Testimonial
Daniel’s Journey: From Gaming Passion to Tech Apprenticeship
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For decades, the formula for success seemed simple: earn a Bachelor’s Degree, get a job. But today, students are questioning this path—burdened by unnecessary coursework, rising tuition costs, and a lack of real-world skills.
Daniel Bobadilla, a 22-year-old Technology Associate at eduCLaaS, has always been fascinated by how things work—especially video games. Growing up in Cebu, Philippines, his curiosity about game development led him to programming. Though he no longer plans to focus solely on game development, his passion for problem-solving and coding has only grown stronger.
Why Traditional College Didn’t Work for Him
Daniel enrolled at the University of Cebu but quickly saw the disconnect between classroom theory and industry needs. Despite his passion, the rigid structure of traditional education felt limiting.
“I didn’t want to just listen to lectures and take exams, I wanted to learn by doing.”
For someone who thrives in dynamic environments and values practical experience, the lack of hands-on learning and work exposure became a major challenge. While his peers were content following a four-year academic track, Daniel craved something different—something more aligned with the tech industry’s pace and demands.
Choosing a Non-Traditional Path
Unlike many of his peers, Daniel didn’t follow the conventional university route. He was never the type to engage with traditional classroom lessons but thrived when learning subjects he was passionate about, like programming. Coming from a family where his elder sister was the breadwinner, Daniel needed an education path that was affordable, practical, and career focused.
“My biggest concern with the traditional path is the unnecessary subjects you are forced to take. Four years with no real job experience leaves you unprepared for the real job environment.”
When he discovered eduCLaaS—a work-integrated learning platform that combines education with hands-on experience—he saw an opportunity to fast-track his career. Unlike a Bachelor’s Degree, which often includes unrelated coursework, eduCLaaS’ Bachelor’s Degree Programs offered project-based learning and three years of work experience, making it the perfect fit for Daniel.
Bootcamp Challenges and Growth
Daniel’s journey began with a 12-month bootcamp, where he faced both technical and personal challenges. One of his biggest struggles was a module that required building a website using a drag-and-drop system—something unfamiliar to him.
“I barely passed that module, but it taught me the importance of collaboration. My peers helped me through it, and I realized that asking for help is part of the learning process.”
Despite the hurdles, the foundational programming skills he gained became crucial in shaping his technical abilities. The bootcamp’s hands-on approach helped him grasp concepts faster than his friends in traditional IT programs.
Real-World Experience Through Apprenticeship
After the bootcamp, Daniel transitioned into an apprenticeship at eduCLaaS as a Technology Associate. Though he’s only been in the role for four months, he’s already seen significant growth—especially in his confidence and teamwork skills.
“Working here has helped me overcome my shyness. I’ve learned to ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate effectively—something I struggled with before.”
While he acknowledges that his front-end development skills still need improvement, he’s excited to keep learning. The apprenticeship has given him a clear advantage over his peers in traditional programs, as he’s already gaining real job experience while they’re still in theory-heavy classes.
Advice for Future Students
For high school graduates unsure about their next steps, Daniel’s advice is simple:
“Find something you’re passionate about and pursue it. If you love what you do, it won’t feel like work.”
His journey proves that alternative education paths like Digital Business and work-integrated learning for Software Engineering can be just as valuable—if not more—than traditional degrees. With his apprenticeship, Daniel is confident he’ll graduate with the skills and experience needed to land his dream job.
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Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
If you resonate with Daniel’s story and want to explore a more flexible, hands-on approach to education, let’s talk. Whether you’re passionate about tech, business, or creative industries, eduCLaaS offers a personalized path that helps you graduate faster, gain real experience, and become job ready.
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.
