Obosa Ogbeide

From Gamer to Guardian: Obosa’s rise in tech through Cisco, Per Scholas 

A First Generation-American’s Journey into Tech 

Obosa Ogbeide’s story is nothing short of extraordinary, fueled by determination he was able to turn his passion into a thriving career in tech. Growing up in New York as a first-generation Nigerian American, his interest in technology began at an early age through playing video games and helping with network challenges at home. With help from Per Scholas and Cisco Networking Academy, Obosa dove headfirst into new opportunities building his skills, blowing past obstacles and launching a successful cybersecurity career. 

Rewiring the Future: From Accounting to IT

Obosa’s technology journey began in childhood, where curiosity was sparked by playing video games online. Growing up in an immigrant household in New York, he encountered early challenges with limited internet access, this led him to begin his exploration into networking concepts like router splitters. “Growing up, you know, I always liked playing video games. I would say that was my 1st real interaction with the tech. It was actually, so I had a PlayStation three and I wanted to play online… so that’s when I started learning about router splitters and things of that nature.” 

When it came time to pursue higher education, he initially chose a path in accounting. But as semesters passed, Obosa’s passion for technology continued to grow, causing him to switch to a degree in business information systems. As his college career was coming to an end, a family friend introduced him to the Per Scholas program, where he enrolled in Cisco Networking Academy courses. This introduction soon became the foundation for his career transformation to his current cybersecurity role.  

Challenges and Breakthroughs: Overcoming Obstacles and Key Learning Moments 

 Like millions of students across the world, Obosa’s college journey was abruptly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of letting the obstacles define him, Obosa took strong initiative to better himself, embracing the impactful training from Per Scholas and the Cisco Networking Academy. Not only did the program help him professionally but personally instilled confidence as he navigated through training with a supportive cohort of professors and mentors by his side. “Going through the Per Scholas program and then in conjunction with that, going through the Cisco networking courses, I knew I was going to be able to get a lot out of it. Confidence was instilled in me during my Per Scholas experience and then through my role I’ve tried to build on that experience. ” 

Moving from a telemedia analyst role to a cybersecurity analyst at Pemco, Obosa continues to apply his critical thinking and research skills to solve real-world problems. Through strong commitment and persistence, he was able to achieve certifications like Security+ and AWS Solutions Architect, allowing him to make key breakthroughs early in his career.  

Impact and Future Plans: How the Program Shaped the Career and What’s Next 

Obosa’s professional and personal life have been drastically impacted by the training and connections he’s made through Per Scholas and the Cisco Networking Academy. Driven by the financial empowerment to now support his family, he viewed his career growth as a meaningful and fulfilling milestone. As for the future, Obosa is far from finished when it comes to learning. He is now focused on advancing cloud security, a field he has started exploring through hands-on experience and additional certifications. When asked about advice to others who want to start their upskilling journey, he says, “Commit first, ask questions later… Time is your friend and time is also your enemy… Just don’t take the time that you think you have for granted because maybe right now is the best opportunity for you.” Spotlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing growth.  

Conclusion 

 Obosa’s story is a powerful testament of how determination, access to quality training, and a supportive community can turn a passion into a successful career. Beginning with early curiosity and overcoming education in a post-pandemic world, Obosa’s multifaceted journey highlights the value of programs like Per Scholas and Cisco Networking Academy in bridging opportunity gaps.