After eight years in legislation enforcement, Stephon Treadwell made the daring choice to commerce his badge for a command line. In the present day, he is proudly working as a Linux System Administrator at a authorities contractor firm that helps the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Egg Harbor, New Jersey, because of his coaching at Yellow Tail Tech.
From Legislation Enforcement to Linux: A Huge Leap
Earlier than moving into the world of IT, Stephon spent practically a decade as a police officer, three of these years serving as a sergeant. “Turning into a system administrator wasn’t on my radar at first,” he admitted. “However one among my finest buddies is a software program engineer. He confirmed me the potential in tech.”
Initially, Stephon tried his hand at software program engineering. “It simply didn’t go well with me,” he mentioned. However reasonably than quit on tech altogether, he explored totally different paths, ultimately discovering system administration, and together with it, Yellow Tail Tech.
Discovering Yellow Tail Tech
Stephon discovered Yellow Tail Tech whereas studying Linux on his personal. “Their movies saved popping up, so I checked them out,” he mentioned. What he discovered was extra than simply tutorials—it was a full-blown profession improvement program.
What actually drew me in was the construction. They weren’t simply educating concept; they have been making ready folks for actual jobs. They provided certifications, hands-on labs, and even an apprenticeship. That type of assist? You possibly can’t discover it in all places.
Stephon made the leap and enrolled.
Why Yellow Tail Tech Stood Out
There are numerous bootcamps and on-line packages promising to get college students employed in tech, however Yellow Tail Tech stands aside with its hands-on coaching, profession teaching, and trade certifications. For Stephon, that made all of the distinction.
“Yellow Tail Tech was hands-on from day one,” he defined. “You don’t simply sit and watch. You be taught by doing—by fixing actual issues in actual environments.”
And their assist doesn’t finish at commencement.
What I really like most is how Yellow Tail Tech retains in contact even after you end. That’s the Yellow Tail compassion, they actually care. They test in, supply steering, and keep concerned in your success.”
Tackling Self-Doubt and Taking Management
Like many profession changers, Stephon had his share of doubts. “My largest concern was not getting employed,” he recalled. “I saved pondering these corporations need expertise. Even with certifications, how might I compete?”
However Yellow Tail Tech helped him construct not simply expertise, however confidence. Via mentorship, mock interviews, and a neighborhood of friends and instructors, he started to see his potential.
“As soon as I began troubleshooting alone, writing documentation, and studying technical supplies, I felt extra in management. That’s what gave me the sting in interviews.”
Gaining Business Certifications
Certifications are a crucial a part of any IT skilled’s resume, and Stephon knew this. He already had CompTIA Safety+, vital for anybody aiming to interrupt into authorities tech. At Yellow Tail Tech, he earned the Crimson Hat Licensed System Administrator (RHCSA) credential, and after graduating, he went on to attain the Crimson Hat Licensed Engineer (RHCE) certification as properly.
“Safety+ opened the door. However RHCSA and RHCE gave me the technical depth. With automation turning into so vital, I knew Ansible was a ability I wanted.”
These certifications helped Stephon stand out—and finally land his present function.
What It’s Like Working in Tech
In the present day, Stephon manages Crimson Hat methods at a authorities contractor agency. His job consists of checking methods, managing customers, updating packages, troubleshooting, and sustaining safety protocols. “It’s technical, positive, but it surely’s not overwhelming when you’re used to it,” he mentioned.
His mornings begin with checking emails and Slack, then reviewing tickets via a assist system. “Some days, I’m creating authentication guidelines or documenting procedures. Different days, I’m fixing points or researching higher options.”
He additionally makes time to check and sharpen his expertise. “There’s all the time one thing new to be taught—and I really like that about tech.”
Higher Pay, Higher High quality of Life
When requested in regards to the transition from policing to tech by way of compensation, Stephon didn’t hesitate. “Tech pays considerably extra,” he mentioned. “The advantages in legislation enforcement have been sturdy, however the wage in tech is by far the most effective I’ve ever had.”
He added, “The standard of life is simply higher now. I’m not micromanaged. I can take my time, deal with problem-solving, and truly take pleasure in my workday.”
Though he now reviews to the workplace Monday via Friday, the job has introduced extra flexibility, steadiness, and peace of thoughts. “It’s a laid-back surroundings,” Stephon shared. “And when one thing pressing occurs, there’s a workforce prepared to assist. You’re by no means alone.”
Recommendation for Profession Changers
For anybody contemplating a profession swap, Stephon says all of it comes right down to choosing the proper assist system.
Don’t attempt to do it by yourself. Yellow Tail Tech gave me the instruments, the neighborhood, and the mindset to succeed.
He additionally reminds others that you simply don’t want a tech background to interrupt into the sector. “I got here from a world the place lives have been on the road. Now, I’m in a world the place uptime is the mission and I’m thriving.”
Whether or not you are coming from legislation enforcement like Stephon, hospitality, retail, or some other trade, Yellow Tail Tech is designed to fulfill you the place you’re. Their workforce walks with you each step of the way in which—out of your first Linux command to your first job supply. With a neighborhood that actually cares, hands-on coaching, and actual profession outcomes, you will not simply be taught tech, you’ll reside it. Don’t watch for the “proper second”, create it. Your future in tech begins now.
Able to make your individual profession leap? Ebook a 10-minute intro name with Yellow Tail Tech right now and open the doorways to your journey into tech—no expertise obligatory.
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