In today’s tech industry, it’s important to be knowledgeable in multiple technologies and skillsets. 72% of developers have stated that being certified in one or more low-code tools is important for career development, and 84% of developers have stated low-code will help them achieve their career goals faster. That’s why Information Technology graduate, Elbin Cenisev, chose to enroll in SkillStorm’s Appian Training Course.
We recently sat down with him to learn more about his experience and how gaining these certifications and skills will help make him a well-rounded project manager and advance his career.
Q: What is your educational and personal background? What made you want to pursue a career in technology?
A: I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and finished a bootcamp in Web Development. I have always wanted to pursue a career in technology since I was little since I loved working with computers at home.
Q: Before SkillStorm, what challenges were you having either beginning or advancing your technology career?
A: Ever since I graduated from university, I’ve had trouble landing an actual job in any sort of development-related field. I’ve found that while university puts you in the right mindset for a career in technology, it does not adequately prepare you for the practical challenges you encounter at any given job position. As such, I felt unprepared and too anxious to actually apply to most development jobs.
Q: What technology, tools and platforms did you learn during training?
A: The actual training program was focused on the Appian platform and some basic SQL training. I was also given access to a course that taught the basics of Object Oriented Programming with Java.
Q: Other than the technical training, what other skills has SkillStorm helped you develop that have helped you advance your tech career?
A: The training program put a lot of emphasis on teaching me how to present myself professionally. This was incredibly helpful during the interview process. It’s always helpful to get professional feedback on how you are presenting yourself during formal meetings and interviews, but you rarely get that in the real world. The training program made that one of the top priorities though, and I am very grateful for that!
Q: What do you think are some advantages of SkillStorm’s training?
A: The best part about the training at SkillStorm is that it’s laser-focused on practical skills that you will actually use, and puts a lot of emphasis on preparing you for the interview process. On top of that, SkillStorm actually paid for all of the training (which is very expensive) while also paying me a wage, and that was unbelievable to me personally. It’s the kind of deal that’s hard to believe.
Q: Can you tell us about your career progression in the tech industry so far?
A: Just two weeks after I finished the training program, I got an interview with a company. I now work at that company and I am being serious when I say that it is a dream job. I am learning new things every week, and yet I am also able to handle the tasks that are assigned to me because of SkillStorm’s Appian training. I have always wanted to be where I am now.
Q: What are you doing now that training is over?
A: I am a web developer and am considered part of the Appian Team who are modernizing an application that was previously written in Java (and is still in use). My first week was spent just watching demonstration of the old applications and getting me set up with all of the tools I’ll be using.
Q: What are you enjoying the most in your current tech career?
A: The fact that I am never anxious about anything. The people I work with are kind, supportive and fun. The work I do is exactly what I was prepared for during my training, and even the gaps in my knowledge (like my lack of database experience) aren’t cause for stress since I am given perfect entry level tasks to get more and more comfortable in that area.
Q: What message or advice would you give to anyone who is considering joining SkillStorm?
A: SkillStorm offers a deal that’s hard to believe and you’ll definitely think that there has to be something wrong. The crazy thing is… There isn’t. It really is as good as it sounds! You always hear about companies that care about their employees, and while every company I’ve worked for has been kind to me, SkillStorm actually invested a lot of money just to give me the chance to get into the field. The only thing that’s expected from you here is effort; SkillStorm handles everything else.
If you’re interested in learning more about SkillStorm’s Appian Program, email our Advisors at apply@skillstorm.com. We’re here to help guide you towards the best fit for you and your tech career.
