Testimonial
From the Gym to the Code: How Matt Baring Built Confidence and Skills with eduCLaaS
“Success doesn’t always come from the expected path—it’s about choosing a journey that challenges you.” – Matt Baring
In a world where traditional education often leaves students feeling unprepared for real-world challenges, Matt Renzo Cabagnot Baring, a 22-year-old from Cebu, Philippines, decided to carve a different path—one built on hands-on learning, persistence, and self-belief.
The Backstory: An Average Student with Extraordinary Ambition
Growing up, Matt described himself as an average student. He wasn’t topping the academic charts, but he was full of curiosity—especially about technology and computers.
“I’ve always been passionate about tech, even if I didn’t always ace my classes. I loved tinkering with systems, exploring how things worked—it felt natural to me.”
Balancing his tech interests with a disciplined fitness routine (he hits the gym almost daily), Matt always knew he wanted a career that challenged both his mind and his discipline. His dream? To become a software engineer or full-stack developer.
As someone from a financially stable but not extravagant family, he understood early on the value of combining education with earning potential. He wasn’t looking for shortcuts—he was looking for a smarter way to succeed.
The Challenge: Finding a Program That Makes Learning Stick
While Matt was determined to succeed, he was also realistic. The traditional university model just didn’t work for him.
“I often found myself forgetting what I learned in class. There was too much theory and not enough doing. I wanted to apply what I was learning—not just memorize it for exams.”
He considered many bootcamps and online courses but found them lacking in either credibility, structure, or ongoing mentorship. What he needed was a learning environment that focused on doing, not just knowing.
He wanted a program that mimicked real industry scenarios, allowed him to build projects, and offered flexibility to work while studying.
The Breakthrough: Discovering eduCLaaS
The turning point came unexpectedly—from a Facebook post his mom shared about eduCLaaS, with its work-study bachelor’s degree program that blends education with real work experience.
“As soon as I saw that I could gain experience and earn while studying, I was hooked. The monthly coding projects and practical problem-solving matched exactly how I wanted to learn.”
What really stood out to Matt was the monthly project structure, which kept students actively engaged and constantly learning through application. He didn’t hesitate to sign up.
“The more I read about it, the more I realized—this was made for learners like me.”
Growth in Action: From Theory to Real-World Coding
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Early on, Matt faced communication barriers due to the international nature of the program.
“At first, I struggled with the different accents, but I adapted. That challenge actually helped improve my listening and communication skills, which are just as important as coding.”
But the hands-on projects, monthly milestones, and technical mentoring pushed him to level up fast. Now, five months into his apprenticeship, Matt has:
- Gained confidence using tools like Power Apps and Power Automate
- Improved his time management and communication
- Worked on real projects with real impact
- Built a growing portfolio of work that proves what he can do
“One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing my ideas come to life through the projects I’ve worked on. That feeling—that I built something that works—is incredible.”
He credits the structure and mentorship of eduCLaaS with helping him grow not just as a coder, but as a professional ready for the tech world.
More Than Technical Skills: Building Confidence and Soft Skills
Beyond just coding and development tools, Matt has gained something just as important: confidence.
“Before eduCLaaS, I wasn’t sure how I would actually fit into the tech industry. Now I know I belong here. I can solve problems, collaborate with teams, and contribute value.”
He learned how to communicate his ideas effectively, present his work, and respond to constructive feedback. These soft skills, often overlooked in traditional programs, have given him a competitive edge.
“Whether it’s an interview, a client meeting, or a code review, I’m not afraid to speak up anymore.”
What Sets eduCLaaS Apart?
Matt highlights several aspects that make eduCLaaS different:
- Real-world application from day one
- Monthly capstone projects to build a strong portfolio
- International exposure and remote collaboration
- Flexibility to work while studying, giving learners both income and experience
- Mentorship and feedback that adapts to each student’s needs
“eduCLaaS gave me more than skills—it gave me a mindset. I approach problems differently now. I don’t just look for the right answer; I look for the best solution.”
Future Goals: Exploring AI, Cybersecurity, and More
Though Matt has already gained significant experience, he views this as just the beginning.
“I’m still working on mastering technical interviews, but I’m excited to explore more—especially AI, cybersecurity, and learning new programming languages.”
With a solid portfolio, practical experience, and a drive to keep learning, Matt is confident in his next steps: landing a junior developer role and eventually becoming a full-stack developer.
Matt’s Advice for Aspiring Tech Students
Matt is the first to admit that the path he chose isn’t easy. But he’s also quick to recommend it to those who are willing to work hard.
“Focus on building a portfolio that shows what you can do. Employers want to see real results, not just what you studied.”
He continues:
“eduCLaaS isn’t for everyone. It takes hard work, discipline, and time management. But if you’re serious about growing, this path will challenge and reward you in ways a traditional degree might not.”
“eduCLaaS isn’t for everyone. It takes hard work, discipline, and time management. But if you’re serious about growing, this path will challenge and reward you in ways a traditional degree might not.”
A New Kind of Success Story
Matt’s story isn’t about overnight success or shortcuts. It’s about resilience, smart choices, and doing the work. It’s a reminder that students don’t need to be at the top of their class to achieve greatness—they just need the right environment to grow.
He didn’t follow the usual path. He designed his own.
“This journey has shaped me into a more confident and skilled individual, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
Ready to Code Your Future?
Matt’s story is a powerful reminder that real success comes from action, not just aspiration. If you’re ready to accelerate your tech career, gain real-world experience, and learn through doing—just like Matt did—then it’s time to take the first step.
Explore how eduCLaaS can help you become a job-ready software engineer with the skills, confidence, and experience the tech industry demands. Book a Free Career Consultation Today.