Technologist Talk

As 2022 begins, Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures, joins Randi Parker, senior director for partner engagement, for a conversation about ways the challenging journey of the last couple of years has shaped the organization's vision and direction for the future.

To set the stage for 2022, Colleen Crino, Chief Development Officer for Creating IT Futures, shares stories about the organization's many partners, who they are and what they do in collaboration with CompTIA's charitable foundation.

Is there a single workforce development technique that could shrink the nation's tech skills gap, narrow the technology industry's gender gap, provide technologists with income while learning, and supply employers with highly trained candidates? Amy Kardel and Stephanie Veck of CompTIA's Apprenticeships for Tech program believe there is. Listen as they make their case.

As 2021 rolls to a close, Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures, joins the organization's Chief Development Officer, Colleen Crino, for a conversation about how feeling gratitude has shaped – and continues to guide – the team's mission into 2022.

Why is the technology industry buzzing about a technical skills-sharpening technique from the Middle Ages? Listen as Amy Kardel, leader of the CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech program, and Wendy Brors, senior consultant at Maher & Maher, an affiliate of the American Institutes for Research (AIR), answer this question. 

Ever heard the expression “Teaching is the highest form of learning?” Listen as technologist Amy Cliett, director of TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures, makes the case from her USAToday/MediaPlanet column that volunteering may be the highest form of learning for women in tech. She also argues that volunteers practice higher forms of networking and resumé-building, too.

What do a small business owner, an operations manager and a special education teacher have in common? In this miniseries, we hear from Gloria Bell, Amy Cliett, and Alicia Park, three key voices from Creating IT Futures' TechGirlz team, sharing their journeys to discovering a passion for educating, inspiring and connecting the next generation of women in tech. 

What do educators and technologists have in common? A passion for problem-solving, a lot of empathy and the organizational skills to translate understanding into action. Listen as Alicia Park, National Outreach Manager for TechGirlz, shares her journey from full-time educator, to full-time technologist.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

CompTIA's new partnership with Girls Embracing Mothers (GEM) helps women leaving incarceration build futures for themselves and their children through customized technical training and enhanced education, such as life skills coaching. Listen as GEM founder Brittany Barnett and Randi Parker of Creating IT Futures discuss how this program develops a more diverse, equitable and inclusive tech workforce.

Is there an ideal time in life to launch a tech career? Amy Cliett, director of TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures, doesn't think so. Listen as she describes switching to a technology job in her 30's, why she did and how she's helping the next generation of technologists develop their talents and skills despite the pandemic.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Must the road to a successful technology career begin in a high school STEM program? Or include four years studying computer science in college? No on both counts. Listen as Jason Hernandez, chair of the CompTIA Tech National Alumni Advisory Council, shares how an IT training program operated by Creating IT Futures broadened his job prospects and improved his personal finances.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange  

Zac Cramer, CEO of IT Assurance, a managed services firm in Portland, Oregon, hires graduates of CompTIA Tech's IT-Ready training program on a regular basis. He also believes fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the technology industry requires turning a critical eye inward before setting sights outward. Listen as Zac gives his take on inside-out DEI leadership.  

The sight of a computer filling an entire room sparked Gloria Bell's passion for technology at the age of six. Over the years, she translated that fascination into co-founding the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) and earning a leadership position with TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures.

Can one workforce development solution fill the tech skills gap in our nation's economy? Can the same solution narrow the gender gap in today's tech workforce? And could that solution shrink the diversity gap in the technology industry at the same time? Join Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures, and Amy Kardel, leader of the CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech program, for a conversation that answers those questions.

Headlines in business publications tell us that the job market for technology workers is the most geographically diverse in the history of the U.S. economy. But does diversity in locations foster greater diversity in the tech workforce? Listen as Nancy Hammervik, CEO of the CompTIA Tech Career Academy and Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures, explain how their organizations are developing positive answers to that question.

What makes a great candidate for a career as an agent on an IT service desk? Listen as Caleb Bellow, a senior talent acquisition specialist at Logicalis, an international digital services provider, and his colleague Dustin Seyfert, a senior IT service team manager, explain that the answer goes beyond technical skills. Plus, they share how Custom Training from the CompTIA Tech Career Academy supports Logicalis' mission.

How does Custom Training from the CompTIA Tech Career Academy help solutions provider Logicalis fulfill its tech-talent acquisition strategy? Listen as Craig Perry, a senior HR executive for LogicalisUS, elaborates how IT service desk technicians enable the company's “Architects of Change” to accelerate digital transformations for 10,000 customers around the world. 

We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) by sharing a 3-part mini-series based on a recent session during the South by Southwest EDU conference. TechGirlz director Amy Cliett moderated the session, and the third installment features a conversation with Isis Miller of Black Girls Code. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange 

We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) by sharing a 3-part mini-series based on a recent session during the South by Southwest EDU conference. TechGirlz director Amy Cliett moderated the session, and the second installment features a conversation with Ashley Turner of Philly Tech Sistas. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange 

We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) by sharing a 3-part mini-series based on a recent session during the South by Southwest EDU conference. TechGirlz director Amy Cliett moderated the session, and the first installment features a conversation with Lauren Psimaris of Girls on the Run. 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 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.

Why are military veterans excellent candidates for jobs as IT support specialists? Is it the technical training they receive during service? Is it the work ethic they acquire during service? Or is it both? Listen as Stephen Padilla, an instructor for CompTIA Tech Career Academy’s IT-Ready Technical Support program – and a U.S. Air Force veteran – shares answers to those questions, because he’s lived them.

How does a technologist become Social Media Professional of the Year and Nonprofit Communicator of the Year? By thinking differently and thinking bigger about technology’s role in business challenges like the pandemic. A conversation with Kelly Stone, lead social marketing strategist for CompTIA, kicks off our November series celebrating the upcoming 10th Anniversary of WITS, the Women in Tech Summit.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

As pandemic distancing protocols push many of our business interactions into the virtual realm, we face an inconvenient truth: We just can’t replicate what we do in person, online. Or, can we? Listen as Ben Rohling, who leads development for CompTIA Tech Career Academy’s IT support specialist training curriculum, shares how he and his fellow instructors discovered that, in some ways, pivoting to virtual classrooms didn’t make training harder, it made it better. 

You’ve heard the rallying cry from Texas history, “Remember the Alamo,” right? Well, a lot of young job seekers in the San Antonio region surely will remember this slogan, too, because of a custom IT training program supported by CompTIA called Workforce Solutions Alamo. Listen as executives from CompTIA’s partner, C2 Global, tell the tale.  Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange 

How can our nation’s public workforce system help narrow the tech skills gap in the U.S. job market? By removing barriers to learning new IT skills for displaced and disadvantaged workers. And with program support from CompTIA Custom Training. Listen as executives from workforce development agency C2 Global explain how they work with CompTIA to re-skill and up-skill workers in Texas and Florida.

Which is the one most critical success factor for landing – and keeping – a tech job? Technical training from CompTIA Tech? CompTIA certifications? Or, experience in customer service? The answer to this trick question may surprise you. Listen as Priyanka Neupane, a senior IT supervisor for international medical technology maker Medtronic, tells the tale of how she discovered the right answer for her tech career. 

Despite the pandemic, employers across all sectors of the U.S. economy continue to hire workers for tech jobs. That’s according to a recent analysis by CompTIA’s research team. But does this positive trend mean you, or someone you know, should consider launching a tech career during trying times? Listen to Adam Turner and Ben Rohling of CompTIA Tech Career Academy explain why the answer to that question is “Yes.”

How can IT Help Desk technicians narrow the distance between colleagues created by pandemic precautions? By understanding that IT support is about humans, not hardware. Listen as Priyanka Neupane, a senior IT supervisor for medical technology maker Medtronic, describes how she recruits, hires and trains specialists for the company’s U.S. IT support center from CompTIA Tech’s IT-Ready program. 

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by the end of this decade employment in tech occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations. But how can our nation’s workforce rise to meet this demand when a tech skills gap already leaves about half a million positions working with technology unfilled at any given time? And, as our economy works to recover from pandemic conditions? Listen as Randi Parker, senior director at Creating IT Futures, shares advice for concerned technologists.

How does a workforce board help hundreds of thousands of people find jobs in the wake of a pandemic? One way is providing on-demand virtual IT training, with support from CompTIA Custom Training. Listen as Dr. Mardy Leathers, director of Missouri’s Office of Workforce Development, holds an audio “show & tell” session, explaining how his team helps workers develop digital skills that will last a lifetime. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange 

If the economic strain of the pandemic has you feeling the limits of your current job, consider launching a new career working with technology. Listen as Sue Wallace, VP of student & career services at the CompTIA Tech Career Academy, shares best practices for switching to a promising new tech job, starting on the IT Help Desk. Applying this summer can prep you to fill a technology position by the winter holidays.