Breaking Barriers: Ismail FoFana’s Journey from Hospitality to Tech with Per Scholas

For years, Ismail FoFana felt stuck in low-paying hospitality roles. He oversaw operations, ensured customer satisfaction, and led teams with precision. Ismail was doing well, but longed to leave this industry and explore the world of technology. He noticed how the latest tech trends and in-demand skills created opportunities.

Ismail decided it was time to take a leap. However, he was anxious about this transition. Coming from a hospitality background, he saw how tech was changing every industry, including the one he worked in. He was fascinated by its potential to solve problems, increase efficiency, and create new opportunities. That curiosity led him to dive into the tech world. 

The Journey Toward Tech

Growing up, Ismail rarely saw people with his hospitality background thriving in tech. This disconnect made it challenging to envision a path forward. While Ismail felt tech was a good fit for him in terms of interest, he wasn’t sure how to achieve what seemed like a pipe dream. That perception changed once he discovered Per Scholas.

Before joining Per Scholas, Ismail had earned an associate’s degree in business administration. Over the next 10 years, he progressed from a dishwasher to a general manager. However, Ismail felt like he’d hit a ceiling. That’s when Ismail started exploring a tech career. He assumed a four-year degree or formal training was necessary to become qualified. Financial constraints and a lack of mentorship further solidified his doubts.

Then, life took an unexpected turn.

In 2019, Ismail was in a major car accident. He was struggling with a long and tough recovery, forcing him to confront a harsh reality: his body could no longer sustain the physical demands of his hospitality job. Physically limited, burnt out, and frustrated, Ismail knew he needed to make a career change, as daunting as it was. 

"I felt stuck. I knew I had potential, but didn't know how to break into tech. Per Scholas changed that. They gave me the structure, the training, and most importantly, the belief that I could do it," Ismail explained.

Ismail stumbled upon Per Scholas through a Google search while looking for affordable and accessible ways to upskill and break into tech. The level of professional and financial support offered was exciting, making him rethink the possibilities of his future within a high-growth tech career. 

What stood out to him most was that the program actively served his community. 

"It felt like I had found a hidden gem — something built to give people like me a real chance to grow and succeed in tech," said Ismail.

A Rewarding Cybersecurity Career Develops

When searching for programs, Ismail discovered Per Scholas and saw hope — an opportunity that didn’t require a traditional college degree or thousands of dollars in tuition. He pursued a cybersecurity certification, which was rigorous, demanding, and far from easy. Ismail worked hard, training eight hours daily and studying an additional 20 hours weekly. He enjoyed the hands-on training and the idea that he could play a part in securing systems and protecting people.  

Alongside the challenges came a powerful realization—he was not alone on this path to success. Ismail noticed the group of learners who surrounded him. These learners faced their own challenges entering the tech sector, and Ismail found inspiration in their collective resilience. 

Ismail agrees that the technical training was invaluable for him and other learners, but the professional development courses are what transformed him. Per Scholas’ professional development training taught him to communicate his skill proficiencies, prepare for interviews, and confidently navigate a corporate environment.

An Exciting Turning Point 

Ismail completed his training at Per Scholas and started as a Junior Software Engineer immediately after graduation. The Talent Solutions team helped Ismail open a new door, encouraging him to apply for a position leading to an intensive apprenticeship program. Ismail is grateful to have this opportunity to apply what he learned at Per Scholas in a real-world environment.

He notes that the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. Each day, Ismail tackles coding challenges, debugs applications, deploys pipelines, and assists clients in integrating AI into their business processes. The once-perceived obstacles — lack of formal education, financial barriers, and self-doubt — shaped his resilience. Ismail has said that these doubts are now distant memories.

Ismail’s journey is far from over. He continues to upskill to support his rewarding career path, recently earning a Google Project Management Certificate, which was made possible through a Per Scholas Career Accelerator course. 

"My life has changed in so many ways. Before Per Scholas, I was stuck in a cycle where I didn't see long-term growth," Ismail reflects. "Now, I'm in a field that excites me, working with innovative teams and building a career with purpose. I've gained skills, confidence, and a clear sense of direction. Most importantly, I feel I'm finally aligned with the future I want to create."

Ismail’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, education, and perseverance. Through Per Scholas, Ismail found more than just a career — he found a future he once thought was out of reach. And now, he’s just getting started. 

You can do the same — unlock your potential today!