Meet Jerry: From Airman to Cybersecurity Business Owner

Jerry was serving in the Air Force Reserve and wasn’t sure what his next step was.

He was stuck in a 9-to-5 job, not interested in traditional education, and not sure a 4-year degree was the right path.

He was first introduced to the field of IT in the Air Force and was intrigued. He knew there were possibilities there for his post-military life, but what steps were needed to turn this interest into a career?

That’s when Jerry found ACI Learning.

He enrolled in a program called Computer User Support Specialist which provides a foundation for a career in IT support, networking, or cyber security. Students in this 50-day program get trained in ITIL® as well as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+.

Students emerge from the program qualified to hold job roles such as Help Desk Technician, Technical Support Specialist, or IT Support Specialist. These roles have an average starting salary of $43,674.

As soon as he got started in the program, Jerry knew he made the right choice.

“The staff at ACI Learning was phenomenal,” Jerry said. “They had experience and did a tremendous amount of work to really show the students how to prepare for the test and how to pass the test with 100% confidence.”

Once Jerry was certified, job possibilities opened up. He used ACI Learning’s Career Services team to connect him with employers seeking out the skills he now had.

“ACI immediately had these partners come up to me with job opportunities,” he said

He started a career in IT, but Jerry wanted more. Eventually, he felt an entrepreneurial spirit and decided to take his IT skills and open his own company – Pythagorean LLC in Denver which specializes in administration management and security.

Where does Pythagorean go when they are looking to hire... why ACI Learning of course!

Jerry’s advice to others is simple: “Get your cert and get your name out there. If you’re not really big into going to school in the traditional route, this is a way better route with a whole bunch of opportunities,” he said.

When he thinks about the ACI Learning team, he thinks about appreciation. “Thank you for changing my life,” he said. “[ACI] gave me opportunities I couldn't even dream of.”

ITIL® is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited