Dual Credit to Cisco Gold: How ICC Launched Ronan’s IT Career
Ronan always had an interest in computers, thanks to his dad’s influence. But when his high school moved to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, that interest turned into a passion. He enjoyed the challenge of navigating school firewalls and knew he wanted a future in IT.
However, the cost of training and certifications made entering the field on his own difficult—until a friend introduced him to the affordable Dual Credit IT classes at ICC. That opportunity changed everything.
“Without ICC, I wouldn’t be going into IT. Dual Credit pushed me to go further. It’s been pivotal. The faculty and staff here are amazing—they work with you one-on-one. It’s been a great experience.”
Ronan, ICC Student
Through Dual Credit, Ronan discovered the Cisco Computer Networking program. The expert instruction and a supportive learning environment made an immediate impact. “I like the Cisco program a lot. The people who run it are amazing,” Ronan said.
ICC didn’t just provide technical skills—it opened doors to leadership and career development. Ronan joined SkillsUSA, where he honed his abilities, gained real-world experience, and developed the discipline to excel.
At first, balancing coursework and self-discipline after COVID was a challenge. But through SkillsUSA competitions, Ronan sharpened his focus and learned to manage his time effectively. The results were remarkable.
In their first state competition, Ronan and his teammate Carter placed third in Cybersecurity and later finished fifth in the nation. Determined to improve, they returned the following year and dominated the competition—winning gold at both the state and national levels and outperforming hundreds of other teams.
Ronan credits his ICC Dual Credit instructor, Eric McCann, with giving him the confidence to push forward. “If it weren’t for Mr. McCann, I never would have gotten into computer networking,” Ronan shared. “He encouraged me every step of the way and pushed me to improve.”
Beyond competitions, the Academic Support Center helped Ronan strengthen his skills—including passing his AP Chemistry exam, thanks to free tutoring.
Looking back, Ronan says ICC was the turning point in his journey. Through hands-on experience, national recognition, and invaluable mentorship he’s now equipped for a bright future in IT.