Student Success Stories!

Scroll down to read some of COT's recent graduates' success stories.

Alicia Rangel

Nursing Care Technician Graduate

Alicia received her Nursing Care Technician (NCT) certificate in from The College of Office Technology (COT). These days, Alicia works for Doctor's Group Management as a facilitator.

"My oldest son and my nana motivated me to start a new career. I wanted my son to know that even though I'm a single mother, I can get an education. Before coming to COT I was working double shift at Bed Bath and Beyond."

"The teachers and staff were very hard on us, but I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for them. They prepared me to handle difficult times; to accept the good with the bad. I am so proud that I was able to raise my child while attending school."

Eddie Mister

Microcomputer Business Systems Graduate

Eddie received his Microcomputer Business System certificate from The College of Office Technology (COT). These days, Eddie works for UPS as a shipping clerk.

"I came to COT because I needed more education in computers. I liked how the teachers helped to motivate me. I also liked how my classmates didn't let me down when I needed them."

"You really need education because the economy has not been so good lately. Things are not like they use to be. These days, education is everything."

Julie Brown

Phlebotomy Specialization Graduate

After relocating to a new city, she was motivated to find a really good job. She received her Phlebotomy Specialization certificate and just a few weeks later, through her own determination and guidance from Ms. Juanita (her Career Placement Specialist), she was hired by Rush Hospital's Research Facility.

"After graduating from the university, I really wanted to have a job as a phlebotomist. I came to COT because I wanted to improve my career opportunities. I just really wanted a good job!"

"During my program, I learned to overcome my own reservations with touching or potentially hurting other people. Thanks to my classmates and professors, they really motivated me. They were very helpful and knowledgeable. Thanks everyone! I couldn't have done it without COT's help. I liked how I was able to get hands-on experience. COT was filled with great people and the program was very interesting."

"Study hard and take advantage of everything that COT offers. Their Career Placement Department will really give you specialized personal advice."

Eliu Torres

Microcomputer Business Systems Graduate

"I came to COT because of the convenience and taking advantage of the opportunity. I didn't have many resources, so this was a great opportunity to start."

"Everything fell into place when I came to COT. COT opened up my mind to what I could do and the possibilities of what my future could be. Starting work has made me realize even more how important education is. Being in that environment pushed me to continue my education."

"During my time at COT Patricia my career service specialist motivated me the most. COT was an easy going environment and my classmates made it fun to learn."

"Now I work at the Federal Reserve as a supervisor analyst."

"After I got my cert., Patricia forwarded my resume to the Federal Reserves into their entry level (data entry). Then I was promoted to cash currency teller and worked there for about 7-8 yrs. Then because of my position with the Fed. Res. they paid for my education to get my Bachelors in Business and now I'm going for my MBA. Now I'm a supervision analyst and my salary has increased by over 80%!"

What advice or words of wisdom would you offer someone? "That piece of paper opens doors, but you have to do your part. Find your passion and find a field that you will enjoy exploring. My friend said, if you're out of school and you don't know what to do with your life, give this place a chance."

Tiana Holland

Microcomputer Business Systems Graduate

After seeing a COT flyer, this former unemployed student currently works for the Chicago Water Department.

Tiana received her Microcomputer Business System certificate in 2008 from The College of Office Technology (COT). These days, Tiana works for the City of Chicago Water Department as a data entry specialist. Here is her COT educational experience in her own words:

"Before I got my certificate, I was unemployed. I was struggling, and very frustrated. I was just looking for a job."

"I came to COT because I wanted to get a better paying job and a career. I went through a lot and I really motivated myself. Now, I feel that I came from nothing to something."

"COT really helped me to learn how to use the different computer softwares. Now I work in downtown. I really like my new co-workers, and I like that I have a non-stressful working environment."

Joshua D. Orlick

Phlebotomy Specialization Graduate

My name is Joshua D. Orlick and I just graduated from the Phlebotomy Program. The purpose of this letter is to tell my experience during the Phlebotomy Specialization Program and express my appreciation to Dr. Diane Brown and Dr. Jose A. Vila for what I learned during my time spent at COT. It was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding things I have ever done to better my life.

After speaking with Dr. Vila and Dr. Brown, they encouraged me to pursue the Phlebotomy Program at COT. Although it was an intensive program, it was in the evening and seemed very attainable for me.

Dr. Brown and Dr. Vila went out of their way to help accommodate us students. Dr. Vila would come in before class for review sessions. He would stay late with us after class to review procedures. Dr. Brown had the best teaching skills. Both professors expected nothing but the best for us. This helped push me to work even harder. They both put a strong emphasis on creating good study habits. Whenever we needed help or advice, the door was (always) open. Dr. Brown and Dr. Vila used the perfect combination between exams, conferences, presentations, practice tests, class discussions, venipuncture, capillary puncture, homework, workbook actvities, and laboratory practice. I received all the information necessary for the certification exam during the course. I also received THE BEST VENIPUNCTURE TRAINING.

Ten weeks later, I have passed my Phlebotomy license exam! I not only have a license, I also have a lot more confidence. Somebody might think that this is just a short 10 week course, and a simple license to draw blood. But for me, it was a life altering experience.

I can't thank you enough for the privilege of having such amazing teachers who really have a passion for what they do. Thank you Dr. Vila and Dr. Brown for helping me take one of the biggest steps toward my professional success. I will never forget what I learned at COT, and I would recommend this school to anyone!

Sincerely, Joshua D. Orlick