Roger Campo

When Roger Campos arrived in the United States five years ago, he wasn’t just adapting to a new country—he was rebuilding his life from the ground up.

Originally from another country, Roger immigrated with professional experience as a chef, a career that demanded discipline, creativity, and resilience. But despite his success in the kitchen, he carried a deeper curiosity: a long-standing passion for technology and a desire to work in a field that would allow him to grow, make an impact, and build long-term stability.

“I’ve always liked tech,” Roger says. “Moving to the U.S. finally gave me the chance to pursue that vision.”

Roger’s transition into tech didn’t begin with a clear plan or a traditional path. When he first arrived in the U.S., he faced a challenge that made everything else harder: he didn’t speak English.

“I was learning basic words—how to say thank you,” he recalls. “At the same time, I wanted to learn programming.”

Determined not to give up, Roger enrolled in a community college to learn English while continuing to study technology independently. He spent countless hours researching online, watching videos, and enrolling in low-cost courses. Slowly, he earned his first certifications in computer science fundamentals and web programming.

Even with those achievements, doubt crept in.

“There were moments when I thought this was too difficult,” Roger admits. “I didn’t know if someone with my background could really break into tech.”

While researching how people without traditional degrees enter the tech industry, Roger came across Per Scholas. The organization’s mission—to provide no-cost, industry-relevant tech training to individuals often excluded from traditional pathways—immediately stood out.

After learning more, he decided to apply.

Although he was not initially selected for the cybersecurity program he first applied to, Per Scholas offered him another opportunity: an interview for AWS re/Start Cloud Computing or IT Support. Despite having limited formal tech experience, Roger expressed his interest in cloud computing—and was ultimately accepted into the program.

“That opportunity meant everything,” he says.

From the first days of class, Roger felt the weight of self-doubt. Combined with the lingering language barrier, the experience triggered intense imposter syndrome. Roger questioned whether he belonged in the room.

What shifted that mindset was the environment Per Scholas created.

With supportive technical instructors, hands-on labs, and a collaborative cohort model, Roger began to see progress—not just in his technical skills, but in how he thought about himself.

“My instructors were incredibly supportive,” he shares. “They helped me understand that learning is a process. I didn’t need to know everything—I just needed to keep going.”

Over time, Roger realized that he could not only keep up, but excel. He learned to troubleshoot problems independently, collaborate with peers, and even help others understand complex concepts.

“I started seeing people learn from me, too,” he says. “That’s when I knew I belonged.”

While technical training laid the foundation, Roger points to Per Scholas’ Career Development as a defining factor in his success.

Career coaches worked with him on communication, professional confidence, interviewing, and navigating the tech industry without a traditional degree. For Roger, this support was transformational.

“Career Development helped me fight imposter syndrome,” he says. “It helped me speak more confidently and understand my own value.”

For the first time, Roger felt equipped not just with skills, but with belief—in himself and in what was possible.

After graduating from Per Scholas as a Cloud Practitioner, Roger put his training into action. He secured an internship with a Seattle-based startup focused on sustainability and multi-cloud infrastructure—work that aligned closely with his interests in cloud technology and real-world impact.

Soon after, another opportunity emerged. Through a Per Scholas connection, Roger learned about a JPMorgan Chase program. 

When he initially attempted to apply, he encountered a barrier: the application required selecting a college or university, and because he had not attended college for a major, he was unable to complete the application at that time. Rather than stopping there, Roger continued engaging with Per Scholas–supported recruitment opportunities to learn more about the program.

During a virtual recruitment event, Roger connected with peers and program representatives, which provided clarity on the application process and enabled him to move forward. The application process officially began in November 2025. Following months of preparation, interviews, and technical assignments—many supported by strategies and guidance gained through Per Scholas—Roger received a job offer in January 2026. This experience underscores his persistence, self-advocacy, and commitment to professional growth.

After completing JPMorgan Chase’s intensive interview process, Roger received an offer to join the company as a Software Engineer.

“It all came together,” he says. “Per Scholas prepared me for every step.”

Today, Roger sees his journey as only the beginning. His long-term goal is to become a cloud security expert, with experience spanning cloud, AI, and security. But beyond career growth, he is deeply committed to giving back.

He hopes to serve as a role model for others who share his background—immigrants, career changers, and people who believe they don’t belong in tech because they lack a degree or formal credentials.

“I want to influence my community,” Roger says. “I want people to see that it’s possible.”

When asked to describe his journey in one word, Roger chooses vision.

“I don’t like the word ‘dream,’” he explains. “Dreams happen when you’re asleep. Vision means you’re awake. You don’t know every step, but you keep walking forward.”

In addition, Roger extends his heartfelt gratitude to the instructors who were—and continue to be—part of his journey. He is especially thankful to Roberto Santos and Christopher Muñoz, his technical instructors from the 2025-RTT-40 cohort, whose guidance and mentorship were instrumental in his growth.

He also wishes to thank:

• Melissa Hussain and Gabriel King for their support and encouragement
• Lindsey Killeen, who left a lasting impression through Career Development
• His wife, Cheryl, for her unwavering support throughout his journey at Per Scholas

Each of these individuals helped reinforce the belief that limitations exist only in the mind.

Through Per Scholas, Roger found more than technical training. He found clarity, confidence, and a path forward—turning vision into action, and action into opportunity.