Web Professionals Global works with a variety of students around the U.S. and around the world. We often work with students who come to us through MyCAA, which is the My Career Advancement Account program. MyCAA is a federal program that offers assistance for military members and spouses for continued education. One of our MyCAA students is Kiaizah P., who recently earned her Certified Web Designer Associate certificate from Web Professionals Global. Our work with MyCAA learners is part of our work with workforce development organizations around the country.
Kiaizah works as a logistics specialist for the National Guard and is transitioning into her post-military career. As she began to consider life after the military, she looked at how she could transfer her skills into a new and exciting career pathway. She found the Web Design certificate and completed it to begin preparing for her professional life as a civilian. We chatted with her to learn more about her experience entering the web design field and working with Web Professionals Global.
How did you become interested in web design and the Web Design certificate?
I was interested in this certificate because I wanted to try something new while transitioning out of the military. I have no experience with web design at all, so I was really interested in learning more about it. So I was happy to find the certificate, and I am so glad I earned it. I really like when things look pretty and attractive, which is what drew me to web design. I enjoy using websites that are pleasing and easy to use, but there are so many out there that are difficult to use. Often I will have to leave a site because it is too difficult to use. I want to work on and create websites that are user-friendly.
Did you have any concerns when planning this transition from the military back to civilian life?
I was concerned about a lack of opportunity in the civilian world. While there is plenty of opportunity in the military world I knew that I didn’t want to stay in logistics, which is my current field. And I have been in the military for so many years. So I was kind of panicking and freaking out and asking myself, “What can I do?” The biggest thing for me was just reaching out and seeing what resources are out there for military members like myself. There are many opportunities for education and employment as well as partnerships to help out. They weren’t right in front of me, but I used Google and just went and found them for myself. I also realized that I had transferable skills from the military that I can use in my civilian life. That’s what I would recommend for anyone else who is looking for a career change post-military.
How was your experience earning the Web Design certificate?
I really enjoyed it, because I was nervous about doing online learning. I am used to being very hands-on when learning. I also didn’t know how it would go being self-paced. But I love how I was able to earn the certificate as I went through the course. The curriculum taught me everything I needed to be prepared for the exam.
Did you enjoy hearing from industry professionals throughout the process of earning the certificate?
It was great hearing different points of view from industry professionals. I appreciate hearing from those with years of experience because it can be a bit intimidating and overwhelming learning something completely new in which I have no experience. Hearing from other professionals about how they didn’t know everything at first and had obstacles to overcome was really helpful. It’s motivating to know that there are other people who went through what I am going through now.
What would your advice be for other military members who are considering getting into a creative career like web design?
I would tell them to not put pressure on themselves, because it will be much easier to succeed this way. When learning something new, it often feels like it is important to know everything, study all the time and pass tests with flying colors. Of course it is important to do all of this, but you can do so without overwhelming yourself.
What was it like working with Web Professionals Global?
It was an awesome experience. I want to thank Web Professionals Global for making it so enjoyable to enter the world of web design and earn my certificate.
Mark DuBois, Executive Director of Web Professionals Global, said, “We are thrilled to work with Kiaizah and other veterans who are planning their post-military careers. The world of web offers so many opportunities in design, development, animation, app development, and much more. Veterans have so many intrinsic transferable skills to bring to our profession, and part of our work is to help them bring those skills to civilian web careers. When we started the association years ago, we committed to developing community and education as well as delivering certifications that industry can rely on. We work closely with workforce development organizations to support adult learners who are looking to switch careers, build their skillset, or transition from the military or a different career field. We are always happy to welcome another member into our ranks.”
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