Robert Davis

Robert Davis has always been interested in technology in general, particularly software engineering. A few years back, he found himself between jobs, freelancing, and wanting to learn more about the field.

And when he first encountered Per Scholas, it was not on a job hunt or at a career fair… it was simply scrolling through Facebook.

“I saw an ad with someone in it who looked exactly like me,” Robert said with a laugh. “I showed it to my friends and family, and they were like, ‘This is a sign. You have to do this.’ And I thought…maybe it is.”

That simple scroll turned out to be the beginning of a completely new chapter. Robert’s acceptance into the Remote Software Engineering Cohort was a deeply emotional moment.

“Honestly, it felt magical,” he said. “It meant that not only was I enough, but that I could grow. It showed me there was another path for me. A better one.”

But the journey wasn’t easy. As a remote learner, Robert didn’t have the typical in-person classroom experience, but he quickly found community in unexpected ways. “We had this amazing group chat. We’d stay up late before deadlines, helping each other solve problems and debug code. That sense of community—that family—was everything.”

After graduating in the fall of 2023, Robert dove headfirst into job hunting—a process that lasted eight months. But the real breakthrough came through a Per Scholas partner event: Hack Jam, a hackathon hosted by CGI.

Robert entered—and won. He leveraged that opportunity into a conversation, a connection, and eventually a full-time role at CGI as a Software Developer and Consultant. “The interview manager told me I was one of his favorite interviews ever,” Robert said. “That’s thanks to Per Scholas. They taught me how to not just answer questions, but how to ask the right ones. How to sell myself. How to own my brand.”

Today, Robert is thriving in his career—and helping others thrive, too. He now helps organize Hack Jam, giving new learners the same shot he had. Per Scholas wasn’t just about learning code—it was about changing his life:

“Per Scholas is transformative. You come in not knowing what you’re capable of, and you leave realizing you’re capable of so much more.”

From technical mastery to soft skills, Robert credits Per Scholas with preparing him on all fronts:

“The professional development training was incredible. They taught us to know our strengths, to know our superpowers. That mindset gave me the confidence to walk into any room and own my worth.”

He also took advantage of financial wellness resources offered during the program. “They taught us how to save, budget, and even choose healthcare plans. That stuff mattered just as much as the coding—we were building our whole lives.”

Thanks to his new role, Robert finally has the financial freedom and time flexibility he never had before. “Before CGI, I didn’t have the money or time to even dream,” he said. “Now? I’m planning a trip to Japan—a dream I’ve had for years.”

He’s also able to give back to his loved ones. “I can buy gifts for my family, help when someone needs support, and I finally have weekends to spend with the people I love. I help my grandmother…I help my sisters. That freedom, both financial and personal, means everything.”

In the next five years, Robert plans to grow into a senior consultant, then a tech lead or project manager. He’s now exploring PMP certification and wants to stay involved in both software and strategy. 

Robert remains an active member of the Per Scholas alumni network. He regularly checks in with former classmates and builds new relationships within the community.

For anyone considering Per Scholas, Robert offers this heartfelt advice:

“Take the leap. Invest in yourself. There are very few things in life that are free and life-changing—Per Scholas is one of them. Even if you don’t think you’re ready, you are. And even if you can’t do it alone, you won’t have to. Per Scholas builds a network around you. They’ll help you become the person you’re meant to be.”