Testimonial
From Uncertainty to being goal driven: How Gian Found His Strength in Software Engineering
Not everyone has a clear vision for their future—and Gian Raphael Delos Reyes Alcantara knows that all too well. Growing up, he wasn’t the student who topped the class or breezed through exams. In fact, focus and retention were constant battles. But what he lacked in natural academic prowess, he made up for in persistence.
“I’ve never been a naturally smart student. I learn by doing—by getting my hands dirty. When I was in high school, I felt left behind. Everyone seemed to know what they wanted to do, and I was still trying to figure out how to pass my next quiz. But I knew one thing: I wanted a career that would make me feel proud and stable.”
The Harsh Reality of the IT Job Market
As Gian approached college graduation, the excitement of finishing school was quickly overshadowed by a tough reality: breaking into the IT industry wasn’t easy—especially in the Philippines.
Most job openings, even for entry-level positions, demanded prior work experience. Internships alone weren’t always enough. And when it came to financial independence, entry-level pay rarely met the cost of living. It was clear he needed a competitive edge—something more than just a degree.
The Turning Point: Discovering eduCLaaS
By chance, Gian attended a seminar at his university where he heard about eduCLaaS. A professor and a few peers introduced him to the concept of work-integrated learning, and something clicked. The model wasn’t focused on just theory—it was about building practical skills, working on real projects, and being guided by industry experts. For someone who learns by doing, it sounded like the perfect fit.
“When I learned about eduCLaaS and how their Software Engineering program worked, it just made sense. I needed real-world skills, not just classroom knowledge. I wanted to come out of a course and actually feel like I could do the job I applied for. That’s what eduCLaaS gave me—a bridge between learning and doing.”
Growth Through Pressure: From Introvert to Leader
The real test came in June 2024. During one of his modules, his team of five was reduced to just three people. The workload didn’t change—but the team size did. It was a sink-or-swim moment.
Gian stepped up.
As an introvert, leadership didn’t come naturally. But necessity is the best teacher. He learned to break down tasks, manage the technical aspects of the project, coordinate with his teammates, and ensure they met deadlines without compromising quality.
It was more than a module—it was a personal transformation.
Prepared for What’s Ahead
Today, Gian is a different person. He’s gone from unsure student to confident aspiring software engineer, equipped with hands-on experience, industry exposure, and a growth mindset. Through real challenges, not hypothetical case studies, he learned what it takes to thrive in the tech world.
And while his journey wasn’t perfect or linear, it was authentic, resilient, and real—just like him.
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.