Technology Team Leader In Baltimore Credits Success To Education
Chris Radford, Senior Technical Consultant at Force 3, a network security company in Crofton, Maryland recently received the CWNE/Certified Wireless Network Expert certification. Of 159 in the world, Radford is one of two such designees at Force 3.
Radford began his career at Anne Arundel Community College where he obtained an associates degree in computer networking and telecommunications; and then went on to obtain a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore. When he joined Force 3, he completed several additional industry certifications.
What inspired you to enter your specialized field of technology where you are now a team leader on various projects?
"I have always had a passion and curiosity for how information systems operate, specifically interconnected systems like the internet. I decided to learn more and decided it was a field in which I could start a career. My company, Force 3, works closely with the school I attended, and I was contacted for an internship."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"The certifications provided me with the specific skills needed to contribute to Force 3. My degree track included a concentration on the management of information systems and how those systems enable a business to meet its objectives."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"Education has been the sole source of my success. Without completing the degree and certification programs, I would not have the career I do today. With the dynamic nature of the technology sector, the learning process never ends."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into some area of technology?
"Identify what interests you the most - something you have a passion for - and determine how to become skilled in that area. Many college programs expose you to many focus areas within IT; Identify a focus area. In many industries, certifications carry more weight than a college degree because they enable you to become a subject matter expert in a particular focus area. Also, they are in demand and thus create job security."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
