Unlock a World-Class IT Career in Months, Not Years – Discover NGT Academy’s Secret!

Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge: A Comprehensive Guide to Breaking into IT

Welcome to another episode of “Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge.” In this episode, we have Terry Kim, the founder of NGT Academy, as our guest. NGT Academy is a vocational training school that offers hands-on training in network engineering, cybersecurity, and other IT fields. Terry shares his insights on the challenges of traditional education, the importance of hands-on training, and the future of the IT industry.

The Need for Alternative Education

Terry started NGT Academy in 2016 out of a passion for teaching and a belief that traditional college education is not the only path to a successful career in IT. He saw many colleges charging exorbitant fees for bachelor’s degrees in network administration or cybersecurity, only to find graduates struggling to find jobs in the open job market. Terry believes that the fastest way to break into IT is through hands-on training and practical experience.

“The big idea was that there is an alternative to college. You can work on IT projects, get IT certifications, and work your way up the corporate ladder.” – Terry

NGT Academy: From Zero to Engineer in Months

NGT Academy offers a comprehensive training program that takes individuals from zero to engineer in just a few months. The program starts with building a strong foundation in networking fundamentals, such as understanding how packets move throughout the network and learning the OSI model. Once the foundation is established, students are assigned multiple capstone projects where they get to architect, plan, and configure an entire infrastructure.

“Our training is project-based with mentorship and weekly live coaching. We provide practical, hands-on coaching, mentorship, and a white-glove training experience.” – Terry

The program covers both network engineering and cybersecurity, and students have the opportunity to earn up to nine certifications. NGT Academy also provides white-glove career services, including mock interviews, resume and cover letter assistance, and job matching with over 500 employers in their network.

Success Rate and Career Opportunities

NGT Academy boasts an impressive success rate, with an average of 88% to 92% of graduates finding careers in IT. Terry attributes this high success rate to the practical, hands-on nature of their training program. Graduates come out of the program with over 100 real-world skills that they can apply on day one of their job.

“The fastest way to move up in IT is to learn the technology, learn the devices, learn the configurations, and actually tinker around with these IT gadgets and solutions.” – Terry

The Importance of Hands-On Training

Terry emphasizes the importance of hands-on training and the limitations of traditional education. He recalls encountering job candidates with impressive certifications but lacking practical skills. He believes that true expertise comes from getting your hands dirty and working on real-world projects.

“The fastest way to level up your skills is to learn the technology, learn the devices, learn the configurations, and actually tinker around with these IT gadgets and solutions.” – Terry

Training for the Future: AI and Automation

Terry believes that the future of IT lies in automation and artificial intelligence (AI). He sees AI as a tool to automate mundane tasks and free up time for IT professionals to focus on more creative and innovative work. He predicts that AI will be integrated with container solutions, allowing for faster and more efficient deployments at a wider scale.

“AI is going to allow a lot more creativity and innovation. It’s going to create exponential growth in our technologies.” – Terry

While Terry acknowledges the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with AI, he remains optimistic about its positive impact on the IT industry. He believes that embracing new technologies and staying up to date with the latest trends is crucial for IT professionals to thrive in the evolving landscape.

Building a Successful IT Team

Terry offers advice to IT directors and CIOs on how to manage and train their workforce effectively. He emphasizes the importance of providing a clear career progression plan and opportunities for advancement within the organization. By creating an environment that promotes upward mobility and cross-departmental movement, IT leaders can retain and motivate their employees.

“Give them a career progression plan. Show them that there’s upward mobility and advancement that can happen over a career.” – Terry

Terry also encourages IT professionals to volunteer for projects outside of their immediate roles to gain exposure to different areas of the business. By taking on new challenges and solving complex problems, individuals can demonstrate their value and position themselves for career growth.

Conclusion: The Future of IT

In conclusion, the IT industry is rapidly evolving, and traditional education alone may not be sufficient to keep up with the pace of change. Hands-on training, practical experience, and a passion for learning are essential for success in the IT field. As AI and automation continue to shape the industry, IT professionals must embrace new technologies and stay up to date with the latest trends. By fostering a culture of innovation and providing opportunities for career advancement, IT leaders can build successful teams and drive their organizations forward in the digital age.