Alex Gonzalez

For Alex Gonzalez, a career in technology did not follow a straight line. From exploring biomedical engineering and creative writing to gaining experience in web development and life sciences, each experience helped shape a path that ultimately led him to Capgemini. Along the way, Per Scholas provided the technical foundation, professional development, and confidence to embrace new opportunities and discover the full extent of his potential.

During college, Alex initially pursued biomedical engineering, hoping to build a career in STEM. However, navigating a predominantly white institution without the support and hands-on guidance he needed made it difficult to stay on that path. After exploring cognitive science, he eventually graduated with a degree in English and Creative Writing.

His curiosity about technology resurfaced after college, when he secured a contract role at Capital One supporting interview logistics for engineering and was inspired to explore web development through a separate learning program.

Alex continued exploring different industries, including hands-on experience in synthetic biology research. Each opportunity taught him something new, but he eventually realized he wanted to return to STEM and build a career in technology.

That decision led him to Per Scholas, where he enrolled in the AWS Cloud Practitioner and IT Fundamentals training track.

As Alex worked toward a career in tech, he recognized two major challenges: building a professional network aligned with his goals and finding a learning environment that matched the way he learned best.

"I learn best in group settings," he explained. While independent study had its place, he found that accountability, collaboration, and hands-on instruction helped him make progress more quickly.

During his Per Scholas cohort, learning extended beyond the classroom. A fellow student created a Discord group where classmates could ask questions, troubleshoot challenging labs, and work through course material together. The group became an important part of Alex's experience, fostering camaraderie and reinforcing the value of learning alongside others.

Working on a capstone project also gave him the opportunity to practice project management, coordinate schedules, and collaborate with teammates toward shared deadlines.

Beyond technical institutions, Per Scholas helped Alex strengthen his resume, practice interviewing, and prepare to communicate his skills and experience to potential employers.

"You can't get your foot in the door if you can't describe what you're doing," he reflected, emphasizing the importance of being able to articulate the value you can bring to an organization.

For Alex, technical knowledge and professional skills worked together to open the door to new opportunities.

While completing the program, Alex set three ambitious goals for himself: earn his driver's license, obtain his AWS certification, and secure a new job by the end of the year.

He approached each goal with determination. In October, he earned his driver's license. In November, he achieved his AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification. By December, he was working through his job offer and preparing to start his new chapter.

The opportunity came through Per Scholas's job portal while he was wrapping up the program. Although the position wasn't exactly what he had envisioned when he enrolled, Alex decided to take a chance on himself.

"I don't know how to do half these things, but we're gonna figure it out," he recalled thinking.

That willingness to embrace uncertainty helped him land a contract role at Capgemini, where he began working the following January.

Today, Alex's work looks different from what he originally imagined when he set out to enter tech. As a regional engagement lead for the Northeast, he helps coordinate employee engagement initiatives across New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Boston, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

His responsibilities include coordinating volunteers, organizing events, supporting employee networking, and helping create opportunities for community service, wellness, and learning. The role requires strategic planning, communication, project coordination, and the ability to bring people together across a large organization.

He is also exploring workflow automation and AI tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Although the position wasn't the traditional technical role he initially expected, it has expanded his understanding of what he can accomplish professionally.

"It just allowed me to realize that there's so much more internal strength in myself and just the capability to do even greater things," he shared.

The experience has helped Alex recognize that a career in technology doesn't have to follow a single trajectory. Beyond becoming an engineer, he can envision himself leading teams, managing programs, building products, or even pursuing entrepreneurship.

One of the most important lessons Alex took away from Per Scholas was resilience.

His journey has involved exploring different fields, changing direction, and continually searching for opportunities that align with his interests. Rather than viewing those experiences as detours, he has learned to see them as part of a larger journey.

He also developed the confidence to navigate unfamiliar challenges. In a field that evolves constantly, Alex believes the ability to ask the right questions, seek answers, and reach out for help is just as important as knowing the material.

"You have to be comfortable not knowing things and having the courage to go find the answers," he explained.

That mindset continues to guide him in his current role, where he regularly takes on new responsibilities and works through challenges that don't always come with a clear roadmap.

His advice to others navigating their own career transitions is simple: "Do the thing scared. There will rarely be a perfect moment to take a risk, pursue an opportunity, or step into something unfamiliar. Progress comes from trusting your abilities and moving forward even when you're uncertain."

For Alex, Per Scholas was more than a way to gain technical skills. It was an opportunity to strengthen his professional foundation, build confidence, and recognize that his potential extends far beyond a single job title.

As he looks toward the future, Alex hopes to lead teams and develop products or services that improve people's lives. His path may not have been linear, but every experience has helped him discover new possibilities, and he is only getting started.