Robert Daniels

A year ago, Robert Daniels was spending his days surrounded by finger paint, snack time, and giggling preschoolers.

“That was my life. I loved the kids, but I knew I wanted more, something that would challenge me and help me grow.”

Today, Robert’s daily routine looks completely different: he’s troubleshooting technical issues as a Tier 1 Service Desk Technician at a fast-growing fintech company.

“I was outside watching the kids run around,” he recalls. “One of my coworkers comes up and says, ‘My son’s out there making six figures in IT!’ I was like, wait a minute — I could do that too!”

That comment hit home. Robert remembered his teenage years, when he’d spend hours tinkering with computers and modifying video games for friends. He’d always loved technology, creativity, and problem-solving, but life had taken him in a different direction.

Not long after that playground conversation, Robert heard about Per Scholas, a no-cost IT training program that helps people launch careers in the tech industry.

The program was exactly what Robert needed. It was no-cost, structured, and focused on real-world IT skills.

But Robert didn’t jump in right away; he wanted to do it the right way.

“I told myself, ‘If I’m going to do this, I have to commit 100%.’ So I saved up, planned out my schedule, and made sure I could give it everything.”

He also applied for the Zero Percent Loan program, which helps learners cover essentials while training full-time.

“That loan was a lifesaver,” he says. “It helped me pay bills, grab lunch, get to class, just basic stuff that made a big difference. It took away that constant stress so I could focus on learning.”

Once classes began, Robert quickly realized that Per Scholas was no easy task.

“I struggled hard those first few weeks,” he admits. “There was so much to learn — hardware, networks, systems.”

But in true Robert fashion, he didn’t give up. He stayed late, studied with classmates, and kept pushing. 

Midway through the course, something shifted. His peers elected him class president, recognizing his energy and determination — and that confidence boost changed everything.

Robert credits Per Scholas not only for the technical training but for the community and professional development that helped him grow. 

“Our instructors and coaches cared,” he says. “They didn’t just teach IT; they taught us how to show up like professionals. They always said ‘Your network is your net worth’ and they were right.”

Robert learned how to interview, how to tell his story, how to own his experience. The Per Scholas classroom became more than a place to learn; it became a support system.

By the time graduation rolled around, Robert felt unstoppable. Within weeks, he landed his first tech role — and even helped a fellow classmate get hired at the same company.

“My boss told us afterward that we crushed the technical interview,” Robert says proudly. “They asked where we went to school, and we both said, ‘Per Scholas!’ They were impressed.”

Robert believes his honesty sets him apart.

“I told them straight up what I knew and what I didn’t,” he says. “And I think that honesty, combined with the confidence and skills I got from Per Scholas, made a big impression.”

Just months later, he returned to Per Scholas to earn his Security+ certification — another milestone on his growing resume.

“Per Scholas didn’t just help me get one job,” he says. “They gave me the foundation to build a career.”

The transformation has been remarkable — both financially and personally. Now, he’s in IT, earning nearly 40% more than he did before his tech journey. He’s thriving at his fintech company, having recently earned praise from his superiors for his strong performance.

Robert is more motivated than ever. His next goal is to break into cybersecurity, ideally as a SOC Analyst.

“I’ve learned to stay flexible and keep learning,” he says. “When new opportunities come up, I want to be able to say, ‘I already got it.’”

When asked to sum up his Per Scholas experience in one word, Robert doesn’t hesitate: “Challenging.” He continues, “It’s tough. It’ll test you. But if you stick with it, it’ll change your life.”

Per Scholas gave Robert his confidence back, reminding him that hard tasks are possible and that he can build a different path. 

Robert’s advice to future learners is simple but powerful: “Stay positive. Don’t give up in those first tough weeks — that’s where the growth happens,”

He smiles, that spark in his eye again. “I’m just getting started,” he says.