job loss From Hospitality to High-Tech Success: Ayana Dunlap's Inspiring Career Journey
In the ever-evolving landscape of career transitions, Ayana Dunlap’s story stands out as a testament to adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities. Originally envisioning a lifelong career in the hospitality sector, Dunlap’s trajectory took a dramatic turn due to the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This professional blog chronicles her inspiring journey from a hotel front desk to a thriving role in the tech industry, highlighting key lessons and insights along the way.
The Dream Job
From a young age, Ayana Dunlap had her dream job mapped out: a poised professional behind a hotel front desk in an exotic location, assisting guests with the finesse of those she admired during vacations with her mother. This vision led her to secure her first front desk position at 18, shortly before graduating from high school in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. Pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration at Montgomery County Community College, Dunlap believed it would propel her towards her goal of becoming a hotel manager.
Reality Strikes
However, the unexpected twists of 2020 brought unforeseen challenges. Dunlap, like millions in the hospitality industry, found herself unemployed as the pandemic forced widespread furloughs and lockdowns. Despite the setback, this juncture became the catalyst for Dunlap’s transformation, redirecting her passion towards an entirely new field: technology.
Discovering Tech Passion
Dunlap’s knack for technology became evident long before her formal entry into the tech world. Colleagues consistently sought her help with computer-related issues throughout her diverse roles in the hospitality sector. Even as she progressed through various positions in the Washington, D.C. area, her willingness to assist with technical challenges made her stand out.
Turning Point – Laid Off and Searching
The turning point came when Dunlap faced a job loss in June 2020. Faced with uncertainty and anxiety about her future, a friend suggested a free online IT support course from Per Scholas, a national tech training non-profit. This 15-week program not only provided Dunlap with essential certifications but also opened doors to potential employers seeking skilled candidates through Per Scholas partnerships.
Transitioning to Tech
Embracing the opportunity, Dunlap enrolled in the program, gaining certifications in Google IT support, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Network+. Subsequently, she secured a position as a tier 2 technical support engineer at designDATA, an IT services firm in Maryland. Her responsibilities included assisting organizations in their technological preparations for the return to the office.
The Unexpected Offer
Dunlap’s exceptional skills did not go unnoticed. After aiding the Bank Policy Institute in their return-to-office preparations, she received an unexpected offer to join them full-time. The new role, Assistant Vice President of Operations and Information Technology, came with a significant increase in salary – a competitive $80,000 to start. Dunlap’s journey from designDATA to the Bank Policy Institute marked a career shift that showcased her ability to adapt and thrive in a tech-driven environment.
Skills Beyond Technical Know-How
What sets Dunlap apart in her tech journey is not just her technical proficiency but also the soft skills cultivated during her years in hospitality. Customer service, in particular, played a pivotal role.
Dunlap emphasizes the importance of patience and friendliness when dealing with stressful computer issues, highlighting how her hospitality background became a valuable asset in the tech realm.
Career Growth and Salary Advancement
Starting her role at the Bank Policy Institute in August 2021, Dunlap received two raises within a year, based on her performance and increased responsibilities. By January of the following year, her annual compensation had risen to an impressive $125,000. The trajectory of her career showcases the impact of the IT and AV support skills acquired through the Per Scholas program, coupled with her transferable skills from the hospitality sector.
Key Takeaways and Advice
Ayana Dunlap’s journey offers several valuable takeaways for individuals aspiring to make successful career transitions without a bachelor’s degree. First and foremost, she emphasizes the significance of recognizing the value of transferable skills. Soft skills such as communication and customer service, honed in the hospitality industry, can be game-changers in the tech world. Dunlap encourages others not to underestimate the power of these skills when vying for high-paying roles.
Conclusion
Ayana Dunlap’s remarkable transition from the hospitality sector to a thriving role in technology is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the recognition of transferable skills. Her story serves as an inspiration for those navigating unexpected career shifts, showcasing that with the right mindset and skill set, one can forge a successful path in uncharted professional territories.