In June of 2016, Cory, a proud member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, graduated after successfully completing the Computer Support Program at Takoda Institute of Higher Education.
Prior to Takoda Institute, Cory had been taking care of his elderly mother while working at his previous job, which was physically straining and starting to take a toll on his body. He wanted to find a job that could provide advancement and financial security. Cory knew he needed a change and, with help from a caseworker at the Minnesota Workforce Center, decided that a post-secondary education was the solution.
While at Takoda, Cory remained focused on his education and learning exactly what he needed to know to excel. He found that the atmosphere at Takoda to be serious about education but also careful to avoid creating unnecessary stress for the students. Cory strived for excellence while at Takoda, determined to stand out to prospective employers.
When the opportunity for employment presented itself, Cory was eager and ready. Kelly IT resources came to Takoda looking for individuals who were near graduation to fill open positions and Takoda Employees Chris Taguinod and David Zemler referred Cory for employment. Cory found this transition into employment seamless thanks in part to the internship he had during school.
Cory attributes to gaining employment with the help of David Zemler, from American Indian OIC Employment Services. David’s exemplary skills and dedication to his job and the students he works with contributed to Cory gaining employment.
“With his help, during my time at Takoda, is a major reason I got hired so quickly after I completed the program, and the things David taught me, will continue to serve me well into the future.”
Cory is now working as a Technical Support Technician offering product-specific software support through a publishing company. Cory’s position assists in the daily workflow; moving things along efficiently as possible in a fast-growing technical support department.
Cory’s advice to incoming students:
“Be efficient, productive, and constant in your awareness of what you set out to achieve.”
