Professional development is essential to remain competitive in today’s evolving job market. From education to coaching, professional development equips individuals with valuable skills, enhances motivation, and opens career opportunities.
Employers appreciate employees who proactively seek growth. The Harvard Division of Continuing Education notes that independent learning helps candidates stand out and shows that current employees are adaptable to new experiences.
Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School (AoH) is committed to helping adults in Washington, D.C. become profitable and find economic mobility by offering FREE educational and workforce programs. Workforce programs provide training in in-demand fields, including information technology (IT), healthcare, and business.
Alum Pedro Balbuena Sano reaped these benefits of taking the education route by completing AoH’s FREE CompTIA Network + program.
Pedro came across AoH while working in the IT field. Though he had worked multiple years in the field, he was looking to grow his expertise and “dive deeper” into the world of technology.
His background allowed him to test out of beginner-level CompTIA programs, such as Tech+ and A+, to start at Network+. Coming into the program, Pedro understood SAP IP management (controlling networks through IP addresses), but learned more about the architecture of networking and large, enterprise networks.
Pedro completed the course and passed the exams required to earn his CompTIA Network+ certification in just a few months. Immediately after receiving the certification, Pedro advanced to a new role with increased responsibility and higher pay.
“I did not know that was going to be the outcome for me because initially I was looking to learn more … I didn’t know that obtaining the certification was going to get me to that role so quickly in the field that I am … everything just skyrocketed from day one.”
Now an IT Specialist at The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland, Pedro is responsible for supporting the technology infrastructure for staff and court hearings, and monitoring and preventing cyberattacks. He says that Network+ improved his understanding of network troubleshooting and appropriate workflows to complete daily tasks efficiently.
“The main thing I was able to apply from my certification was troubleshooting because my role is mainly troubleshooting: figuring out what happened, how something ended up in the state that I found it. So, troubleshooting, investigating, and also understanding different technologies.”
A positive surprise is how the position has improved his knowledge outside of technology, learning more about the American court system, laws, and procedures.
Pedro is excited for his journey forward and is thankful for the opportunities his certification has awarded him.
Soon, more AoH high school and workforce learners will cross the stage, claiming their education and unlocking the opportunity, possibility, and economic mobility Pedro once discovered for himself.
Learn more about our programs and impact: https://aohdc.org/.