verizon Foundation and Workday Foundation. Listen as Jeff Lareau, manager, strategic partnerships, and Alicia Park, national outreach manager for TechGirlz, share two stories of individuals and organizations that make a measurable difference in tech businesses and local communities across the country.

Why are service-industry workers ideal candidates for entry-level positions working with technology? Because service is about listening, then helping others meet needs and solve problems. Same applies to the IT Help Desk. But are enough tech positions out there for today’s career changers? Listen as CompTIA Tech’s Lisa Fasold interviews CompTIA employment research analyst Amy Carrado, who explains why – despite the pandemic’s impact – technology jobs abound.

How are the people that work with Creating IT Futures like chickens? For answers to that amusing riddle, listen as Jeff Lareau, manager, strategic partnerships, and Alicia Park, national outreach manager for TechGirlz, describe how they develop and deepen relationships with the individuals and organizations that volunteer, donate, fund and sponsor programs such as IT-Ready, TechShopz and TechPodz.

Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton’s five core traits of a technologist broaden the understanding of working with technology beyond the restrictions of technical considerations. Still, finding a tech pro that exemplifies all five qualities of a technologist remains rare. Listen to this latest installment in our series of tales celebrating remarkable women in tech featuring Maddy Martin, head of growth & education for Smith.ai. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

In this Technologist Tales sidebar edition, leaders from workforce boards in Texas and Missouri tell their custom training tales. Hear how collaborative relationships with the Custom Training team at CompTIA Tech Career Academy help military veterans launch technology careers in civilian life, Missourians land digital apprenticeships and San Antonio’s disadvantaged youth upskill for tech jobs.   Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange 

In this Technologist Tales sidebar edition, Mark Plunkett and Jason Mangold from the Custom Training team at CompTIA Tech Career Academy discuss reskilling and upskilling our nation’s workforce for the tech jobs of the future. The key? Striking a balance between industry standards – i.e., CompTIA certifications – and custom curriculum – i.e., fostering business soft skills. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

In appreciation for the donors, sponsors and volunteers who have made the Creating IT Futures mission possible this year – and every year – we share a conversation between Colleen Crino, our chief development officer, and Franklin Reed, director of inclusion and diversity at long-time partner TEKsystems, an organization that has supported for years our youth and adult programs along multiple dimensions across the country.

Listen as three graduates of the IT-Ready Technical Support program from CompTIA Tech Career Academy share stories about launching successful tech careers with help desk training. In each tale, jobs working with technology have provided continuing professional growth opportunities and sustainable personal financial stability – despite the pandemic’s economic challenges. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Best way to ensure a long, successful career working in the technology industry is by earning a computer science degree first, right? Nope. A conversation with Carolyn April – CompTIA’s senior director of industry analysis, co-author of the recent IT Industry Outlook 2021 and co-host of the popular Volley podcast – continues our series celebrating the upcoming 10th Anniversary of WITS, the Women in Tech Summit.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

In time for Giving Tuesday, we share another inspiring story from TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures [a 501(c)3 nonprofit of CompTIA] whose mission is empowering girls to be future technology leaders. Listen as Alicia Park, National Outreach Manager, talks about the launch of TechPodz, a new distance-learning technique that’s creating connection and community for middle school girls, their parents and their technologist mentors during these trying times.