NexGenT

About NexGenT

NexGenT, operating as NGT Academy, provides an alternative pathway into the information technology sector, focusing on cybersecurity and network engineering. The company was founded in 2016 by U.S. Air Force veterans Terry Kim and Jacob Hess. Their journey began after observing a significant gap between traditional college education and the practical, real-world skills demanded by the IT industry. Drawing from their extensive experience training thousands of IT engineers in the military, they developed a curriculum designed to make individuals job-ready in months, not years.

Terry Kim, the CEO, has over 15 years of experience in the IT industry, having worked as a Network Architect and Systems Engineer for companies like Cisco Systems and Arista Networks before co-founding NexGenT. Jacob Hess, the Co-founder and CAO, also served as a technical instructor in the U.S. Air Force and worked as a Network and Systems Engineer in the private sector. The founders' military background heavily influences the academy's training philosophy, which is skills-first and project-based. This approach emphasizes hands-on experience, with students spending a significant portion of their time on practical labs and capstone projects that simulate real-world IT infrastructures.

NGT Academy serves individuals aiming to start or advance a career in IT, including career changers from various fields, veterans, and those in entry-level IT roles seeking to upskill. The business model centers on tuition fees for its training programs. Previously, the company utilized an Income Share Agreement (ISA) model, where students paid a percentage of their income after securing a job. Now, the academy has shifted to an upfront payment model, offering various financing options and a money-back guarantee if a graduate doesn't secure a job within a year of completion, provided certain conditions are met.

The core offerings are intensive, self-paced online training programs like the "Zero to Engineer" track, which includes specializations in Full-Stack Network Engineering and Cybersecurity. These programs can be completed in approximately four to six months. The curriculum covers foundational concepts and progresses to advanced skills, including setting up entire network infrastructures with features like switching, routing, and disaster recovery sites. Students receive mentorship from industry professionals, weekly live coaching, and career services that include resume building and interview preparation to facilitate job placement. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for various industry certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).