Remember feeling like you’re meant for something special, but you’re not quite sure what? That’s where Hunter Kanzelberger’s story began. “I actually thought I might become a lawyer or civil engineer,” Hunter says with a smile.
Today, he’s a proud ITA alum (class of 2020) and a tech professional managing computer networks for a global manufacturing company.
Hunter’s journey took off when he moved to the Minocqua area. As a student at Lakeland Union High School, he joined ITA – Lac du Flambeau and started a youth information technology apprenticeship. There, Hunter discovered his calling, falling in love with the world of computers and networks. His apprenticeship and ITA experience gave him a head start in college, where he worked as an IT support specialist while studying.
Hunter went on to earn 3 degrees—an Associate of Science in Networking, an Associate of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelors of Science in Network Engineering and Security— and multiple industry certifications. His academic dedication launched him into a fast-moving IT career. After graduating, he worked as a Network Administrator for a national manufacturing company and then became one of the youngest senior network engineers on a global IT team.
What is a senior network engineer, exactly? Think of Hunter as the wizard behind the curtain, ensuring everything from internet connections to complex computer systems runs smoothly for a major corporation. And yes, sometimes he accidentally breaks things too—because that’s how you learn! He spends his days working with internet,Wi-Fi, routers, servers and firewalls. He loves the constant challenge of designing, troubleshooting and optimizing networks.
While packing for a move recently, Hunter found an old letter he’d written to himself during his ITA days. He hadn’t just met those goals—he exceeded them, earning multiple degrees, higher-level certifications and becoming a senior network engineer.
ITA played a huge role in his journey, teaching him a variety of skills like Python programming, photo and video editing, career prep and the concept of a growth mindset. Though he initially didn’t think programming would be useful, he now uses Python scripts to automate work tasks, proving the value of those early lessons. Hunter is a big believer in finding what excites you at work, whether it’s engagement, work-life balance or making an impact. For him, staying challenged and constantly learning is important.
His advice to ITA students and families? Stay hungry, set clear goals, advocate for yourself and enjoy the journey. It’s not just about your career; it’s about building a strong foundation for your life, family, relationships and experiences.
Hunter’s story shows how far young people can go when they discover something they love and have the support to pursue it. We’re incredibly proud of Hunter and can’t wait to see what’s next for him!