Interview with Corey Blommel

Q: What is your name and formal title?
A: Corey Blommel – CNET Instructor/Director & Regional Cisco Networking Academy Coordinator

Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: Since 2004

Q: Before you started teaching, what did you want to do?
A: I’ve been working in the IT industry since 1997. Started working for an ISP help desk, and later moved into a network administration position. I’ve also worked as a project manager and an IT consultant.

Q: Do you have another job besides teaching? If so, can you describe it?
A: Teaching is my primary job, but I am occasionally involved with some industry-related
projects.

Q: How old were you when you decided you wanted to do what you're doing now?
A: After teaching part-time for two years, I realized that this was a profession that I wanted to
do full-time.

Q: Did you have any troubles through any schooling?
A: Not really, I’m very passionate about education and was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA through most of my schooling.

Q: Do you have any issues, major or minor, with Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
A: I only wish it was closer to my home (since I live in Minneapolis).

Q: During your first year teaching, did anything you find anything unexpected or surprising?
A: I was surprised by the number of students that had little or no prior experience in the IT field. I sort-of had the assumption that students would be more IT literate.

Q: Over your entire teaching career, have you ever had a major conflict with a student?
A: Fortunately, no.

Q: What's your favorite thing about teaching?
A: Watching students learn new concepts and achieving “ah-ha” moments.

Q: What's your biggest fear about teaching?
A: That I’ll get bored… but luckily the IT field the changing rapidly enough that they’re always something new to learn.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I enjoy traveling, golfing, and tennis.

Q: Are you married? Any kids?
A: Yes and have two kids.

Q: Have you ever thought of a different career outside of teaching?
A: It crosses my mind from time to time, but I’m pretty content in my current position.