Kavaisi Thomas FROM SOLDIER TO BIO-MEDICAL TECH

A Journey Of Perseverance And Success

Kavaisi Thomas, a proud alumnus of Albany Technical College, exemplifies the power of resilience and dedication. Graduating in the summer of 2019 from the Biomedical Electronics Technology Degree Program with a specialization in Instrumentation Technology, Kavaisi has transformed his life and the lives of those around him.

Current Employer - Piedmont Memorial Hospital employed as a Bio-Medical Tech

Kavaisi's journey is marked by his service in the United States Army, where he dedicated four years to his country. Following his military service, he ventured into various fields, including car sales and retail management at Circuit City, where he installed breathalyzer devices in vehicles. However, it was at Albany Technical College that Kavaisi found his true calling.

Balancing the responsibilities of being a father to two beautiful girls and a dedicated husband while working two full-time jobs, Kavaisi faced numerous challenges. Albany Tech’s flexible independent study options allowed him to manage his family and work commitments without compromising his education. Active participation in the Robotics Team and SkillsUSA further enriched his college experience.

Kavaisi credits Albany Tech’s job fairs and supportive faculty for keeping him focused on his goals. Receiving the Ethics Award was a pivotal moment, reinforcing the importance of resilience and ethical conduct in his personal and professional life.

Reflecting on his time at Albany Tech, Kavaisi shared, "Albany Tech allowed me to set up independent studies on several classes that permitted me to provide for my family and still be able to focus on my schoolwork as well. From helping to properly format my resume, my portfolio, recommending employers, and advising of job opportunities, Albany Tech was always there for me."

With ambitious plans for the future, Kavaisi aims to continue his education to obtain an engineering degree and dreams of opening clinics to assist hospitals with medical equipment.

Kavaisi’s story is not just one of personal success but also one of gratitude and giving back. “To Albany Tech, I say what I tell my family every day. I will not let you down,” he affirms. His journey from soldier to a skilled bio-medical technician is an inspiration to current and future students of Albany Technical College, showcasing that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.

Obadiah Jimmerson, a 2011 graduate of Albany Technical College, has paved a career path in the IT industry, thanks to the foundational skills and opportunities provided by his alma mater. After earning his Associate of Applied Science in PC Maintenance and Repair, Obadiah's engagement with the college's Career Services proved pivotal to obtain an internship in IT. It was at an Albany Tech job fair where he connected with programmers from Phoebe Putney Health System, leading to his first professional role as an entry-level help desk technician. This position marked the beginning of seven fruitful years in IT.

Reflecting on his time at Albany Tech, Obadiah notes, "My enrollment and involvement with Career Services at Albany Technical College landed my first opportunity to work for a major healthcare organization in Albany, Georgia. Meeting two programmers at a job fair led to my entry-level position, where I gained invaluable experience."

Post Albany Tech, Obadiah continued to build his academic credentials, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Technology Management from Albany State University in 2020. His career then took him to Savannah, GA, where he currently excels as an Application Support Specialist for National Freight Incorporated (NFI). His dedication and skills have not gone unnoticed, as he is frequently sought after for startup and relocation projects within the company.

Beyond his professional achievements, Obadiah remains committed to personal growth and community involvement. He is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), a global authority in project management. His next ambitious goal is to obtain his PMP certification and transition to a role in IT Project Management, with plans to relocate to Atlanta, GA, to further his career.

Obadiah's journey illustrates the impact Albany Technical College and Career Service’s Portfolios can have on its students, fostering opportunities that lead to long-term career success and professional fulfillment.