Introduction
Helen’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up. As a mother of two, Helen had her hands full managing her kids and household responsibilities. Despite the odds, she pursued her dream of breaking into the IT industry. Today, she is a successful IT professional, proving that with perseverance and the right support, anything is possible.
The Beginning: A Dream Deferred
For years, Helen dreamed of a career in technology. She had always been fascinated by computers and problem-solving, but life had other plans. After becoming a mother, her priorities shifted to raising her children and managing her household.
“I loved being a mom, but I always felt like something was missing,” Helen recalls. “I wanted to do something for myself, to build a career that I could be proud of.”
The Turning Point: Discovering Practical IT
Helen’s journey into IT began when she stumbled upon an advertisement for Practical IT’s Flexible Learning Programs. The program promised to help individuals like her—those with busy schedules—learn IT skills at their own pace.
“I was hesitant at first,” Helen admits. “I hadn’t been in a classroom in years, and I wasn’t sure if I could balance learning with my responsibilities at home. But something about Practical IT’s approach gave me hope.”
The Journey: Balancing Family and Learning
Helen enrolled in Practical IT’s part-time program, which allowed her to learn in the evenings after putting her kids to bed. The program covered essential IT skills, including networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
Key Challenges:
- Time Management: Helen had to juggle her studies with her responsibilities as a mother.
- Self-Doubt: Returning to learning after years away was intimidating.
- Fatigue: Late-night study sessions often left her exhausted.
How She Overcame Them:
- Support System: Helen’s husband and family stepped in to help with the kids, giving her time to focus on her studies.
- Flexible Learning: Practical IT’s self-paced modules allowed her to learn at her convenience.
- Community Support: Helen connected with other students in similar situations, forming a supportive network.
“There were nights when I wanted to give up,” Helen says. “But the instructors and my classmates kept me motivated. They reminded me why I started this journey.”
The Breakthrough: Landing Her First IT Job
After completing the program, Helen worked closely with Practical IT’s career services team. They helped her craft a professional resume, prepare for interviews, and build confidence.
Her hard work paid off when she landed her first job as a junior IT support specialist. The role allowed her to apply her newly acquired skills while continuing to grow in the field.
“When I got the job offer, I cried,” Helen recalls. “It felt like all the late nights and sacrifices were worth it. I proved to myself and my kids that I could do it.”
Life Today: A Role Model for Her Kids
Today, Helen is thriving in her IT career. She has since been promoted to a systems administrator role and is exploring certifications in cloud computing. More importantly, she has become a role model for her children, showing them the value of perseverance and hard work.
“My kids are my biggest cheerleaders,” Helen says. “They’ve seen me struggle, and now they see me succeed. I hope my journey inspires them to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.”
Conclusion: A Message to Aspiring IT Professionals
Helen’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. With determination, support, and the right resources, anyone can break into the IT industry.
“If you’re thinking about it, just start,” Helen advises. “It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Practical IT gave me the tools and confidence to succeed, and they can do the same for you.”
Ready to Start Your Journey?
At Practical IT, we believe in empowering individuals from all walks of life to achieve their dreams. Whether you’re a full-time parent, a career changer, or someone looking for a fresh start, our programs are designed to help you succeed. Explore our courses and take the first step toward your new career today.