Iman | USA

Survival Mode 

Iman’s journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, a place where she saw many young lives take unfortunate turns. Her mother, a resilient woman, worked multiple jobs to support the family, exemplifying determination and hard work. “It’s kind of discouraging. When you’re in survival mode, success is not even a priority. You’re just trying to make it,” she told us. 

Iman worked in various roles from warehouses to call centers where she gained a wealth of experience but longed for more. All of the opportunities seemed to repeat a pattern of being physically and mentally draining, and not offer much room for advancement. Her passion for technology led her to a career in Software Quality Assurance, where she honed her skills in testing software, applications and video games. Although it provided better financial stability, she sought a path that offered her an opportunity to take a deeper dive into technology in which she could actually build things as she had seen done by the engineers on her team.

Finding Her Way Out

Iman’s curiosity about cloud engineering sparked a new chapter in her career. Despite discovering numerous expensive bootcamps, her determination never wavered. Her breakthrough came when she found Generation through a Google Search. The program’s offer of comprehensive, free training and job placement seemed too good to be true, but Iman embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. “I was like, you guys are going to teach me all this stuff for free and help me get a job after the program? This is unbelievable!”

Through Generation, Iman not only acquired the technical skills needed for cloud engineering but benefited from their behavioral and growth mindset approach which helped her overcome imposter syndrome. “It’s a bit intimidating when you’re the only Black person or the only woman in the room.” With the support of instructors and mentors, she learned to thrive in environments where she was often the only Black person or woman in the room, embracing that she could be valuable to provide alternate views to problems and conversations.

The Future She’d Always Dreamed Of 

Iman’s hard work and dedication paid off when she landed her first DevOps Engineer role at TechnologyAdvice, after graduating from Generation in 2021. The new position came with a flexible schedule, benefits, and ample growth opportunities. The salary difference was astonishing, allowing her to enjoy financial stability and invest in her future. She was now ecstatic to not only know how to check for software bugs, but now be in a position to actually fix them.

The transition allowed her to have more peace of mind, time and energy than ever before. She invests in her well-being through self-care practices, such as traveling, mindfulness, and spa visits. Additionally, she finds joy in giving back to her community by mentoring people of color who share her background and interest in technology.

Iman’s journey from a tech enthusiast to a successful DevOps Engineer is a testament to her resilience and ambition. She now looks forward to making a significant impact, drawing from her diverse experiences and newfound confidence. 

“I want to make an impact. I’ve been exposed to a lot of different people and a lot of different challenges. I see both sides of the coin. I know firsthand what it takes to go from ground level to the moon. I feel that I have something to say. I have value to bring. I’m looking forward to doing big things in the future. Generation has changed my life!”

Where is Iman now?

Thanks to her experience with Generation USA, Iman was able to build a fulfilling career as a DevOps Engineer in the fintech industry, which has opened doors for her to travel, as well as mentor minorities aspiring to break into the tech sector.

“The skills and support I gained from Generation USA have empowered me to not only grow professionally but also give back, as I look forward to using my expertise to uplift impoverished communities around the world. Every step of this journey has reinforced the importance of community and resilience, values that Generation USA instilled in me. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and inspire change!”