Resources
Learn about external resources that may assist you in your studying, various needs, and career planning.
Updated 6/12/2022
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Assignments are due every Monday @ 6 pm →
tools and resources to help you study, focus, and manage your stress
mental health, crisis numbers, and community resources during times of hardship
research various IT roles and their requirements, salary, etc. to help you plan for your future
learn about IT certifications and the differences between them
templates & supplemental links for resume, placement audit, and cover letter
more job search sites and resources beyond those shared in squad
Tools & Articles
Tools & Articles
The Learning Strategies Center - click "How to Study" and "Managing Time and Stress" in the menu for different strategies
Anxiety Breakdown - Understanding sources of your stress and creating coping strategies can be empowering
Prioritization Matrix - Reduce your stress by prioritizing based on urgency and importance
ADHD Minds are Trapped in Now (& Other Time Management Truths) - an article with practical ways to manage time
Grammarly - Free writing app to help with clear and effective communication (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.)
ColdTurkey - Block websites, games and applications to boost your productivity
Pomofocus - Use the app or browser to break your work into intervals separated by short breaks. For instance, you can set 30-minute intervals to be separated by 5 minute breaks. And then after 3 intervals you can reward yourself with a longer break.
SQ3R - This reading comprehension method has 5 steps: survey, question, read, recite, and review to glean as much as possible
Read-aloud or text-to-speech
Read Aloud - Text-to-speech voice reader (Google Chrome extension)
NaturalReader - Upload text and documents or convert to mp3 to listen to anywhere anytime
Google Docs - Google's speech-to-text software (must use a Google Chrome browser)
Resources for Support
Resources for Support
Mental Health
Support For Challenging Times - This Youtube playlist by Headspace has free meditations, sleep aids, advice for managing panic, and support for those grieving.
Deep Breathing - Feeling overwhelmed? This 3-minute visual exercise can help you practice deep breathing.
5-4-3-2-1 - This grounding exercise to engage your senses can help manage anxiety.
Real - webinars by therapists on topics like work-life balance, anxiety/depression, career, relationships, lifestyle, current events, etc.
Calm - meditation & mindfulness activities/resources
Gratitude - Personal Growth & Affirmations Journal
Insight Timer - 130k+ guided meditations for sleep, anxiety, and stress
If you are experiencing a crisis and need urgent support: (some are available 24/7 while others may specify hours)
Crisis Text Line text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor via text
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Domestic Violence Hotline call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or live chat on their site
National Eating Disorders Association Helpline call 800-931-2237, text 800-931-2237, or live chat
Trans Lifeline Hotline call 877-565-8860
Healthcare Equality Index Interactive Map for LGBTQ+ friendly facilities
Community Resource Guide: Circumstances in life can effect your overall well-being and cause significant hardship as you navigate this program. Here is a guide of nationwide and regional resources that provide you with support in times of need. Please note that Merit America is not affiliated with any of the mentioned resources and it's important for you to communicate with Coach Judy so she's aware of your circumstances.
Career Planning
Career Planning
Prior to your 1:1 Career Planning meeting, please use the following resources to learn more about IT support roles and different career paths within the IT field:
My Next Move: Computer Network Support Specialists (click "Watch Career Video")
CompTIA IT Career Path Planning Tool - learn about different career paths (e.g. IT Support Specialist, IT Networking Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist, Software & Web Developers, Data Specialist), median annual salary, certifications required, etc.
O*Net Online.org: Computer User Support Specialist (you can also search other keywords to learn about other careers)
CompTIA Resource Center - stay informed about tech trends (e.g. AI, big data, drones, etc.) and learn about IT Support/Help Desk
Bonus Material on Coursera (Optional Reads):
If you're interested in Networking or Cybersecurity (for job titles like System Administrator or Cybersecurity Specialist), they will require at least 1+ year of experience in an IT Support role with additional certifications (see below).
Check out the recording from 4/21 Cyber Security with Errol Abrahams and the following resources that were introduced:
Cyberseek.org - great organization to visualize your career path
Cisco Packet Tracer - Errol’s preferred path to build your own lab
Certifications
Certifications
Hover your cursor on the top right side of the roadmap and click "pop out"
it-certification-roadmap.pdfFAQ: What is the difference between the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA A+ exams?
FAQ: What is the difference between the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA A+ exams?
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate prepares you with the same knowledge and skills as the CompTIA A+ exams, and you can earn a dual credential when you complete both. CompTIA is considered the industry standard and main accrediting body for the IT field because it's been around longer. However, as stated on the Coursera page, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program aligns with the objectives covered by the newly updated CompTIA A+ certification.
Upon completion of the full Google IT Support Professional certificate (by Week 11 of our program), you'll receive a 20% discount code for the CompTIA A+ certification exams ($239), which can be split into payments with Affirm. We encourage learners to do their due diligence in researching and determining whether they should sit for A+ $239 (it's a personal decision). We have graduates who receive job offers without A+ certification and our resume templates clearly state that our program aligns with its objectives. However, if the jobs you want to apply for require the certification as a minimum requirement, that may be a reason to consider taking it.
Here are CompTIA exams that you may be interested in:
Here are CompTIA exams that you may be interested in:
A+: Our Google IT Support Professional certificate is comparable to this certification, but this is more well-known in the field. This consists of two separate exams (220-1001 and 220-1002) that you have to take and your certification expires after 3 years.
Network+: Specialized in networking. Taking this will renew your A+ certification.
Security+: Specialized in cybersecurity. Generally recommended to take this after Network+, which would renew your A+ AND Network+ certification.
Professional Collateral
Professional Collateral
In the respective week the following assignments appear in the Learner Portal, Coach Tiana will be emailing you your custom document links to these professional collateral templates to use for these assignments. The following links are view only so you can preview.
Week 4: Resume
Learner Portal assignment link
This is one of the most important parts of a job application, recruiters use it to screen for candidates before determining who to interview!
Employer-Ready Resume Toolkit with action verbs, power phrases, and more
Week 5: Placement Audit
Learner Portal assignment link
Throughout Immersion, you are responsible for completing this resume, LinkedIn, cover letter, interviewing, and job search checklist in order to continue to the Job Success Phase.
Week 6: Cover Letter
Learner Portal assignment link
Tailor for a specific company and role you're applying to. You can use this TBX Job Description or source your own role.
Job Search
Job Search
Refer back to Week 8 squad slides about sourcing quality job leads
Visit Huntr's Job Seeker Guide to learn about logging activities or goal progress
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