IT Career Guide

Carlos Trejo as systems engineer

Breaking Barriers and Building Code: Carlos Trejo’s Journey into Systems Engineering

As festivities get underway, we’re excited to look back. Celebrating the vibrant culture and rich history of Hispanic Americans is what September 15 to October 15 is all about. Look around and you’ll find individuals who are boldly going where no one has gone before, resetting the bar and redefining what’s possible in their industries. Tech insiders are abuzz about Carlos Trejo, a gifted systems engineer whose star is rapidly ascending.

Carlos’s switch to Junior Systems Engineer sends a clear message: when you fuse drive, brains, and a commitment to company culture, anything is possible. Through his experiences, we get a close-up look at what it means to be Hispanic in the United States, warts and all, tech sector.

Ever wondered how Carlos traded in his old life for a brand new one in IT? We’re about to find out, exploring the cultural touchstones that guided him through the highs and lows.

The Early Years

Carlos Trejo grew up in a family that recognized his natural affinity for technology from a young age. While he doesn’t directly attribute his career path to his Hispanic heritage, the values of hard work and perseverance instilled in him by his family played a significant role. “My family saw that I was good at technology, and that’s where it all started,” Carlos explains. This early recognition wasn’t just idle praise but a catalyst for Carlos’s curiosity. 

From a young age, he was fascinated by how things worked, often disassembling gadgets around the house to understand their inner workings, much to his parents’ dismay. However, they soon realized their son had a knack for technology and encouraged him to explore it further.

The Role Model at Home

Carlos’s father is a construction worker and has been a monumental influence in his life. “My father always told me to aim for a better life than he had, to seek a job where I could enjoy the comforts of an office and a good salary,” Carlos recalls. 

This paternal wisdom has been a guiding light in his career decisions and ambitions. His father’s life was a vivid example of the alternative—a physically demanding job with long hours and little comfort. “Seeing my dad come home exhausted every day was a constant reminder of why I needed to aim higher,” Carlos says.

The Career Transition as Systems Engineer

Carlos’s path to becoming a Junior Systems Engineer was not all rainbows and unicorns. He found challenges, including a noticeable lack of diversity in the tech industry. “It’s disheartening not to see a single brown person in this field,” he notes. Despite these hurdles, Carlos remained steadfast. “I had to stay consistent with my learning and trust the process, especially since I was entering IT without a college degree,” he adds. 

Challenges He Faced

One of the most significant challenges Carlos faced was self-doubt. There were moments when he questioned his abilities, but he pushed through these doubts by leaning on his father’s wisdom and the support of his community. 

The transition was not just about acquiring new technical skills but also a mental and emotional journey. Carlos had to go through the complexities of being one of the few Hispanic individuals in his workplace, which sometimes led to feelings of isolation but also fueled his determination. 

His story vividly illustrates the resilience and tenacity needed to break through systemic barriers in the tech industry, making his accomplishments all the more commendable.

A Call to Action

Carlos has a heartfelt message for aspiring tech professionals, particularly those from Hispanic backgrounds. “We need more representation in tech, and it starts with you,” he emphasizes. For those interested in cloud computing, Carlos recommends staying updated on AWS centers and attending events like DevOps DC. 

Carlos Recommends Yellow Tail Tech

Carlos also highly recommends Yellow Tail Tech’s Lnx For Jobs program. We designed this six-month program to transform you into a Linux DevOps System Administrator capable of managing enterprise-level IT infrastructure. With a manageable time commitment of 7-10 hours a week and live sessions to deepen your understanding, it covers everything from foundational networking to advanced Linux skills. It’s a comprehensive yet flexible pathway for those serious about a tech career. 

Finally, networking, both online and in person, is another crucial aspect that Carlos emphasizes. “Don’t underestimate the power of a good network. It can open doors you didn’t even know existed,” he advises.

The Cultural Perspective

Carlos feels his family’s history and experiences have fueled his motivation to excel. “My family came from extreme poverty, and their journey to the U.S. was motivated by the desire for a better life. That same desire drives me to excel in my career,” he elaborates. 

This sentiment is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture, where there’s an expectation for each generation to improve upon the last. “It’s not just about me; it’s about honoring the sacrifices my family made to give me these opportunities,” Carlos points out.

The Final Word: A Journey Worth Sharing

Just when you think you know the score, someone like Carlos Trejo comes along, overcoming the barriers and rewriting the rules – a living, breathing testament to the transformative power of staying the course. By making the leap to IT, he’s proved that diverse backgrounds can be a powerhouse for innovation in tech, and his story serves as living proof.

With Carlos as their guide, people from underrepresented backgrounds see a path forward they might not have imagined otherwise. Showing that anyone can overcome hurdles and succeed in their chosen field with the right mindset and resources. This unforgettable narrative calls out to be broadcast to the masses – don’t keep it hidden! Changing the face of tech, one opportunity at a time, to build a more inclusive community.

Take a short pause from your busy day to dial in for a 10-minute intro call that’s all about you. Craving a sense of purpose in your tech career? Take a cue from the change-makers who’ve come before you and discover how to craft your own story of success.

A Brief Note on Hispanic Heritage Month 

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15. American citizens with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America are worth recognizing for their bold cultural stamps, intricate histories, and unwavering contributions.

Back in 1988, lawmakers permanently etched a month-long fiesta onto the calendar, launching the festivities on September 15 – a day that resonates deeply with many Latin American nations, who celebrate their hard-won independence. This celebration isn’t just about any old dates; it specifically zeroes in on historic milestones like Mexico’s and Chile’s freedom from colonial rule, plus the anniversary of Columbus’s famous voyage.

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Silvana Zapanta

Sil brings a wealth of experience to her writing and editing projects. After nearly a decade guiding college students in research and communication, she shifted her focus to freelance writing and editing. Her passion for education continues through volunteer work, where she empowers others by teaching research and writing skills.

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