I just wanted to thank everyone at CSI for my success story. First of all, for Diana Larsen who taught me never to sell myself short and for giving me confidence in myself, she helped me to pick out just the right program I needed for the job I was looking for.
Secondly, for Bricia Pini who has helped me rewrite my resume over until we created a masterpiece. She worked with me doing mock interviews as well as giving me excellent advice for my job search. She also taught me that a great thank-you letter makes all the difference.
Last but not least, for my teacher, Denise Anderson she has excellent teaching skills and a lot of patience. Not only did she help me out a lot in class but she also came in on her days off to help me prepare for my certification exam as well.
It was because of all of the above that I was totally prepared to go out and to obtain the job I was looking for. I was told by employment agencies that I would have to take at least a 3 to 5 dollar an hour pay cut, as I didn't have a degree. I just wanted to let you know that I only had to take a .26-cent pay cut. I am also making two dollars more an hour than my husband who has a B.A. degree.
Here's the formula for my success: (you do the math)
Start with a great school: CSI
Have a great counselor: Diana Larsen
Work with a great Project Manager: Bricia Pini
Learn from a great teacher: Denise Anderson
Then be prepared to experience your own great success story.
Thank you,
Bonny Goldberg Dear Malorie,
I just wanted to let you know that I had an interview this morning and it went great. They had a lot of really nice things to say about CSI and its employees. They were very interested in your programs and thought they were a great way to have employee contacts.
The interview went very well. I have a good feeling that I will be offered a position with them. Let me say thank you for all of your help and advice. Taking this course was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I am impressed with how CSI came through with everything that was promised when I started (as far finding a job for all of us). Not many programs can boost about following through with everything they say they can do for you, most of the time it's just talk.
Anyways, thank you again for everything and I will contact you to let you know their final decision.
Sincerely,
Loretta Styles
Certified Customer Service Professional
"I really appreciate all of the efforts put forth by the teaching staff."
"Diana was very concerned that everyone in the class understood the materials & would not go on until we did, I appreciate the patience and really learned a lot! Thank you."
"Thank you for making going back to school not only enjoyable but also very informative."
From Class Evaluation Forms
Hi Folks
I'm a former student at CSI who took the Visual Basic course back in November of 96 - instructed by Tom Johnson, and just wanted to touch base with you guys again and give you another success story.
I now live and work in sunny Phoenix, AZ, and I owe it all to the fine education I received at CSI.
Prior to going to CSI, I had taken some college courses, but did not have a degree and really didn't enjoy the whole college thing. While I understood that a college degree is very important, I felt that with technology - especially Microsoft Technology, there was a huge future and the colleges (at that time anyway) were missing the boat by not offering quality Microsoft and PC oriented classes.
After reviewing several technical schools, I easily chose CSI as the best place to be. CSI was the only place that was pressure free and totally up front with me about everything - like for example, they weren't trying to tell me that a novice with 0 programming experience could learn enough VB to get a job in 2 weeks!
After completing the class, which was no piece of cake I must admit, I was able to find and entry level programmer position with a fortune 500 company - Advance Transformer a division of Philips Electronics just 1 day after finishing CSI! Since then I have moved on to bigger and better opportunities and a much bigger salary in the Phoenix metro area, currently I work as an independent consultant for a healthcare organization developing an Order Entry/Inventory/Invoicing system, and am currently making $55.00 an hour! Previously, I have worked with a backbone ISP - Genuity as well as the State of Arizona's motor vehicle division. --All at top notch salaries I might add! ;)
Thanks for every thing at CSI, and I just wanted to say a big Hello to you all.
Keep up the good work!!
Andy Schmidt
Student VB Class of Nov. 1996
After 14 plus years in sales, I came to Computer Systems Institute in my late 30's with a strong desire to turn a pastime into a career. CSI assisted me in obtaining the subsidizing I needed to make a go at it.
I enrolled in CSI's networking program. It was many long weeks of intensive training. The instructor was more than proficient at communicating the knowledge I would need for my career growth. More important, and as the old saying goes, he did more than teach us what we needed to know, he taught us "how to fish" for the knowledge that I would need to know in the future; which is why I got a job immediately after graduation and quickly progressed from a Network Administrator to a Systems Integration Engineer and now a Manager of Network Services and Infrastructure.
But there's more....
I can still rely on CSI today. From job placement to a flexible policy that allows alumni to repeat classes, CSI is there for me. I have also utilized CSI as a resource when I am in need of an IT employee.
If you are considering a career in IT, you should give CSI your serious consideration. Also, as a matter of fact, CSI is one of the few technical schools that I considered which is still around today; that should mean something to you.
Brad M. G.
CSI Graduate
I looked at several different schools when I decided to make the professional move into computer networking. I chose CSI mainly because of its proximity to home. I could not be more pleased with my choice of schools. The instructors at CSI were incredibly thorough in all aspects of network administration. Because of their experience in real-world application, we understood why we were using certain methods over others and how they would benefit overall performance. This gave me the confidence to discuss technologies and their qualities during my interviews.
CSI prepared me with interviewing techniques and resume building as I got closer to my graduation date - and believe me, these were some of the most important tips I have ever received! Through the hard work of the Career Services Manager, Mike Newborn, I met my current employer. I am now working full time in a position with good pay and wonderful growth potential. In this incredibly tough job market, I was not expecting to get a job so close to my graduation date. Thanks to Mike I am now gainfully employed and doing what I love to do.
My experience at CSI has completely changed my life and I will be forever grateful to the many people who helped me get to where I am now. I don't believe that without the help of job placement services and the wonderful instruction that I would have been offered a job so quickly after graduation. I highly recommend CSI to anyone looking to become educated in IT and who wants quality service and instruction.
Many thanks,
Gabriel Shabat
Four and a half months ago, I knew I needed a career change and was highly interested in web development. After surveying Chicago area schools, I chose CSI based on the lower cost, intensity of the program and the topics covered in training. I soon found that I had made the best choice of my life.
The classes were phenomenal - fast paced and intensively hands on. The instructors were professionals in the field who taught not only technical skills but also brought real world experience to the classroom. In addition to the programming skills needed to build sophisticated web solutions, the instructors also gave me the "soft" skills needed to advance in the field - where to find technical help, how to utilize developer networks, and which technologies/ business types are the future of this field.
The training gave me immediately marketable skills. Shortly after beginning the class, I was able to make extra money creating web sites on a free lance basis. In the end, I did not just learn how to use web development software; I learned the thought process, programming and hardware consideration for building complete web solutions for businesses. Additionally, the final project, a fully functional e-commerce site, gave me the means to showcase my mastery of skills to potential employers. I graduated confident I was well prepared for my new career.
Throughout the interview process, potential employers were impressed with the depth of my skills and my knowledge of the web development field. I participated in a recruiting event hosted by the CSI Job Placement Department, which brought representatives from 13 web development companies on campus. As a direct result, I had three job offers within 30 days after completing the class. All of the offers were for almost twice what I was making in my old career! I never imagined that this would be this productive!
In short, choosing CSI as the means to my career change has been the best choice of my life. I wholeheartedly recommend CSI's web development program to anyone considering this type of career change.
Rebecca Smith
I just took (and passed) my CCA exam in June. I was top collector at Concentra for the first quarter of 2007 and I'm thinking of applying for the Billing Supervisor position that just opened up.
Cross your fingers for me!
Kathryn Underwood
Hi Mike,
Well, I got the job! As of January 8th, I will be the Technology and Marketing Manager for a major not-for-profit organization. Thank you so much for your confidence in me and for supporting me at the job fair! I found it very helpful in making contacts, learning more about the industry and getting interview experience. Thank you for setting it up. It took a lot of work on your part, but it is definitely worth it
When I decided to make a career change, I looked at many different avenues. Reviewing my background in the business world, my creativeness and my interest in computers, I chose the Web Development path. I checked out Web Development programs from all the major universities in the area and found they were not quite what I wanted, plus the cost was very high.
When I attended the Career Seminar at CSI, I was quite impressed with the facility and also with what I heard. Ella was very informative and answered many questions I had. I decided that this was the school for me. I am glad I made the decision.
I have found many helpful and caring employees at CSI during the classes and after graduation. I will and have recommended CSI to my friends and acquaintances.
Take care and I'll keep in touch! May the new year bring much happiness, good health and wealth and for the years to come!
Sharyne
Hi Bruno -
I want to let you know that I received the job offer that I was pursuing. Approximately 500 people applied for this technical marketing position. I presented my GetFit website (the version without the Flash intro) during the initial interview and my newly-acquired web design skills were a determining factor in the selection process. My employment begins on July 8th and one of my assignments is to update the company's website.
I asked Julia to share this news with Ella, so she is aware of how beneficial your class was in my being selected. I also told my career advisor at WIA an organization that provides vouchers to individuals that have been laid off from their jobs. Since my training proved beneficial, others can now benefit from this state/federal program.
While it will be difficult to work during the day and attend evening classes, I am excited about this new employment opportunity. Thank you for your help and instruction.
Kristyna
"Dear CSI,
... Well, I got the job! I will be the Healthcare Administrative Assistant for a major not-for-profit organization. Thank you so much for your confidence in me and all support!
I found CSI Career Services department very helpful in making contacts, learning more about the industry and getting interview experience. It took a lot of work on your part, but it is definitely worth it."
Sharyne A.
I thought CSI's environment was very pleasant and comfortable. I liked my instructors. I'm so happy now that I've completed my course as a Medical Professional. I got a lot of encouragement from a lot of people at CSI. Joe Painter helped me a lot. I would like to say that Lori Skala is a wonderful worker for CSI. She helped me through some computer problems I was having. She's a valuable worker in my opinion and very knowledgeable.
I think Dave is a very gifted instructor. He was able to teach all of the students at their own level. I needed a lot of help and he was always there for me. I feel confident in my computer skills and knowledge. He provided us with valuable information that will help us secure a job. He had a special way of making you feel at ease and comfortable learning the various programs. If you didn't understand he made time to teach you after class or on breaks.
I would like to see you begin a placement program. I could use help finding a job. I feel a little lost now because I've been out of the job market for a long time. I know that Mr. Painter said right from the get go that CSI weren't recruiters. It would be nice if you were. If you could give me some help I would appreciate it.
In fact, I just did when I was on a job interview yesterday. They asked me about CSI and if I thought it was worthwhile. My response was ABSOLUTELY. I learned so much and now feel strong about going on interviews and confident that I can finally get a job.
Pamela Herbert
Hi Lynda,
I want to thank you so much for all the wonderful advice from the CSI career workshop. I had a phone screen interview with Hospira in Lake Forest. I took control of the interview and pushed for a second face-to-face. They were very impressed and worked through my recruiter to schedule a second interview. I had the second interview last Friday (6/9); once again I took control of the interview and they offered me the position of Windows System Engineer. I start on Monday, (6/19). The recruiter I'm working with said "They were so impressed that if she could find a clone of me that's what they are looking for with the second position they have open."
I thought you'd like to know just how much you have helped me.
BTW.... the offer was a little over $5,000 more a year then my previous position.
Kind regards,
Michael Montello
"I asked myself in January of 2005 after being laid off, what my life would be like a year and a half later. I never thought the time would arrive, but I can now say with certainty that it has been one of the most challenging, frightening, frustrating, and rewarding times in my career.
Thank you, CSI for providing me with the opportunity to re-invent my career. Being accepted into CSI was the catalyst I needed, but didn't know at the time, to lift my spirits and jump-start my re-introduction into the work force.
CSI staff provided me with guidance, support, and friendship and I truly appreciate your efforts. You have become my newfound friends. Thank you."
Paul L.
I started as a student in the CompTIA/MCDST program on August 5, 2006. I am a mainframe computer operator who was in real need of re-tooling my skill set to regain a competitive edge in the IT job market.
I started with the A+ Hardware class, and then took the CompTIA Exam and passed it. Then I took the A+ Operating System class, and then took the CompTIA Exam and passed it. Next, I took the Network+ class and then passed that exam with a perfect score.
The KnowledgeNet courseware, in combination with my assigned instructor, Bill Slater, have been very effective in helping me learn this huge amount of technical material, by staying on a regular training schedule and applying myself.
Bill has been my assigned instructor through the entire set of courses. He always shows that he cares about me and my progress, and really enjoys teaching. He is helpful because he explains things well and because he recommends supplemental study materials, articles and texts, which further enhance my understanding.
Anyway, I expect to complete this CompTIA/MCDST program by late Summer 2007 and I am convinced that it has been worth it and that it will help make me a better IT professional in the workplace.
Dave Luvert
Don,
Thanks for remembering my birthday. I also would like to thank you for helping me get my career and, for that matter, life back on track. CSI provided a great opportunity to me, but having an instructor like you was the true gift. Thanks again.
Wally
I just wanted to thank you for all the work you have done for us. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into our education. I really have seen a whole new side of this school and I'm very happy that I talked to you guys.
You guys always have an open door and always willing to go that extra mile or 100 miles. I have looked at a lot of Computer schools and I really feel that CSI works with their students the best. Thanks a lot.
Sincere Regards,
Eric Rapinchuk
My name is Minaxi Tailor and I joined CSI's Oracle Developer 2000 program in March 1999. I came to CSI to make a career change. My BS degree was in Medical Technology and I wanted to do something new and challenging and getting into the computer field was an interest that I've had for many years. This program was structured in a way that someone with no programming background could succeed in with some hard work and determination. I believe that this program is a great starting point into Oracle Applications Development.
Three weeks before completion of this program I was invited to attend an IT recruiting window at Motorola. We went through a process of three interviews with managers and directors. A few days later I was offered a position as a Database Administrator. I feel as though CSI is great place to start if you want to make a change in your career.
