Ashland
New Richmond
Rice Lake
Superior
News
Celebrating Success: Joleen and Kory’s Journey with Northwood Technical College
September 11, 2024
Joleen’s story is one of determination and the power of a supportive educational environment. Her journey began with a strong recommendation from her mother, who had attended Northwood Technical College and experienced firsthand the benefits of its programs. Inspired by her mother’s success, Joleen decided to follow in her footsteps.
As a former university student, Joleen recognizes the advantages of a technical college education. “Northwood Tech was a much better experience. Their instructors are great, and the class size was small enough that you can get more of a one-on-one experience if needed.”
She credits Northwood Tech for providing her with the essential skills needed to excel in software development. The college’s hands-on approach made a significant difference in her learning experience, allowing for personalized attention and a more engaging educational journey.
Hired at her current company as a student intern, Joleen quickly demonstrated her skills and dedication. Through hard work and the application of the knowledge she gained at Northwood Tech, she thrived in the positive and dynamic work environment. With opportunities for growth and her problem-solving skills, she climbed the ranks to become the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This accomplishment stands as her proudest achievement, showcasing her ability to leverage her education to reach new heights in her career. The college not only prepared her for these challenges but also instilled in her a love for the field.
Joleen’s success story came full circle when she had the opportunity to hire Kory, another Northwood Tech graduate. After earning a bachelor’s degree and starting his career, Kory decided to make a change. He came to Northwood Tech in 2018. While working and supporting a growing family, he persevered, graduated, and was hired by Joleen in 2019.
Kory chose Northwood Tech for its small class sizes and hands-on coding experience. “Northwood Tech prepared me by having me dive right into coding from day one. I've met people who went to other colleges that had no database experience. Northwood Tech provided numerous classes on databases and prepared me for my current role using a database daily. They also prepared me by using IDEs (Integrated Development Environments/coding software) that I use every day.”
In his current position, Kory enjoys working with his colleagues and the variety of tasks he handles daily. He helps internal and external clients with software bugs and develops new software features to enhance their experience. Kory’s positive experience at Northwood Tech, where instructors and classmates supported each other, prepared him well for his career.
Joleen and Kory’s stories show how the College positively impacts students’ lives. Northwood Tech continues to be a place where students can thrive, gain valuable skills, and Experience.Success.
