How 3 Beginners Broke Into IT Careers (Real Stories)

The job market right now feels like some kind of sick game of “the floor is lava,” with industries changing and entire career paths feeling uncertain almost overnight. And it’s fair to wonder if anything is actually stable these days.

For some, the answer to this dilemma lies in an IT career. It’s not easy, but it offers growth. IT will likely look very different in 20 years, but the career field will exist. It is adaptable by design, since its very inception it has been made to change. The individuals who choose to jump into this field often come from pretty diverse backgrounds, but they share a drive to learn new things and a desire to make a new life for themselves.

These are three of those stories.

The Moment Things Changed

Big career changes are usually forced by circumstances, not carefully planned in advance.

Alma lost her job during a time of mass layoffs and not much hiring. Instead of waiting for things to stabilize, she started looking for a path that could offer her more control over her future.

Jose was retiring from the Navy as a parachute rigger. He had built a lot of skills, and his work ethic was strong. But he didn’t have a clear next step in a civilian career.

Jerry’s experience was a bit more understated. He was working a 9-to-5 that felt like a dead end, and he knew he wanted to do something different and exciting. But traditional college didn’t appeal to him, and he didn’t want to waste years figuring out his next move.

Finding a Path Into IT

They weren’t starting from scratch, but they needed direction.

Alma had seen what a career in IT could look like through her husband and sister. They both enjoyed their work and the relative stability that came along with it. She decided that she wanted that for herself.

Jose had always shown an interest in technology, even while working around aircraft. When he came across ACI Learning at a Recruit Military event, he was excited for the opportunity to learn more.

Jerry had already been introduced to IT during his time in the Air Force Reserve. The interest was there. What he needed was a way to turn that interest into a new career without going down a traditional four-year route.

Building IT and Cybersecurity Skills in Weeks, Not Years

Through ACI Learning’s Tech Academy programs, each of them took a different path into IT based on their goals.

Alma and Jerry both started in the Computer User Support Specialist program, building a foundation in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity concepts while preparing for certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+.

Jose wanted to take things a bit further with a cybersecurity training program at Tech Academy, diving deeper with hands-on training in network defense, intrusion prevention, and ethical hacking techniques.

The format at ACI Learning Tech Academy is immersive, practical, and focused on job-ready skills. For Jerry, that made all the difference.

“The staff at ACI Learning was phenomenal,” he said. “They really showed us how to prepare for the test and how to pass with confidence.”

Turning Curiosity Into Careers

Learning new skills is one thing, but turning those skills into a job is another. That’s where our Career Services came in. From resume support to LinkedIn updates to interview prep, the focus wasn’t just on completing training. It was on helping students step into the job market with confidence.

For Alma, that support meant immediate momentum. “Career Services did a great job connecting me with local job opportunities,” she said. “A few days later I was getting phone calls for interviews.”

Jerry had a similar experience, connecting directly with employers looking for the exact skills he had just developed. Instead of figuring it out alone, they had personalized guidance at every step of the transition. They weren’t alone.

Where They Are Now

Alma was able to move on from uncertainty into a role she describes as “amazing,” working IT help desk support for a large healthcare organization. Today, she assists everyone from doctors to students to employees, solving real problems every day.

Jose stepped into the world of cybersecurity, entering a field known for both strong demand and long-term growth. What started as simply an interest in technology became Jose’s future.

Jerry didn’t stop at landing a job. After gaining experience in IT, he went on to start his own company, Pythagorean LLC, focused on administration management and security. And when he’s hiring, he looks back to the same place he started.

A Different Kind of Career Path

The most important part of starting a new career is choosing a method that will work for you.

For Alma, Jose, and Jerry, that method involved learning practical skills, earning certifications, and stepping into the workforce, all with the support of our team behind them.

Jerry put it simply:

“Get your cert and get your name out there. If you’re not really into going the traditional school route, this is a way better route with a whole bunch of opportunities.”

What Comes Next Is Up to You

There’s no perfect moment to change careers. Waiting for certainty isn’t much of a strategy, especially in a world where nothing is guaranteed. But there is plenty of opportunity for those willing to take the risk.

Take a look at the full stories of Alma, Jose, and Jerry below. And if this resonates with you, fill out the form to contact one of our advisors who can get you started on your own unique path into IT and cybersecurity, with us in your corner.

Alma-Layoff to IT Help Desk

José- Navy Veteran Excels in Tech Academy Program

Jerry- From Airman to Cybersecurity Student to Employer