Hector Ortega

Hector Ortega’s career path has come a long way, starting in the music scene of Las Vegas and leading him to a successful tech career in Boston. Originally a jazz piano major, Hector’s early passion for music led him to develop a unique approach to learning and problem-solving. “I was originally a music major,” Hector recalls. “I originally went to school for music performance and record production. I was a jazz piano major, but then I started to get my own kind of hands-on tech experience.” His early interest in technology wasn’t traditional, it was more aligned with record production and audio engineering. But as he explored different opportunities, he realized that his growing interest in technology could open the door to a more stable and rewarding future. This realization led him to make bold moves, both geographically and professionally, ultimately shifting from performing music in Las Vegas to thriving in the tech industry.

While working various tech-related side jobs to support his passion, he realized that technology held the key to a new, promising career. But like many career changers, Hector found himself at a crossroads. While his musical training had given him creativity and discipline, the tech world demanded more specialized skills and certifications. Eager to make a real impact, Hector began searching for a way to fill that gap, and that’s when he found Per Scholas.

Moving from Las Vegas to Boston was the leap of faith Hector needed to grow in his career. In Las Vegas, the tech industry wasn’t offering the opportunities he was looking for, so he made the decision to seek better prospects. First, he relocated to Illinois, but after realizing Boston’s booming tech scene could offer even more, he made the move again. It was a big change, but Hector saw the move as the right step toward building a better future. Once in Boston, he came across Per Scholas’ Immersive IT Support Program, a tuition-free course that focuses on practical skills needed for the tech industry. The program provided him with the technical training and professional development he was looking for, giving him the tools to start a solid career in IT. Reflecting on his experience at Per Scholas, Hector says, “The professors, they’re all very responsive, and if there isn’t someone who knows the exact answer you’re looking for, they can sure as hell find you someone who can. I try to check in with them regularly because they’ve done so much to help turn my life around.”

Overcoming challenges and balancing work and study, especially while transitioning into a new field, isn’t always easy, and Hector’s journey was no exception. While completing his training, he worked overnight shifts to support himself financially. Juggling work and intensive study required an immense amount of discipline and commitment. But thanks to the supportive environment at Per Scholas and Hector’s determination to succeed, he managed to push through the challenges. The IT Support Program didn’t just focus on technical skills like networking, troubleshooting, and hardware/software support. It also included career development sessions like interview preparation, resume workshops, and networking opportunities with hiring partners. These tools helped Hector bridge the gap between his previous experience and the expectations of tech employers, preparing him for the two jobs he landed post-graduation.

Hector graduated from Per Scholas, well-prepared to take the next step in his tech career. Soon after, he landed a role at Granite Telecommunications, a Boston-based telecommunications company. The skills and confidence Hector gained during his training helped him secure the job, where he now thrives as part of their team. “This is the most financial security that I’ve ever experienced in my entire life,” Hector shares. “When I talk to people about my experience in Boston, I always tell them that Per Scholas made me feel like this is a city where somebody can come and have the opportunity to actually have a life for themselves.” Working at Granite Communications has been a game-changer for Hector. Not only is he earning double what he made in Nevada, but he’s also found a role where he can continue to grow and apply the knowledge he gained at Per Scholas. Granite Communications has provided Hector with the opportunity to put his training into practice, and he’s excelling in his role, with a bright future ahead.

Even though Hector has already come a long way, he’s far from done. He’s setting his sights on earning additional certifications, such as the CompTIA Net+ certification, which will allow him to take on more advanced tech roles. Per Scholas’ alumni network and continued support have given him access to resources and guidance to keep building his career. As he looks ahead, Hector reflects on the unpredictable nature of tech work and the importance of being prepared: “Thanks to the resources provided through Per Scholas, there’s always someone with the knowledge to do the job. In any tech job, nothing is clear. Every day brings some new kind of crazy problem that you have to use your troubleshooting knowledge to wrap your head around.”

One of Hector’s long-term goals is to move to Europe, where he hopes to continue his tech journey on an international level. With the solid foundation he built at Per Scholas, and the experience he’s gaining at Granite Communications, Hector feels confident that he can achieve his ambitions.