Jack Ziegenhorn: Deciding On A Career Path

Daunting and often overwhelming, deciding on a career path is one of life’s most intense challenges. For recent college graduates like Jack Ziengenhorn, turning to face a world in the throes of a global pandemic rather than one bursting with opportunities can be disheartening.

Contemplating next steps after graduating from the University of Memphis with a degree in Psychology, Jack Ziegenhorn followed his love of all things Memphis to Tech901. Although he described himself as never being the most technically inclined in his family, Ziegenhorn loved the idea of trying something new.

“I was looking for a career change,” Ziegenhorn said.  “I remembered Tech901 and thought that it might be cool as the career opportunities were really enticing for me. Everything I wanted to do with my Psych degree required getting a master’s degree.” 

Ziegenhorn continued, “Tech901 wasn’t as intense and still provided lots of new learning opportunities at a fraction of the cost.”

The affordability and class time flexibility was another huge part in Jack’s decision to enroll in the IT Foundations course.

“For around $180, you get a class, textbook, and certification voucher for the first CompTIA A+ certification exam,” Ziegenhorn said. “Anyone who has been to college knows most textbooks alone are double that by themselves.”

While in the midst of the 12-week program, Jack took advantage of every opportunity to refine his resume and send out job applications. 

“Tech901 has set apart times on how to build (your resume) and get the most out of it to illustrate your experience,” Ziegenhorn said. “They have built-in networking opportunities and are always posting about job openings online and mention them in class as well.”

Through a connection made with one of his instructors - the owner of MemFi Networks - Jack was able to land a job there working in IT hardware tech after graduating. At first, he was nervous that the information he was tested on at  Tech901 would not translate to the workspace, but he was immediately proven wrong.

“I was worried that maybe I just studied for the test rather than absorbing and retaining the information,” Ziegenhorn said. “Once I started at MemFi, I found that I was able to recall things quickly. Tech901 instills detailed contextual awareness in their students that build out problem-solving abilities, which I feel are now the two strongest attributes I bring to my job.”

Through both in-class activity and open lab availability outside of classroom windows, students are able to enrich their knowledge through hands-on experience rather than exclusively through readings and lectures. 

Now working in IT full-time at MemFi Networks, Jack finds the most rewarding aspects of his job on a daily basis to be the instant gratification of task completion along with no day being exactly the same.

“There is always something to learn,” Ziegenhorn said. “IT to me so far is a mix of new stuff and different solutions each day and by using a ticketing system, I get to literally check off everything I accomplish in a day. It’s those small rewards that keep me going.”

Coinciding with working at MemFi, Jack is furthering his IT education here at Tech901 and plans to get three more certifications.

“Currently, I’m in the Data Analytics class at Tech901,” Ziegenhorn said. “It’s not my current field, but I felt pulled towards it. It's something totally new for me and a really exciting opportunity.”

Eventually, Jack wants to become certified in IT Security and Project Management as well. His fire for IT is in full blaze and he is thrilled to continue to grow in this field.

To those pondering a career change or simply looking to get their post-high school education started, Jack feels there is no better place to begin your journey.

“If you’re thinking about enrolling in Tech901, do it. No question,” Ziegenhorn said. “Outside of the enriching education and technical training, Tech901 has a diverse environment with people from numerous backgrounds and age groups to the point where it’s impossible not to fit in.”

Ziegenhorn continued, “Everyone is placed on equal footing, instructors included. All of my instructors accepted me and offered advice and training beyond just tech, and I know they will accept and encourage you as well.”

In today’s uncertain world, it is comforting to know Tech901 is a place you can rely on with a  commitment to cultivating a culture of encouragement and constant investment in its  students.