Lars increases his chances at Summa ICT

First-year student Lars Hoofs (16) is willing to go the extra mile. From his parents' house just across the border near Weert, he travels almost four hours every day for his training. He started his studies in September 2022. software developer at Summa ICT. "I already have design skills, but now I'll combine that with programming. A unique combination of skills."

Lars knows what he wants. “Last year, I was in the fourth year of pre-vocational secondary education (MAVO) and was exploring my further studies. I already had a good idea because I've been involved in IT for years. At Summa, I attended the open house and took a masterclass. That gives you a good feeling about the program. I found the school building cozy and spoke with great teachers. Almost a year later, and I made the right decision.” The level 4 student lists his accomplishments. He built servers and edited scripts and websites for entrepreneurs at home and abroad. He learned programming languages like Lua, JavaScript, CSS, and C#, and sold logos, 4D models, and stream graphics. He discovered a lot himself, by logging hours and watching videos. “I'm already earning a good living. Entrepreneurship was ingrained in me from birth. I just try to be proactive and assertively approach potential clients. Other times, projects come from my own network.”

Software developer, a tailor-made study

Expectations were high before the start of his first year, and according to Lars, they're being met. "The coursework offers plenty of challenge, and I can get extras, like in the differentiated learning class, which I'm seriously considering. Everyone develops at their own pace, and that's possible within our program. You also make a lot of your own choices. I also have some ideas for the coming years. For example, I'd like to learn more about business. Many of my classmates will eventually end up as freelancers. What skills would be useful then?" After two orientation years, students choose a specific track and delve even deeper. "I can express my creativity in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, InDesign, and After Effects. On top of that, I'm learning programming now, and soon I'll be able to offer both services. Then I'll be an ideal partner for clients: I'll provide total solutions. I know several companies that can do that, and I'm looking forward to it. Combining two worlds, instead of separating design and programming. My training at Summa ICT will expand my opportunities."