Its not often that I'm lucky enough to take advantage of an opportunity just in the nick of time. However, it appears that this time, I was.
As an H-1B grant recipient, I was fortunate enough to obtain funding for training to update my Microsoft MCSE certification, as well as prepare for a Cisco CCNA certification. Several others in my class (including two of my co-workers) are also taking advantage of this opportunity.
IT certification training is extremely expensive. Without current certifications in a highly competitive job market (such as we have today), its difficult enough to get an interview, much less land a better job. Three years ago, our company was hiring an IT person for our group and I was given the task of reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates. We received in excess of 350 resumes for this position. How exactly do you make yourself stand out in a pile of 350 resumes? It isn't easy.
In a time where more and more high-tech companies are outsourcing their IT departments to other countries, causing even more American workers to lose their jobs, these types of programs are necessary to keep our workforce educated. I'm somewhat surprised (and obviously disappointed) that Mr. Bush would cut a program like this right smack in the middle of an election year.
I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. Its sad to think that others who could use it will no longer be able to.
Posted by geekchik at February 11, 2004 10:10 AM