Esther McIlwain

Esther McIlwain found the banking industry was a safe harbor, but not a home. Working in the investment department and later in Quality Assurance, Esther found herself in a cycle of complacency. She was doing the work, but her true spark was elsewhere.

She often found herself naturally gravitating toward the IT issues in her office, acting as the unofficial “tech person” for her colleagues before her official shift even began.

“I was thinking of different career changes I could make. I was feeling a little complacent, but the timing never felt right to make a jump.”

That changed in the fall of 2024. A layoff was the signal she had been waiting for. Within days of receiving her notice, she wasn’t mourning the loss of her old role—she was filling out her application for Per Scholas Charlotte.

Esther knew that a career in tech required more than just interest; it required a bedrock of knowledge. While other programs promised quick fixes for high fees, Esther was drawn to the rigor and the mission of Per Scholas.

“I wanted to have a basis to go into IT in order to get a job. Seeing that they offered the basic IT support, I found that to be the best route for me so that I have a good foundation going into this career that I can build on.”

The transition wasn’t without its hurdles. Balancing her studies with her responsibilities as a mother meant her schedule had to be airtight. However, because she was no longer tethered to her banking job, she could finally pour her full effort into the material.

When Esther stepped into the classroom in Charlotte, she found a support system she hadn’t anticipated. Instructor Muraco Wright immediately noticed her drive: “Esther was an outstanding learner and a great example of the type of determination we look for in our cohorts. From the very beginning, it was clear how committed she was to succeeding in the program. She was consistently early to class and always prepared to engage with the material.”

“Across the Per Scholas network, we specialize in helping individuals who may not yet have strong IT skills but who bring the drive and determination needed to succeed. Esther embodied that mindset. Her dedication, work ethic, and willingness to learn enabled her to grow quickly and take full advantage of the program’s opportunities,” Wright adds.

While the technical material was vital, it was the professional development that truly cracked the shell of her introversion.

“The most important part for me was the professional development part because I’m not much of an outgoing type of person. The resume development, the elevator pitch—those things just gave me more confidence going into the interviews and being confident that I know the information that I’ve been taught.”

She found financial support as well. When Esther’s severance package ended in January, the pressure began to mount. This is where the Zero Percent Loan stepped in. Unlike traditional loans that add the weight of interest to a learner’s shoulders, this resource acted as a pure bridge.

“I immediately signed up. It did a lot for me financially through those last months of the class. It helped me stay afloat. I think it’s the perfect way for you to be able to focus on what you’ve been doing in the class so you can get those certifications and not have to worry about all the financials.”

Today, Esther’s commitment has resulted in a flourishing career. She serves as a Technical Support Specialist for Planmeca USA, a high-tech dental company. Her day-to-day involves troubleshooting the intricate hardware and software that powers dental chairs and X-ray devices.

The impact on her life has been profound; financially, she is stable, but mentally, she is revitalized.

“I don’t have to stay in one particular industry with tech support. It opened my eyes to a lot of different avenues that I can go into and further my education.”

Esther’s journey is far from over. She has already applied for a networking upskilling course, taking advantage of evening hours to grow her expertise while she works. Looking back on her layoff, Esther doesn’t see a tragedy; she sees the first chapter of her success.

“If you’re thinking about it, just say yes and do it because it is everything it’s cracked up to be, and plus more. One thing I learned is that you will never know everything—but as long as you’re willing to learn, you’ll always succeed.”