I didn’t have a clear plan for life after high school. I just knew one thing: I was going to do something. My mom always told me that college wasn’t the only option, but sitting at home doing nothing wasn’t one either. So when I learned about apprenticeship, it didn’t feel like a backup plan. It felt like an opportunity I couldn’t afford to ignore.

I started my apprenticeship at 16 years old, during my junior year of high school at McKinley Technology High School. Through a partnership between Accenture and CityWorks DC, I joined Accenture’s Youth Apprenticeship Program in 2021. At the time, I knew I wanted to work in technology—specifically cybersecurity—but I didn’t really understand what that meant or what my path could look like.

The apprenticeship gave me structure, exposure, and—most importantly—permission to learn by doing. I wasn’t just sitting in a classroom imagining my future. I was actively building it, with the support of my school and mentors like Robert Holm, who helped me balance school, work, and long-term goals.

Early on, the work didn’t look like what I expected. I had applied for a Cyber Security Specialist role, but I found myself doing more administrative tasks than technical ones. Instead of checking out, I spoke up. I asked my supervisor, Shannon Peterson, if I could learn how to code. That conversation changed everything.

Shannon connected me with free Accenture funded trainings, where I taught myself the fundamentals of coding in Python. I finished the course and eventually built my own program—my first real experience turning curiosity into a tangible skill. That moment showed me what was possible when someone believes in you and gives you room to grow.

The apprenticeship pushed me to take ownership of my development. I asked questions, leaned into learning new skills, and took on real projects with real responsibility. Over time, that curiosity turned into confidence and a clear path forward.

The impact didn’t stop with me. Being able to earn money while still in high school was life-changing for my family as well. I was able to help out more around the house, and collaborate with my mom to achieve goals that had once felt out of reach. I grew up surrounded and supported by my family, deep down I know that I’m nothing without them. So of course if I’m going to come up, I’m going to bring my family up with me.

After graduating from the Youth Apprenticeship Program in 2024, I continued at Accenture through their one-year Adult (Postsecondary) Apprenticeship Program, starting in July 2024. By July 2025, I completed the program and transitioned into a full-time role—on the same team where I apprenticed.

Today, I’m a full-time employee at Accenture, doing work I care about in an industry I’m excited to grow in. Furthermore, because of my apprenticeship journey, I’ve been afforded opportunities even outside of my company. I’ve traveled to places like Seattle, Austin, and Tennessee to speak on panels about my experiences, with more opportunities on the horizon. I’ve taken vacations, flown out of the country, and experienced things I never imagined at 16.

But the most important thing apprenticeship gave me was confidence—confidence that I belong in professional spaces, that I can learn anything with the right support, and that my future doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Apprenticeship didn’t just help me get a job. It helped me find direction, stability, and purpose. And that’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.