Major: Computer and Information Technology (CIT)
Joel Christian was one semester away from completing his master’s degree in psychology when he decided to make a change.
“I had wanted to become a mental health professional, and my underlying motivation was to help people overcome their mental health issues,” he said. “But my passion was always technology, and I realized that I do not need to be in the health sector to help people. I can pursue my passion and still make an impact. In my culture, it is usually frowned upon to change courses so late in your academic pursuit, but I was determined to do something that I am naturally good at.”
His interest in technology began when he was a kid, and his skills developed as he grew older.
“My first internet encounter involved dancing around the DSL modem, making sure not to upset the delicate balance and accidentally cutting off the internet by using the phone line,” he said. “I was always curious, always tinkering. At 15, my dad got us a computer, and his words, ‘Don’t be afraid to break the computer while learning,’ fueled my tech experiments. I dabbled in installing different operating systems, switching out hard drives, and I even washed my computer’s motherboard with soap and water once. Looking back, it may not have been my brightest moment!”
Christian decided to move from his native India to the U.S. because of its high standard of education and approach to learning. He discovered College of DuPage through one of his relatives who lives in the area and explored the College’s website. After discovering that the Computer and Information Technology program had a Cisco Academy, he knew it was the right school to attend.
Christian started with the basics, such as IP addressing and subnetting, then worked his way through CCNA classes and dove into Network Security, Windows, and Linux Administration.
The hands-on learning and the environment to ask questions helped me create a strong foundation.
Joel Christian
“COD gave me a platform to explore my passion and interest in technology, and the teachers fueled my hunger for learning more,” he said. “The hands-on learning and the environment to ask questions helped me create a strong foundation. I learned to be confident in a language other than my native language, and I was able to meet and network with a lot of people who helped me in both my academic and professional journey. In fact, I landed my first internship in IT through the recommendation of my department chair, Dr. Felix Davis, for which I will be forever grateful.”
Eager to put his skills to the test, Christian immersed himself in his internship experience at a network operations center for a local managed service provider. After graduating with an Associates in Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Defense, he was offered a full-time position at the MSP, where he worked as a help desk analyst and then as a network operation center engineer responsible for the company and customer networks. He became proficient in such technologies as Cisco Route and Switch, Cisco ASA, Juniper 128-T, Silverpeak, HP Aruba, Meraki, and Juniper Mist.
After one year, Christian decided to return to school and currently is completing his bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity through COD’s 3+1 program with Lewis University. His goal is to increase his skill set in cybersecurity in order to work in the field of pen-testing.
Because of his love for COD, he works as a teaching assistant with the CIT program and enjoys mentoring students by fostering an environment conducive to learning.
“This role holds deep significance as it allows me to give back to the community that has supported my own success,” he said. “Witnessing students’ achievements brings me immense joy and satisfaction. There’s a profound sense of fulfillment in observing the ‘light bulb’ moments when concepts click for them, knowing that I played a role in their learning journey. Being able to contribute to their success is both a pleasure and a privilege, reinforcing my commitment to supporting and uplifting others within the academic community.”
Because COD played a pivotal role in shaping his personal and professional growth, Christian recommends the school for its diverse program offerings and dedicated faculty who prioritize student success.
“The combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training equips students with invaluable skills crucial for real-world success,” he said. “The CIT program provides a solid foundation in industry-relevant knowledge while also emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills. For those interested in technology, it is a worthwhile investment. By dedicating oneself to learning and utilizing the resources provided, students can make meaningful progress toward their goals.”
Learn more about the Computer and Information Technology (CIT) program at College of DuPage