In America, a college education is often considered the typical pathway toward achieving middle-class status. However, for individuals from immigrant households like myself, it can feel more like a burden than an opportunity. Growing up, my dad worked non-stop in construction while my mom stayed at home to care for us. I knew from an early age that if I wanted to go to college, I would have to pay for it myself. Despite my interest in technology and computer design, I believed a career in STEM was out of reach due to the rising costs of tuition and the potential for burnout.
Fortunately, my brother-in-law recognized the potential in me that I didn't see in myself at the time. Despite my initial reluctance, he encouraged me to explore other opportunities beyond traditional college routes. I learned about a pre-paid, technical learning program offered by a partnership between a local community college and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The program trains non-traditional students, including high school or college graduates and veterans, in technical skills for careers in technology.
After applying and being accepted, I started as an apprentice at AWS's data center shortly after graduating from high school. Although I was initially nervous, I worked hard and learned as much as I could. Now, five years and one promotion later, I lead a team of data center operations technicians.
My advice for individuals starting their first apprenticeship, internship, or full-time position is to have a passion for learning. When I first joined AWS, I suffered from imposter syndrome and felt intimidated by my more experienced colleagues. However, I was able to earn their trust by working hard and asking questions whenever I was unsure. I continue to prioritize my education, taking advantage of ongoing AWS skills training to expand my technical knowledge and pursuing courses in people management to help me reach my long-term goals.
As a young professional with immigrant parents, I didn't immediately see the value in building relationships with my colleagues. I was taught to work independently and not rely on others. However, I realized that I could only go so far on my own and began to make an effort to connect with my coworkers. Over time, I became more comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance, and my colleagues were more willing to invest extra time in coaching me. Even though I couldn't yet join coworkers for happy hour, I made a conscious effort to engage with them during lunch or coffee breaks.
I learned that building strong relationships with your manager, core team, cross-functional colleagues, and even executive leadership can make a significant difference in your career. These are the people who will mentor you, partner with you, inspire you, and advocate for you. It's important to remember that building trusted relationships takes time and patience.
Another important lesson I learned was the value of slowing down. While I was eager to lend guidance to colleagues who needed it, I realized that I needed to give them opportunities to learn by doing things themselves. Rather than simply solving problems for them, I needed to share feedback in a constructive way and offer actionable tips to help them improve.
While a college degree is still valuable and necessary for many careers, I'm grateful for alternative pathways for those of us who can't afford one. What's most important is a willingness to learn and cultivate curiosity. These traits, rather than a college degree, have been the key to my success and growth in my career.