Testimonial
Work, Study, Succeed: Derven’s Journey with eduCLaaS
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Overcoming Challenges and Finding a New Path
Derven Villanueva, a 19-year-old student from Laguna, Philippines, never imagined himself pursuing a career in digital business. Coming from a humanities background in high school, he initially dreamed of becoming a policeman. However, his parents encouraged him to explore a different path—one that led him to eduCLaaS, where he discovered new opportunities, skills, and confidence.
A Non-Traditional Path to Education
Like many students, Derven’s education was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing him into modular learning for his K-12 years. When he graduated, he faced the common dilemma of choosing between a traditional college degree and an alternative path that offered real-world experience.
“I heard this opportunity from a friend… They told me that they have college here, that it’s new on our site. So, I tried to enroll because it’s a hassle to commute for going to school.”
Unlike traditional universities, eduCLaaS’s digital business bachelor’s degree provided a 70:20:10 Work-Integrated learning model, allowing Derven to earn while he learned. This was a game-changer for him, as he could now finance his own education through his apprenticeship salary.
Facing and Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning into digital business wasn’t easy. With no prior experience in digital marketing or technology, Derven had to adapt quickly.
“It’s hard for me because I don’t have experience working on websites. It’s all new for me.”
One of his biggest struggles was language barriers. Working in a global environment meant he needed to improve his English communication skills to collaborate effectively.
“The challenge is speaking in English. I can’t express what I need or what I want to say, so some people around me that can’t understand Tagalog… that’s the only challenge.”
To overcome this, he practiced consistently, participated in discussions, and pushed himself to communicate in English—even when it felt difficult.
Growth and Career Transformation
Through his apprenticeship as a Marketing Associate, Derven gained hands-on experience with tools like HubSpot and Facebook Ads Manager, learning how to:
- Analyze data for campaigns
- Create digital marketing content
- Manage time and collaborate with a team
His confidence grew not just in his technical skills but also in his career aspirations. While he once considered becoming a policeman, his journey with eduCLaaS reshaped his goals.
“If I graduate from this, I can work for some companies that I want… My career is going to grow. I don’t know how to speak English or do campaigns before, but now I’ve learned.”
Why eduCLaaS Worked for Derven
- Earn While You Learn – His apprenticeship allowed him to pay his tuition and reduce financial stress.
- Practical Skills Over Theory – He gained real-world experience in digital marketing, making him job-ready.
- Flexible Learning – Balancing work (Monday-Friday) and study (Saturdays) helped him manage his time effectively.
Advice for Future Students
Derven’s journey proves that success isn’t limited to traditional education. His advice for students is:
“If there’s something they want, they should go for it… They need to think about what’s the best degree for them and how to gain work experience.”
For those hesitant about non-traditional paths, his story shows that with determination and the right support, anyone can redefine their future.
Course
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story?
If Derven’s journey inspires you, it’s time to take the first step toward a career-focused education with eduCLaaS.
✔ Earn while you learn with paid apprenticeships
✔ Gain real-world skills in digital business
✔ Build confidence in a global work environment
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.
