Before enrolling in ICDC College’s Homeland Security Associate Degree program, Haiden was working a dead-end job in a factory. He proclaims that having no real future, being unhappy, and not making any money led to frustration with his life’s direction. And then he saw a commercial on TV for ICDC College.

He checked out the Homeland Security Associate Degree program and realized that this would give him the necessary tools he’d need to make his dreams of working for the federal government a reality. He applied to ICDC College that day, and two days later was enrolled, but there was one obstacle: he was lacking a high school diploma.

His Student Services advisor immediately put him on the right track to achieve his high school diploma – one of the requirements to enter the associate degree program. Without having that requirement, Haiden said his life “would have been going nowhere, fast.â€

“My ICDC College advisors were the most influential and helpful people I’ve ever dealt with in a school facility.â€

His favorite classes were ones that had to do with technology and terrorism. After Haiden graduated, he applied for a position at an international security firm with over 100,000 employees. He accepted their offer and became a flex officer – a position reserved only for the most qualified individuals. These courses gave him the tools he needed to be able to design and implement security manuals and solutions for the firms’ clients. He also learned valuable skills on how to write reports and having a professional look for the interview.

His Associate Degree from ICDC College was not only the reason he got a job, but a career with a bright future.

“Learning how to write reports gave me the advantage (over other candidates) when applying. Without that class, I would have had no idea how to write one, but instead I passed with flying colors.â€

In fact, because of his education at ICDC College, his new role even provides him the opportunity to travel the country and work on different companies’ security strategies.

Haiden is very open with what his life would be like if he had never gone to ICDC College.

“I’d still be at the factory, or more likely unemployed and trying to figure out my next move. ICDC College was the first step for me to get the ball rolling for a career.â€

Before that, he said he had no idea how to get anything started or even where to begin with starting a career in his dream job.

Today, Haiden looks back on his time at ICDC College with great memories. He said his Student Services advisors were very approachable and easy to work with, and that they played a big role in helping him get his life on track. He says they taught him to be patient, and that finding the dream job that will put you on a lifelong path for success isn’t something that happens overnight, but instead happens by making smart career moves that lead you to where you aim to be.

Haiden’s bigger dream is to work for the Drug Enforcement Agency, or the US Marshals Service. While he enjoys his position at his current firm, he knows that his success there will help him to attain his larger goal in the future.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at http://icdccollege.edu/programs/associates-degree/homeland-security-associates-degree/.