Testimonial
From Medical Technology to Marketing Mastery: How Dianne Ybanez Found Her True Calling
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In the middle of a global pandemic, while most people were simply trying to adjust to a new normal, Dianne Izabelle Ybanez was quietly rewriting her future.
Born and raised in a middle-class family in Cebu, Philippines, Dianne had always been driven. Her parents made sure her needs were met, but extras like clothes or gadgets were often luxuries she had to save for on her own. That reality instilled in her a strong sense of discipline—and a desire to build a life where financial stability and personal fulfillment weren’t mutually exclusive.
Initially, that vision pointed her toward the medical field.
“I was studying medical technology, mostly because it was what my mom did and what felt safe,” Dianne shared. “But as time went on, I realized I wasn’t passionate about it.”
The path she had chosen didn’t feel like her own.
A TikTok Account That Changed Everything
The turning point came during the pandemic lockdowns. Like many others, Dianne turned to the internet for a sense of connection. What started as a fun way to pass time—editing and sharing K-pop fan content on TikTok—quickly turned into something much bigger.
Within months, her account had grown to over 16,000 followers. But beyond the numbers, it was the creative process that lit her up. She began to ask questions: Why did certain videos perform better? What made someone stop scrolling? How could she reach more people?
“That’s when I discovered that what I was doing wasn’t just a hobby—it was digital marketing,” she said.
And just like that, a new dream started to form.
A Leap of Faith—and a Lot of Convincing
Switching from medical technology to digital marketing wasn’t a decision Dianne took lightly. Her parents, while supportive in their own way, were understandably skeptical. Like many families, they valued traditional careers with clear structures and stable outcomes.
“They didn’t really understand what digital marketing was or why I’d want to pursue it,” Dianne said. “To them, it sounded risky.”
And to be fair, it was a risk. Without a degree or experience in the field, Dianne knew she needed more than just passion—she needed a structured path to gain real-world skills and credibility.
Discovering eduCLaaS
That’s when Dianne discovered eduCLaaS, a global applied learning platform that bridges the gap between education and employability.
The program offered a 12-month Digital Marketing Bootcamp followed by a 3-year paid apprenticeship, giving students the chance to not only learn the theory but also apply it in real-world environments.
“eduCLaaS was exactly what I was looking for,” she said. “It offered hands-on experience, mentorship, and a chance to work while studying. I didn’t have to choose between learning and earning—I could do both.”
During the bootcamp, Dianne dove into topics like social media analytics, content creation, email marketing, and website development. One of her standout projects involved creating a fictional digital marketing agency website, which still attracts subscribers today.
“That project gave me so much confidence,” she recalled. “It made me feel like, ‘I can really do this.’”
Real-World Experience Before Graduation
After completing the bootcamp, Dianne transitioned into a full-time role as a Marketing Associate—a move that set her apart from many of her peers in traditional degree programs.
“Most of my classmates from before are still in school or looking for internships,” she said. “Meanwhile, I’m working, earning a salary, and gaining actual marketing experience.”
In her new role, Dianne has had the chance to use tools like HubSpot, collaborate with international teams, and lead real marketing campaigns. From email marketing to analytics, she’s putting everything she learned into practice—and then some.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
While the technical skills were essential, Dianne also credits the program with teaching her critical soft skills—like adaptability, communication, and resilience.
“In the beginning, online learning was a challenge for me,” she admitted.“I missed the structure of in-person classes. But I adapted. And I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes. That’s how you grow.”
Through it all, she received strong support from eduCLaaS’s talent managers, who helped her refine her portfolio, prepare for interviews, and develop a growth mindset.
“They didn’t just teach me marketing—they helped me believe in myself,” she said.
What’s Next for Dianne?
With nearly a year of hands-on marketing experience under her belt, Dianne is now focused on leveling up in two key areas: SEO and backlink strategies. She’s fascinated by how small optimizations can lead to massive visibility gains—and how content and strategy intersect in this space.
She also hopes to eventually work in fashion marketing, a space where she can blend her personal passion for style with her growing expertise in digital branding.
“I want to work with clothing brands and help them grow online,” she said. “I know what it’s like to care about fashion but not have a big budget. I want to connect brands with people like me.” she said.
A Word to Career Shifters
For anyone considering a career pivot, Dianne’s story is proof that it’s not only possible—it might just lead you to your dream job.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the courage to start,” she said. “There are programs like eduCLaaS that can guide you, support you, and help you build the skills you need.”
From editing K-pop clips in her bedroom to managing real marketing campaigns, Dianne’s journey is a reminder that passion, when paired with the right opportunities, can open doors you never imagined.
“With eduCLaaS, I’m not just dreaming about a future in marketing—I’m already living it.”
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Take the First Step Toward Your Future
Are you ready to turn your passion into a profession—just like Dianne did? Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting paths, eduCLaaS offers a flexible, hands-on approach to digital marketing that empowers you to learn, earn, and grow at the same time. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Create it.
Book a free career consultation today to explore how eduCLaaS can help you gain in-demand skills, land paid apprenticeships, and build a future you’re proud of.
