Testimonial
Breaking Barriers Through Passion: John Edward’s Rise in Tech
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From Gaming to Grit: A Student’s Turning Point
For John Edward, or “Jed” as he’s often called, the road to discovering his passion for software engineering wasn’t straightforward. Growing up in Cabuyao, Laguna in the Philippines, Jed spent his early academic years struggling with focus and motivation. But everything changed in his third year of high school.
“That is when I started to realize the importance of studying. That’s where I found joy in it—and that’s when I became more serious about learning.”
This shift sparked a transformation. Jed became an academic achiever, eventually graduating from STI College with a deeper understanding of his love for math and science—subjects that kept his mind challenged and engaged.
“Learning, especially mathematics and science, keeps my brain occupied. It opens my mind to different perspectives.”
The Traditional Path: Job Insecurity and Unrealized Potential
Like many Filipino students, Jed initially aimed to enter a local university. His top choices were traditional engineering programs—Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. However, the reality of the job market began to cloud that dream. He had seen too many fresh graduates struggle to find jobs, burdened by a system that offered little real-world experience.
“Most jobs require prior experience, and all you get from a traditional degree is maybe six months of internship. That just isn’t enough.”
This realization led him to consider alternatives—and that’s when opportunity came knocking.
A family connection introduced him to eduCLaaS, an innovative education platform partnered which offered a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Business or Software Engineering with a unique structure: students would gain up to three years of industry experience through apprenticeships—while studying.
A Boot Camp Like No Other
Jed enrolled in eduCLaaS’ 12-month boot camp with cautious optimism. The experience turned out to be both brutal and enlightening.
“It was an emotional rollercoaster, I recall the first month where we jumped straight into Java—a notoriously difficult language to start with.”
But rather than it discouraging him, the challenge motivated him. The boot camp’s structure—one module per month—allowed Jed to focus deeply on each skill, building one layer at a time. From front-end technologies like HTML and CSS to back-end systems using MVC frameworks, the hands-on learning was intense.
“We weren’t spoon-fed. We were expected to self-study. But that’s where I saw the importance of learning independently—it’s a skill that matters in the real world.”
He pointed out one defining moment: integrating a full-stack system during the fifth month. It was the culmination of everything they had learned—and also where he experienced real teamwork and mentorship.
“The mentors were always there—eight hours a day, approachable, ready to guide us through everything.”
Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Working
One of the key differences between traditional universities and the eduCLaaS model is the emphasis on industry relevance. By the end of the boot camp, Jed had already begun working on real industry projects provided by eduCLaaS, applying what he learned in real-world scenarios. Afterward, he transitioned into an apprentice that solidified his transformation from student to budding professional.
“Knowing that I was building something important for a company gave me a deep sense of responsibility.”
One person stood out during this phase—his mentor, Sir Hassan Mehdi Hassan, who helped Jed build not just technical expertise but also crucial soft skills.
“He taught us about workplace etiquette, how to communicate in a company, and how to handle responsibilities as a professional.”
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Now four months into his apprenticeship, Jed feels more confident than ever about his future in tech. He’s considering roles in web development, data security, and software engineering, with a much clearer vision than he had before joining.
“Before eduCLaaS, I didn’t know what I wanted to become. But now, my goals have become clearer—I see myself working in software, and I know how to get there.”
And when asked what he’s most proud of? Jed doesn’t mention grades or accolades. He talks about the knowledge he’s gained—and his resilience.
“I’m proud I was able to learn all this, to thrive under pressure. We learned so much more than what’s offered at traditional universities—and that gives us an edge.”
Advice for Future Students
Jed’s advice to future students is simple but powerful:
“There’s no easy path—everything requires hard work. But if you love what you do, even the hardest days become bearable.”
He emphasizes delayed gratification, patience, and finding joy in your chosen path.
“Don’t just pick a course because it’s safe. Choose something you’re passionate about. That’s how you’ll push through the hardest days.”
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Start Your Own Journey
If you’re a student struggling with traditional education—or looking for a path that combines practical skills, real experience, and flexibility—Jed’s story is proof that a different path can lead to greater success.
Take the first step toward your transformation. Book a consultation or get a personalized career proposal today to see how eduCLaaS can help you build the skills you need for a successful future.
