A real route into IT

I Was Looking for a Way In, Too

I graduated with a Communication degree and no professional IT experience. I'd already spent months applying in my original field without the response I expected. Technology had been a long-standing interest, and around that time, I finally let myself consider it as a career.

The Route, With the Dates

I researched different ways in, chose NPower, built a study routine, earned my first credentials, practiced technical interviews, rebuilt my résumé, and kept applying. The timeline was short. The effort was not.

Portrait of T.B. Edwards

Foundation Validation Conversion

  1. Started NPower Tech Fundamentals
  2. Earned the Google IT Support certificate
  3. Earned CompTIA ITF+
  4. Passed both CompTIA A+ exams on the first attempt
  5. Graduated from NPower and received the Esteemed Professional Award
  6. First IT interview
  7. Technical on-site interview, and a job offer
  8. Started as an L1 Systems Engineer

Since then: six IT certifications in total, and more than 1,000 people helped to explore training, certifications, and nontraditional routes into tech.

Today

I work as a Systems Technician at United States Lime & Minerals, supporting enterprise users, systems, Microsoft 365, identity, devices, networking, and day-to-day IT operations. My background also includes nearly three years in a managed-services environment, where I supported multiple organizations, trained users and newer engineers, and built technical documentation.

Why I Wrote The Tech Entry Plan

Through my work as an NPower Alumni Ambassador and my own resource-sharing, I've helped more than 1,000 people explore training, certifications, and nontraditional pathways into technology. This book turns the lessons from my own transition into a practical starting framework for beginners: the roadmap I wish I'd had when I started.

Real Skills. Real Opportunities. A Brighter Tomorrow.

If you want the full framework behind this route, start with the book. If you just want to see what's currently open, the free hub is the faster path.

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