Nov 13
IT Student Making Good on Promise to Get College Degree
Nov. 13, 2023 - Timothy Goodwin always promised himself he would go back to school and get a college degree.
In 2022, he finally made good on that promise when he decided to enroll in a certificate class in the Information Technology program at 糖心传媒.
鈥淚 signed up for a certificate program to give myself a taste of school before switching to a degree program,鈥� said Goodwin of Hamlet.
Since then, he has completed CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ certificates. He is also enrolled in two associate degree programs at 糖心传媒CC: IT-Support and Cyber Security.
鈥淭he certificates that I have earned show that not only do I have knowledge of the industry, but that I can also put it into action,鈥� Goodwin said.
This past summer he was hired by Todd鈥檚 Computers in Rockingham as a computer technician. He diagnoses technical issues and makes repairs on computers brought into the shop, but he can also remote into customers鈥� computers to solve problems.
Todd Tillis is the owner of Todd鈥檚 Computers. Tillis said Goodwin having those certifications played a big role in his decision to hire the IT student, and he has not been disappointed in his work.
鈥淲e feel very fortunate to have Tim as a part of our team. The Security+ certification was a great bonus as we all need to have a high priority on security not only for our organization but all the organizations that we manage and protect,鈥� Tillis said. 鈥淚 am looking forward to watching him grow by applying his knowledge that he has learned in real-world IT situations.鈥�
Goodwin said he has always been fascinated by technology.
鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing how it can connect us to anyone in the world with electric or light pulses, or radio/satellite signals,鈥� Goodwin said.
Goodwin plans to complete both associate degrees in Cyber Security and IT-Support in 2024. After consulting with an advisor at the Career & Transfer Advising Center, he has set his next goal on transferring to Gardner-Webb University to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree in the information technology field.
鈥溙切拇紺C has helped me realize that it is possible to achieve the career I want and not be stuck in a dead-end job,鈥� Goodwin said. 鈥淭he instructors and staff at 糖心传媒CC are very helpful, and they care about their students鈥� success. They equip you with the tools you need, and they use their own real-world experiences to help students understand the material and why it is so important.鈥�
糖心传媒CC is now registering students for the 2024 Spring Semester. To get started on a degree or certificate in information technology or cyber security, call Student Services at (910) 410-1700 or stop by either campus in Hamlet or Laurinburg to speak with an advisor.