Education provides the edge and confidence he needs
After a layoff, workNet DuPage funds Daniel to attend classes at Northeastern Illinois University and complete a Cyber Security Minor.
“They taught me so much about the workplace today and opened my eyes to details I never would have guessed would be vital to my success. It was a phenomenal experience," says Daniel.
As a mid-career professional living in Texas, Daniel wasn't expecting to ever have to move back home with family in Illinois. After a wave of pandemic-related layoffs, however, it became a necessity. Like millions across the nation, Daniel was laid off due to Covid-related cuts and forced to relocate to save money and rethink his next career move.
A sales professional in the cyber security space, Daniel knew that learning more about the technology would provide an edge in the job market. He was right. Today, Daniel is thriving at a new job he greatly enjoys. He says, “I never would have made it this far without workNet DuPage.”
workNet DuPage funded Daniel to attend classes at Northeastern Illinois University and complete a Cyber Security Minor.
“The center helped me focus on the skills necessary to find a rewarding position that I would enjoy,” says Daniel. "Whenever I invest my time into something, I need to make sure at my age it makes me a better person, and without any hesitation, I am much better off now.”
In addition to updating his credentials, the support and encouragement he received was key. “I think what helped me the most were my conversations on a regular basis with Mark and the staff,” he says. “The center helped me focus on the skills necessary to find a rewarding position that I would enjoy.”
Daniel tapped into the combined experience of staff members during weekly “swarm” meetings to accelerate his job search. “They taught me so much about the workplace today and opened my eyes to details I never would have guessed would be vital to my success. It was a phenomenal experience. Whenever I invest my time into something, I need to make sure at my age it makes me a better person, and without any hesitation, I am much better off now.”
