Opportunity Academies give non-technical individuals the skills and experience they need to transition into tech roles. In this blog series, we interview Pluralsight Opportunity Academy participants. They share their experience with the program, how it impacted their lives, and advice for individuals and organizations interested in Opportunity Academies.
What is an Opportunity Academy?
Opportunity Academies provide an alternative career path into tech. Sponsored by a specific company, these programs help underserved individuals develop the skills they need for entry-level software, IT, and data roles. At the same time, they help the sponsoring organization develop high-potential talent to fill skills gaps, reduce pressure on existing teams, and improve diversity and inclusion.
What was the interview process like to get into the program?
“Someone with the program reached out to me for a 30-minute interview. I thought it was fairly smooth! I spoke to a couple of people who asked questions similar to those in a job interview. They asked me to describe myself and explain what I wanted to get out of the program, where I could see myself after the program was done, and how engaged I would be during it. I was also asked various questions ranging from my interest in taking the program’s 14-week bootcamp to why I wanted to get into technology at all.“I was very candid when explaining my situation and why I wanted to take the program seriously. I had no expectations other than wanting to show the program that, if I was accepted, it would mean everything to me. I needed this opportunity, and I would not waste it. I ultimately was accepted! As part of this program, Pluralsight created a Pre-Work channel—one place for participants to easily navigate the beginning of their learning journey, as well as refer to resources throughout their time in the Academy. If you’re interested in sponsoring an Opportunity Academy, we can help you build custom Pre-Work channels and learning paths that address your skills gaps and organizational goals.