Johnnie Nwobasi

Before tech, before certifications, before stepping into an IT track, Johnnie Nwobasi was working in sales.

He had built his career as a sales development representative, working for companies like Peloton and HSC Pathways. On paper, things were steady. But when a layoff disrupted his path, Johnnie found himself at a crossroads.

“I was pretty much done with sales,” he says. “I needed a new career path.”

He didn’t just want another job — he wanted direction. Johnnie began searching for IT programs. He didn’t have a technical background. In fact, he admits, “I didn’t know too much about IT. I didn’t know as much as I needed to know.”

That search led him to Per Scholas Dallas. 

“I thought this would be a real opportunity to actually get an intro into IT,” he says. “I just decided to jump in and see where I could go from there.”

It wasn’t a calculated leap backed by years of technical experience. It was a leap of faith. And it changed everything.

From day one, Johnnie noticed something different about the classroom experience: “The connection we had with each and every learner and also the teachers — that stood out,” he says. “They were very well managed and knew how to answer questions I had a hard time understanding.”

But what truly transformed him were two key elements of the IT Support Program:

1. Structured IT training
2. Professional development and interview preparation

“They gave us confidence. They taught us how to be outspoken and talk in front of people.”

For someone transitioning careers, confidence can be just as important as competence.

There was one moment when it all clicked — learning what actually happens inside a computer. “Understanding the background of a computer — the RAM, the processor, how everything works together — that was a great experience,” he recalls.

The technical language that once felt foreign began to feel natural.

After completing the program, Johnnie landed a role at The 20 MSP, a managed service provider delivering IT support to companies across industries — from real estate to restaurants.

Per Scholas’ employer connections opened the door. Johnnie’s background and new technical skills helped him walk through it.

Initially presented with three potential roles — IT support, account management, and sales — Johnnie chose to step into an IT Account Manager position, blending his sales experience with his new technical expertise. 

Today, he serves as a bridge between clients and technical teams.

The certifications and tools he learned through Per Scholas — including Google Coursera coursework and Microsoft applications — show up daily in his work. From Outlook and Teams to Excel and Word, the foundation built in the classroom translates directly to his professional performance.

The biggest change, however, wasn’t just professional. Johnnie’s life has shifted significantly since completing the program. 

He is now earning the highest compensation he’s ever received. That shift has meant stability. It has meant relief. The stress that once weighed heavily on him has eased. In its place is confidence — and room to breathe.

Beyond career growth and financial freedom, Johnnie found something he didn’t expect: lasting relationships: “Meeting learners and teachers was a new dynamic experience. Not only do you learn the IT aspect, but you make friends along the way.”

He still keeps in touch with classmates. They meet up. They talk. They support each other. That sense of belonging — of moving forward together — became one of his favorite parts of his tech journey. 

Johnnie isn’t done growing. At The 20 MSP, he plans to transition into cybersecurity compliance. Upskilling feels like a natural next step.

The same man who once wasn’t sure where to begin in IT is now planning his advancement within it.

For anyone considering enrolling in Per Scholas, Johnnie offers powerful advice: “Make sure you utilize everything they have within the course. Come to every class so you won’t be lost. And be serious and passionate about where you want to go.”

Because for him, Per Scholas didn’t just teach technical skills.

• It narrowed his direction
• It strengthened his confidence
• It reshaped his financial future
• It gave him community

And most importantly, it gave him a career. 

From sales to IT account management — and soon, cybersecurity — Johnnie Nwobasi’s story is proof that sometimes the most transformative decisions begin with a single leap into the unknown.