Kelvin Basdeo, 25, worked in retail until he realized he wanted a more challenging career. His mother’s intuition led him to pursue a high-tech career, after she saw a commercial for Interactive College of Technology (ict.edu) and thought he could excel in the field.
After graduating in 2013 with an associate’s degree in computer information systems technology, he landed a job as a system engineer at Milner Technologies in Atlanta. Basdeo credits the knowledge he gained from ICT, whose main campus is in Chamblee, for helping him land the job and receive promotions.
Q: Why was this industry of interest to you?
A: The challenge of this industry drew me in. I realized that I liked troubleshooting, dealing with devices, configuring and building networks.
Q: Were you a full-time student?
A: Yes. I took daytime classes twice a week and then worked at an IT job for the school at night as part of a work-study program. I quit my previous retail job so that I could focus on my education more.
Q: How were the classes?
A: I paid very little to go back to school considering the caliber of education they provide. My classmates were adult learners. There were usually eight to 10 people in each class. Your peers become friendly rivals. Our instructors motivated us by sharing our individual accomplishments with the class. You see the success of others and you want to strive for the same thing or something better.
Q: Was it hard for you to find a job?
A: This career path is in high demand. I was surprised by the amount of job offers I had after graduation. Within a month or two, most people are able to find a job. There were always options and the school helps you. They ask you what type of job you’re looking for and they help you find it.
Q: What tips do you have for adult learners who are looking to back to school, or looking for a new job?
A: If you want to improve your life, go to school and learn the basic fundamentals. The concepts will help you. The people I work with are so impressed by the things I’ve learned and with the things I’m already doing. I was afraid to touch a computer when I first arrived at ICT, and now I’m successfully building computer networks.
