Hello, Welcome to MaevicIT!

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I am an IT analyst in the manufacturing industry.  I am new to the IT field as I used to be in the automotive industry. I went through an automotive training program and came out at the top of my class.  After the program ended, I spent extra time learning the ins and outs of Volvo passenger vehicles. Upon graduation, I was a certified Volvo Technician. 

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Over the next 13 years, I spent my time gaining knowledge and experience in the automotive industry.  I was a technician, service advisor, service dispatcher, and Service Manager.  For five years, I was a service Manager of 2 different dealerships within my company.  I learned a lot about managing staff, customers, and running an automotive service department from my mentor, the company's Service Director. In July of 2019, I chased an opportunity to be a Service Manager of a Nissan Dealership. This was going well until March of 2020.

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COVID hit and hit hard.  Everything shut down, and like so many people, I was furloughed.  For the first time I could remember, I had nothing to do.  I thought, "Why should I resign myself to waste away at home?" I decided to start some projects I would otherwise not have time to complete.  I researched and gained new skills like short circuit engineering, soldering, resin casting, and basic computer programming with Python.  These new skills opened my eyes to new possibilities and experiences. 

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After a good amount of reflection, I decided I did not want to run service departments anymore.  I decided to go back to school to complete a missed opportunity from when I was younger.  I decided to go back to college.  After researching many different schools, I decided to apply for and got accepted to Purdue University Global.  Starting June of 2020, I was back working towards my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. 

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I have always been fascinated and excited by technology.  I have followed various trends in tech, built computers, and helped my family set up their home networks. Professionally, I have helped design, implement, and pilot a drive-through tablet check-in process for Volvo.  Recognizing that I enjoyed learning, adapting, and implementing various IT systems, my choice was clear.  I needed a new career I want and feel good about when I am done for the day.

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I began looking for entry-level positions in the IT industry. I have applied to everything for tier one Desktop support to Chaos Engineer.  I have applied to local businesses and some across the country.  Every "Sorry, you do not fit our criteria" email was a shot to the gut…  But I would not give up!  Finally, a company out of Somerville, NJ, liked what I had to offer.  Even though I am new to the IT industry, I have a ton of knowledge on communication, process development, and implementation from my previous positions as a Service Manager.  This company was looking for an IT analyst to help investigate their business processes and needed help using the technology they already use to optimize various procedures.

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Now, working full time and learning new skills attending Purdue, I have decided to create this website.  This is not just one of those free sites that anyone can make.  To show my dedication to my new career, I decided to use what I have learned through my terms at Purdue, my research, and my drive to publish this site.  It is a living, evolving project.  I look forward to sharing my new journey through my education and employment in this exciting field.  Ultimately, I hope to inspire more people who may be unhappy with their current situation to make a change for the better!  Feel free to leave me a message of your personal stories or interests.  I would be happy to hear them.  I may even share your story on my site as inspiration to others!

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Cheers,

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·        Matt Raper, Owner and Operator - MaevicIT.com