Everything Clicked: How Zachary Discovered His Passion for IT

Zachary’s path to ICC wasn’t straightforward. After graduating high school, he didn’t feel ready for college. What began as a one-year break turned into several years of working odd jobs. “At the time, I felt like there was something wrong with me not being ready for college,” he said. “Now I can look back and say there was nothing wrong with it—I just needed time.” 

After a year working at a car wash, Zachary was ready to make a change. He enrolled at ICC part-time while continuing to work full-time. Initially drawn to mechanical engineering, he soon realized his passion was elsewhere. With the guidance of his advisor, Tracey Giovani, he discovered the IT Workforce Accelerator, a program designed to prepare students for high-demand technology careers. 

“Tracey was incredibly helpful. She was the one who encouraged me to join the IT Workforce Accelerator,” Zachary said. “Ever since I switched to IT, I’ve loved it. I’ve thrived.” 

Through the IT Workforce Accelerator, I received free tuition, textbooks—everything. It took the stress away and let me focus on learning.

Zachary also credits Emily Walsh, IT Workforce Accelerator Manager of Business and Community Outreach, with helping him polish his resume and connect with employers. It was Emily who told him about the IT Workforce Accelerator Job Fair at ICC, where he met Basic ITS—and secured a job as a field service technician. 

With the flexibility of online classes at ICC, Zachary has successfully balanced his job and his education. He graduated with his Cisco Certified Network Associate and LAN Technician certificates and is now working toward his associate degree in IT while employed full-time at Basic ITS. 

Reflecting on his journey, Zachary said ICC made what once felt intimidating feel easy. “Everything just clicked,” he said. “It was super easy to talk with everybody. ICC gave me the support I needed to keep going.”