Testimonial
Why Allen Chose Hands-On Learning with eduCLaaS Over Traditional College—And How It Paid Off
Overcoming Academic and Financial Challenges
Allen Doroja, a 22-year-old from the Philippines, always saw himself as an average student. Growing up in a middle-class family with a retired police officer father, financial constraints limited his opportunities—especially his dream of becoming an athlete.
“When I was young, I really wanted to become an athlete. Unfortunately, since we were young, I’m the eldest, and I have another sibling. So financially, my parents couldn’t support me.”
Despite his passion for sports, Allen explored different career paths—first in sports science, then law—before realizing traditional education wasn’t the right fit. The pressure of grades, long study hours, and financial strain made him reconsider his options.
Discovering a Practical Alternative with eduCLaaS
Allen’s turning point came when a seminar introduced him to eduCLaaS, a work-study platform offering hands-on education and industry experience. Unlike traditional universities, eduCLaaS’s Bachelors’ degree program provided:
- Self-paced learning with a focus on digital skills.
- Three years of industry experience before graduation.
- Earning opportunities through apprenticeships—something rare in the Philippines.
“The total three years of experience in the industry was a big factor. Here in the Philippines, you never get experience until you graduate. Companies ask for resumes with experience, which is why many of my high school classmates still don’t have jobs.”
Initially enrolling in Software Engineering, Allen found the course too intense and switched to Digital Business, where he thrived in marketing, content creation, and analytics.
From Bootcamp to Apprenticeship: Building Real-World Skills
The bootcamp was challenging but rewarding. Allen learned:
- Social media marketing (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram).
- Content creation (Canva, video editing).
- Data analytics (Google Analytics, HubSpot).
However, the biggest hurdle was communication. Working remotely with international teams forced him out of his comfort zone.
“I’m an introvert—I don’t like talking to people. But here, I gained confidence in speaking with colleagues and managers. I learned professionalism and how to ask the right questions.”
After multiple interviews, he secured an apprenticeship at eduCLaaS as a Marketing Associate, where he now manages campaigns, workflows, and social media strategies.
Balancing Work, Study, and Growth
Juggling work and studies wasn’t easy. Allen’s schedule includes:
- Full-time work (Mon-Fri).
- Friday night classes
- Continuous upskilling in analytics, a skill he’s eager to master.
Despite the stress, he appreciates the real-world applicability of his education—something traditional schools couldn’t offer.
“In the Philippines, universities make you study unrelated subjects like math or P.E. instead of focusing on your major. At eduCLaaS, everything I learn is directly useful for my career.”
Confidence for the Future
With nine months of apprenticeship experience, Allen rates his job-market confidence at 8.5/10. Unlike peers struggling to find work, he’ll graduate with three years of industry experience, making him a strong candidate.
His advice for future students?
“Just hold on—it’s a stressful ride. Communication is key because you’ll work with people worldwide. You can’t be the quiet type here. If you engage with teachers and peers, they’ll guide you.”
Ready to Transform Your Career?
Like Allen, many students face financial, academic, or confidence barriers. eduCLaaS provides a practical, experience-driven alternative to traditional education, helping our learners gain skills, confidence, and career opportunities.
Want to start your own success story?
📩 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.
📩 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.