At the College of DuPage (COD), a two-year community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, the mission is clear: to prepare students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving world. For over 50 years, COD has been helping students across various disciplines, with a strong focus on IT education. One instructor at COD shares his passion for teaching and how the college’s partnership with CompTIA is shaping the future of IT professionals.
A passion for IT education
For this instructor, teaching IT is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “I really enjoy it. I’m passionate about it,” he says. His work revolves around equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in tech careers, enabling them to become productive and successful members of society.
However, the fast-paced nature of technology presents a unique challenge. “The biggest challenge we see today is having students with the right skill sets going forward, simply because the tech is advancing so quickly,” he explains. To address this, COD focuses on keeping students as current as possible with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Encouraging students to follow their passion
The demand for IT professionals is strong across all areas, and the instructor emphasizes the importance of pursuing a career that aligns with one’s interests and skills. “Don’t feel like you have to go a certain direction just because someone told you or you think there’s a better salary here or there,” he advises. “Do what you like, what you’re passionate about, and what you have skill sets for, and you’ll find yourself with a wonderful career.”
He also highlights the versatility of IT careers. Every industry, from food to automobiles, has IT departments, offering students the opportunity to combine their personal interests with their technical expertise. “You can work for any one of the Fortune 500 companies or thousands of other companies,” he notes. “It’s kind of fun to think about how you can combine your hobbies with IT.”
A strong partnership with CompTIA
The College of DuPage has built a decades-long relationship with CompTIA, a partnership that plays a crucial role in the success of its IT students. “Our relationship with CompTIA is fantastic,” the instructor shares. “We take what they have to offer and package it together with what we do for our students so that, together, we can help students get to where they want to go and achieve what they want to do.”
CompTIA certifications are a cornerstone of this collaboration. Recognized worldwide and valued by employers, these vendor-neutral certifications provide students with a competitive edge. “Human Resources will look and go, ‘Oh, I know CompTIA,’ and that’s important to get your foot in the door,” he explains. By bridging the gap between education and industry, CompTIA certifications give students a strong foundation to launch their IT careers.
Building a bright future in IT
At the College of DuPage, the focus is not just on teaching IT skills but also on inspiring students to pursue careers they’re passionate about. With the support of CompTIA certifications and a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, COD is preparing the next generation of IT professionals to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing field.
And sometimes, a little humor goes a long way in the classroom. “Do you want to hear a construction joke?” the instructor asks with a smile. “Sorry, I’m still working on it.” Laughter fills the room—a reminder that learning, while challenging, can also be fun.
Through passion, innovation, and strong partnerships, the College of DuPage continues to shape the future of IT, one student at a time.
Key takeaways: Preparing IT students for success
- The College of DuPage focuses on preparing students for successful IT careers with industry-relevant skills and knowledge.
- CompTIA certifications play a key role in bridging the gap between education and workforce requirements.
- Students are encouraged to pursue IT careers aligned with their passions and interests for long-term success.
- The partnership with CompTIA ensures students stay current with rapidly evolving technology trends.
- IT careers offer versatility, allowing students to combine technical expertise with personal interests.