2/22/2006
When Nathan Hall talks about developing software for a global company with major U.S. Department of Defense contracts, he sounds more like a painter than a program analyst.
“I love the design, the creation and the development,” said Hall, 27, who grew up in Glen Rogers in Wyoming County, W.Va. “To create is a challenge. Once you get finished, it’s a work of art.”
Hall is faring quite well since he was hired in June at ManTech Environmental Corp. in Chantilly, Va. The corporation is a subsidiary of ManTech International, a leader in national security and technology issues with about 6,000 employees worldwide.
A 1996 graduate of Pineville High School and a 2004 graduate of Mountain State University in Beckley, Hall landed his Northern Virginia job with determination and the help of the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).
Hall, who has asthma, sought assistance from DRS, a state agency that helps people with disabilities
work and live independently. He filled out an application during his senior year at Pineville.
“They were very helpful,” Hall said of DRS staff members. “They helped me pay for college. They advised me on courses to take and a program of study.”
With guidance from the agency, he enrolled at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical
College and later transferred to Mountain State, where he earned an associate degree in electronics engineering technology. He returned to obtain a bachelor of science degree in computer science.
Hall had other jobs while he was completing his education and after graduation, including a stint at Superior Manufacturing Services in Beckley. But he said his heart kept leading him toward computer programming.
DRS Employment Specialist John Morgan worked with him extensively in customizing his resume and finding job contacts. Morgan referred him to the Workforce West Virginia Career Center in Hinton, a town where there are several high-tech companies. Hall checked with ManTech’s office there and eventually applied online for the Northern Virginia job.
Morgan said Hall’s dogged determination was probably his strongest attribute. Even though Hall hit some dead ends during his job search, he never became discouraged. “He had the best attitude,” Morgan said. “Every time he got knocked down, he’d get back up.”
Rehabilitation Counselor Gina Ingram, based in DRS’ Mullens field office, worked extensively with Hall. She said he received counseling and guidance, financial support for education and training, and assessments to determine his eligibility. DRS also provided financial assistance to help him with moving and living expenses in Northern Virginia.
“He is very polite, very intelligent,” Ingram said. “He always kept in contact with us and let us know what was going on.”
At ManTech, Hall does software development and assists in maintaining all of the computers in his unit. His positive attitude and motivation have impressed Gary Burns, the management director. “He is an exceptional individual – a really quick study, a fast learner,” he said. “He fell right into the position. He hit the ground running.”
Hall said he enjoys his job, where he is gaining excellent experience and working with employees who treat each other like family.
Don’t expect him to rest on his laurels, however. Taking advantage of a $5,000 stipend ManTech will supply to further his education, he plans to enroll in night classes soon and earn a master’s degree in computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence.
“I really enjoy going to work and learning new things to advance my career,” Hall said.
Contact Information
Tracy Carr
304-766-4997