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.

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.

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.