Testimonial
From Traditional Education to Digital Success: JM’s Journey with eduCLaaS
Breaking Free from the Traditional Education System
For many students in the Philippines, the traditional education system is the default path—long semesters, rigid curriculums, and uncertain job prospects after graduation. John Michael (JM) Anico was initially on this path, pursuing a degree in Medical Technology at the University of Cebu. However, he soon realized that the traditional route came with challenges: high competition, financial strain, and subjects that didn’t always align with his career goals.
“I wanted to be in the medical field, but when I think about the traditional way of learning, it’s going to take a lot of time and money. In healthcare, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll get a job—it’s oversaturated and doesn’t pay well.”
JM’s turning point came when he discovered eduCLaaS, a work-integrated learning platform that offered a faster, more practical alternative to a traditional degree.
The Challenge: Balancing Academics, Finances, and Future Goals
Like many students, JM faced financial pressures and the need to gain real-world experience while studying. Traditional universities often require years of coursework before students can even begin internships, delaying their entry into the workforce.
Additionally, despite the fact JM was deeply involved in student organizations, where he developed leadership and creative skills—he knew he needed industry-aligned skills to stand out in the job market.
“In student organizations, I started as a trainee and grew into leadership roles. But I realized that to succeed professionally, I needed more than just extracurricular experience—I needed industry skills.”
When JM considered continuing his Medical Technology degree, he hit a wall. The program demanded 4+ years of study with no income, followed by fierce competition for jobs. The traditional path suddenly felt like a gamble—one he couldn’t afford.
The Solution: eduCLaaS’s Work-Study Model
When JM joined eduCLaaS, he found our bachelor’s degree program that combined hands-on learning with real job experience captivating. Unlike traditional schooling, eduCLaaS’s bachelor’s degree allowed him to:
- Earn while learning, reducing financial strain.
- Gain industry certifications (like Facebook (Meta) and HubSpot) that boosted his resume and employability.
- Work on real projects as a marketing associate from his second year, giving him a competitive edge.
The boot camp’s practical approach was a game-changer. Instead of passive lectures, JM engaged in live exercises, campaign creation, strategy optimization and more—skills he could immediately apply in his apprenticeship.
“The most valuable part was the practical experience. We didn’t just learn theory—we did live campaigns, analyzed results, and optimized strategies. That’s how I really understood digital marketing.”
Career and Learning Progress: From Student to Marketing Professional
Landing his apprenticeship as a Marketing Associate at eduCLaaS was just the beginning for JM. The real transformation happened when he started applying his classroom knowledge to real business challenges—something traditional students rarely experience before graduation.
- Campaign Creation: JM took charge of designing and optimizing paid ad campaigns, moving from theory to execution.
” My experience was mostly all about campaigns. It’s entertaining to segregate budgets, place creatives, and analyze results. I went from knowing nothing to owning entire campaigns.”
- Team Collaboration: During his apprenticeship, JM learned to adapt to diverse leadership styles while sharpening his technical skills.
“In the longer run, with different instructors in eduCLaaS or different managers that I’ve had. They had different instructions, they guided me differently, but it all actually helped. So, in another way, they actually helped me develop my skills on campaign creations and on social media.”
JM’s Advice for Future Students
For students hesitant about stepping away from traditional education, JM’s message is clear:
“Sometimes our plans don’t always work out, but the world has different opportunities for us. If an opportunity comes your way—even if you don’t know how to do it yet—take it, learn, and grow.”
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
If JM’s story resonates with you, discover how eduCLaaS can help you as they helped our learners:
📩 Book a Free Career Consultation or Get a Personalized Career Proposal today! - 🚀 Build in-demand skills in digital marketing, IT, and business.
- 💼 Gain real work experience while studying.
- 🎯 Fast-track your career without traditional education limitations.