I Define Success – Jacob Coverdill

“If you genuinely want to get an education, you can find a way.” Ivy Tech Software Development student Jacob Coverdill says. “There are opportunities out there for people of any background for an education. I found my opportunity at Ivy Tech.”

Initially, Jacob enrolled at Ivy Tech with a straight-forward goal of “getting in and getting out.” Yet, as the semester progressed, Jacob found that Ivy Tech was more than just a means of attaining a degree, but rather, was a welcoming and comfortable place that was equipped with resources and community that greatly enriched his professional and personal experience.

Ivy Tech was able to fulfill Jacob’s community and social-based needs.

“I love being around people and going to student events and study groups!” Jacob explains. “The great thing about Ivy Tech is that even when I couldn’t make an event within a week, they would have another I could go to.”

As a community college that strives for inclusion, equity, and a strong sense of belonging for each of their students, Ivy Tech offers a variety of scholarships, clubs, workshops, and services that allow for all students – regardless of background or context – to obtain a quality education in which their needs are met.

“Being a veteran, I wanted to make sure I could go to a school where I didn’t feel overlooked,” Jacob says. “I loved how well the ladies in the Veterans Affairs office handled some of the questions I had and made me aware of what was available to me.”

Presently, Jacob is building experience in Software Engineering at his current job, learning the ins and outs of what it looks like to use what he has diligently studied in school.  

“I would like to take more of a leadership role in development down the road and become a Senior Software Engineer,” Jacobs says. “Software Development is a growing field with lots of opportunity. It wasn’t until I was in the workforce that I realized how many different environments my particular set of skills could be useful. It’s very enlightening to know how much I can do with this education!”

Due to his comprehensive education and the social resources he has been able to utilize during his time at Ivy Tech, Jacob has achieved what so many others strive to achieve: a job he legitimately enjoys.

 “I genuinely like what I do.” hr says. “This is the first time I’ve been in a job that no longer feels like just another job. It doesn’t feel like I’m trying to survive anymore. Going through school, making connections with people at Ivy Tech, and then equipping myself for the workforce is very gratifying.”

Attending Ivy Tech essentially gave Jacob the skills, interpersonal relationships, and confidence to finally get more than just a job.  Jacob’s success encourages others to pursue a fulfilling career so that they too can feel contented.