Alumni Spotlight: Corey Jenkins
As Systems Analyst at Nash Community College, Corey Jenkins is passionate about helping students and employees stay connected with the tools they need each day. “If you told me 15 years ago I would be working at a college in IT, I would not have believed you,” he said.
Corey graduated from Rocky Mount High School and then attended Clemson University as a Mechanical Engineering student. After realizing engineering wasn’t for him, he landed a 10-year career in retail. When the company he worked for went under, he knew it was time to find his life’s passion. Corey returned to Nash County and did just that.
In the spring of 2011, he began taking classes at Nash Community College to work towards a Networking Technology degree. He has always had an interest in computers, and he wanted to do something he liked, so he decided to give networking a try. “Networking is a field I know will always be around. That was important to me when I chose a new profession,” he said.
Corey excelled academically and loved what he was doing. “The instructors at Nash are willing to help you out. Even since graduation, faculty members have offered me guidance in the field.” As a student, he earned certifications in Microsoft A+, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Network +, OnBase System Administrator, Help Desk Technician and OCWA (OnBase Workflow Admin). He began working as a co-op student in the Nash Community College IT department where he was able to gain real-world training in a diverse setting, while wearing many hats.
After graduating in May 2013 with a degree in Networking Technology, Corey was offered a full-time position as Systems Analyst with the college in October. “Enrolling at Nash was the best decision I have ever made,” Corey said. “I like coming to work because the people I work with enjoy coming to work each day. You don’t always get that.”
Corey is currently preparing for the Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA) certification exam. “Nash prepared me to take the certification exams and gave me the confidence I needed to continue as a lifelong learner. I use what I learned at Nash every day.”
