Investment & Fund Management

Jose Luis Cuenca, from San Martin de Valdeiglesias, Madrid, faced significant challenges in transitioning to a career in IT after previously working in various fields, including gardening and plumbing. He was particularly unhappy in his last role at a call center, where he dealt with frustrated customers daily. To change his career trajectory, he decided to pursue a university degree in computer engineering while simultaneously attending a bootcamp focused on big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning at Keepcoding Tech School.

To finance his education, Jose Luis entered into an income-sharing agreement with the Universia Foundation (part of the Santander Group), which was backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) through the Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot. This arrangement allowed him to attend the bootcamp without upfront costs, as he would only begin repaying the tuition once he secured a job with a salary above a certain threshold.

Within a few months of starting the bootcamp, Jose Luis secured an internship that evolved into a permanent position, significantly enhancing his employability and job satisfaction. He expressed that the intensive nature of the bootcamp, which initially ran late into the night, was challenging but ultimately rewarding. By the end of his bootcamp and degree program, he anticipated a more balanced life, free from the stress of his previous job, and was considering further educational opportunities in IT. This tailored support not only facilitated his career change but also provided him with a pathway to a fulfilling profession in technology.