Hannah Johnson is the SVP of Strategy & Market Development for CompTIA, where she is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and development of products related to the non-technical core skills (e.g., durable skills, leadership skills, business acumen, etc.). Hannah is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential through comprehensive training programs and solutions. As a former Human Resources Executive, Hannah has a deep understanding of the challenges facing organizations in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
1. Tell us about your company and the problem it solves, or its benefit to learners or educators.
CompTIA is the world’s leading information technology (IT) certification and training body, dedicated to expanding opportunities in the tech workforce through certification, education, and training. One of our core missions is to empower individuals to succeed in tech, regardless of their background. A key problem we address is the confidence gap—many learners, career changers and professionals feel unsure about how to break into tech fields due to a lack of guidance or perceived barriers like required degrees or skills.
Our Career Explorer platform directly tackles this by offering a free, interactive tool that provides career pathways, personalized feedback, geographic insights and one-on-one coaching. With the increasing demand for tech talent, the platform offers a roadmap for students, job seekers, and those looking to pivot into tech, showing them that tech careers are accessible, attainable and can be explored through alternative pathways like certifications or apprenticeships. This is particularly critical in a time when organizations across sectors are seeking tech-savvy employees, not just within the traditional tech industry.
2. Tell us about your area of expertise and how your knowledge or work enhances the field or the edtech industry.
As the Senior Vice President of Tech Talent Programs at CompTIA, my work focuses on building the bridge between tech workforce development and education, particularly in non-technical core skills such as leadership, business acumen and durable skills. My background in human resources has enabled me to deeply understand the evolving demands of employers and the need for a more holistic approach to talent development.
One area where my team has made a significant impact is through creating learning platforms that blend hard technical skills with these essential non-technical skills. This balance ensures that learners are not only prepared for the technical aspects of their roles but are also equipped to thrive in complex, team-based environments. Through CompTIA’s initiatives, including Career Explorer, we enhance accessibility to tech education and create opportunities for learners from underrepresented backgrounds, helping break down barriers in the tech sector.
3. Explain a problem in running an edtech company or selling products or providing service in the space that is related to the work you do?
One of the challenges in edtech, particularly in the space of workforce development, is overcoming the perception that technology careers require an extensive and costly education, such as a four-year degree. Many prospective learners assume that transitioning into a tech career is unattainable due to a lack of advanced math or science knowledge, or they believe the training will be expensive and time-consuming.
At CompTIA, we continually work to change this perception. For example, the Career Explorer platform aims to show individuals that tech careers are within reach, even without a traditional degree. We also face the challenge of effectively communicating the value of certifications and shorter learning pathways in a crowded education market dominated by higher education institutions.
4. What are 3-5 specific tips to solving that problem?
- Emphasize Alternative Pathways: Highlight the many routes to success in tech, such as certifications, apprenticeships and bootcamps. This messaging needs to be clear and consistent, showing that individuals can build successful careers without following a traditional four-year degree path.
- Leverage Data and Success Stories: Use data, such as job growth statistics and salary ranges, to demonstrate the tangible benefits of alternative pathways. Pair these with success stories from learners who have transitioned into tech careers through CompTIA’s certification programs.
- Engage Employers Directly: Work with employers to create stronger linkages between training programs and job placements. By showcasing how organizations value certifications and alternative skills training, learners gain confidence that these programs are industry-recognized and valuable.
- Build Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Collaborate with schools and community colleges to integrate certification and career exploration tools into their curricula, allowing students to explore tech opportunities from a young age.
5. What other advice do you have for professionals working in edtech?
EdTech professionals should focus on building solutions that adapt to the changing needs of the workforce and ensure that learners not only gain knowledge but also build confidence in their ability to succeed. Flexibility is key. The future of education is modular, adaptable and personalized. Partner with employers and industries to ensure the content is not only relevant but also leads to tangible career opportunities. Finally, invest in creating accessible platforms that lower the barriers to entry for learners from all backgrounds.
Hannah Johnson is the SVP of Strategy & Market Development for CompTIA, where she is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and development of products related to the non-technical core skills (e.g., durable skills, leadership skills, business acumen, etc.). Hannah is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential through comprehensive training programs and solutions. As a former Human Resources Executive, Hannah has a deep understanding of the challenges facing organizations in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
