After eight years in regulation enforcement, Stephon Treadwell made the daring determination to commerce his badge for a command line. At the moment, he is proudly working as a Linux System Administrator at a authorities contractor firm that helps the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, because of his coaching at Yellow Tail Tech.
From Legislation Enforcement to Linux: A Large Leap
Earlier than entering into the world of IT, Stephon spent almost a decade as a police officer, three of these years serving as a sergeant. “Turning into a system administrator wasn’t on my radar at first,” he admitted. “However one in all my greatest pals is a software program engineer. He confirmed me the potential in tech.”
Initially, Stephon tried his hand at software program engineering. “It simply didn’t go well with me,” he mentioned. However moderately than surrender on tech altogether, he explored totally different paths, finally discovering system administration, and together with it, Yellow Tail Tech.
Discovering Yellow Tail Tech
Stephon discovered Yellow Tail Tech whereas studying Linux on his personal. “Their movies stored popping up, so I checked them out,” he mentioned. What he discovered was extra than simply tutorials—it was a full-blown profession growth program.
What actually drew me in was the construction. They weren’t simply instructing idea; they had been making ready individuals for actual jobs. They provided certifications, hands-on labs, and even an apprenticeship. That form of assist? You’ll be able to’t discover it all over the place.
Stephon made the leap and enrolled.
Why Yellow Tail Tech Stood Out
There are numerous bootcamps and on-line applications promising to get college students employed in tech, however Yellow Tail Tech stands aside with its hands-on coaching, profession teaching, and business certifications. For Stephon, that made all of the distinction.
“Yellow Tail Tech was hands-on from day one,” he defined. “You don’t simply sit and watch. You be taught by doing—by fixing actual issues in actual environments.”
And their assist doesn’t finish at commencement.
What I really like most is how Yellow Tail Tech retains in contact even after you end. That’s the Yellow Tail compassion, they actually care. They examine in, supply steering, and keep concerned in your success.”
Tackling Self-Doubt and Taking Management
Like many profession changers, Stephon had his share of doubts. “My greatest concern was not getting employed,” he recalled. “I stored considering these firms need expertise. Even with certifications, how might I compete?”
However Yellow Tail Tech helped him construct not simply abilities, however confidence. By means of mentorship, mock interviews, and a neighborhood of friends and instructors, he started to see his potential.
“As soon as I began troubleshooting by myself, writing documentation, and studying technical supplies, I felt extra in management. That’s what gave me the sting in interviews.”
Gaining Business Certifications
Certifications are a vital a part of any IT skilled’s resume, and Stephon knew this. He already had CompTIA Safety+, vital for anybody aiming to interrupt into authorities tech. At Yellow Tail Tech, he earned the Purple Hat Licensed System Administrator (RHCSA) credential, and after graduating, he went on to attain the Purple Hat Licensed Engineer (RHCE) certification as effectively.
“Safety+ opened the door. However RHCSA and RHCE gave me the technical depth. With automation turning into so essential, I knew Ansible was a talent I wanted.”
These certifications helped Stephon stand out—and in the end land his present function.
What It’s Like Working in Tech
At the moment, Stephon manages Purple Hat programs at a authorities contractor agency. His job contains checking programs, managing customers, updating packages, troubleshooting, and sustaining safety protocols. “It’s technical, positive, nevertheless it’s not overwhelming when you’re used to it,” he mentioned.
His mornings begin with checking emails and Slack, then reviewing tickets by means of a assist system. “Some days, I’m creating authentication guidelines or documenting procedures. Different days, I’m fixing points or researching higher options.”
He additionally makes time to check and sharpen his abilities. “There’s at all times one thing new to be taught—and I really like that about tech.”
Higher Pay, Higher High quality of Life
When requested in regards to the transition from policing to tech by way of compensation, Stephon didn’t hesitate. “Tech pays considerably extra,” he mentioned. “The advantages in regulation enforcement had been robust, however the wage in tech is by far the perfect I’ve ever had.”
He added, “The standard of life is simply higher now. I’m not micromanaged. I can take my time, deal with problem-solving, and really get pleasure from my workday.”
Regardless that he now stories to the workplace Monday by means of Friday, the job has introduced extra flexibility, steadiness, and peace of thoughts. “It’s a laid-back surroundings,” Stephon shared. “And when one thing pressing occurs, there’s a group prepared to assist. You’re by no means alone.”
Recommendation for Profession Changers
For anybody contemplating a profession change, Stephon says all of it comes right down to choosing the proper assist system.
Don’t attempt to do it by yourself. Yellow Tail Tech gave me the instruments, the neighborhood, and the mindset to succeed.
He additionally reminds others that you just don’t want a tech background to interrupt into the sector. “I got here from a world the place lives had been on the road. Now, I’m in a world the place uptime is the mission and I’m thriving.”
Whether or not you are coming from regulation enforcement like Stephon, hospitality, retail, or every other business, Yellow Tail Tech is designed to fulfill you the place you’re. Their group walks with you each step of the way in which—out of your first Linux command to your first job supply. With a neighborhood that really cares, hands-on coaching, and actual profession outcomes, you will not simply be taught tech, you’ll reside it. Don’t watch for the “proper second”, create it. Your future in tech begins now.
Able to make your personal profession leap? Ebook a 10-minute intro name with Yellow Tail Tech in the present day and open the doorways to your journey into tech—no expertise mandatory.
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