Next Up: Software Engineer

Barbara Aceves felt certain about the future she wanted: a career in computer science. But she didn’t know if she could manage her course load with a full-time job and two children to raise. 

After learning about Brightpoint’s flexible course options and guaranteed admissions agreements, she stopped asking if a new career was possible, and began believing it was. 

Nearing the end of her second semester at the college, she has started a pathway that will take her to a four-year university, where she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science.  Eventually, she’d like to work at Google.   

See exactly how Brightpoint is helping Barbara get closer to the future she dreamed of. 

Start With a Clear Pathway

Before she enrolled at Brightpoint, Barbara made sure that the universities she wanted to transfer to had guaranteed admissions agreements with Brightpoint.

“I knew that work I would be putting in at Brightpoint would directly carry me toward my bachelor’s,” Barbara said. 

Barbara’s long-term goal is to become a software engineer or data scientist. 

“My dream job would be at Google. Brightpoint has been a great place to start moving toward that path,” says Barbara. “I also realized that you cannot grow if you never step outside the space that feels comfortable. I was tired of being stuck where I was in life, and I knew that if I did not change my mindset, I would keep getting the same results. Once my resolve shifted, I shifted, too. Completing my first semester proved that my ability to handle challenges matched my determination to reach my goals. It showed me that when you are willing, the weight you carry never feels too heavy.”

Learn According to Your Schedule 

As a mother of two young children and a full-time employee, Barbara needed convenience from her education. So she turned to Brightpoint’s online classes. 

“Having online options has made it possible to balance school, work, and family,” Barbara said.

While her classes are asynchronous, Barbara shared that she still feels connected to her professors and classmates. 

“The discussion boards give me a chance to get to know my peers,” Barbara said. “The professors are also always quick to respond, which makes it easy to ask questions and stay on track.”

Feel Ready to Transfer

Before moving on to a four-year institution, Barbara also wanted to develop her communication and leadership skills. With the support of Brightpoint faculty, Barbara applied for a VFCCE fellowship, which offers full-time, second-year college students financial awards and access to career development activities, such as conferences, networking dinners, and employer site visits. 

“A year ago, I never would have imagined applying for a fellowship, much less being selected,” Barbara said. “Being accepted into the VFCCE Fellowship confirmed that I am capable of more than I believed and that I am moving in the right direction.”

With her career goals in progress, she’s eager to complete her studies at Brightpoint and transfer to either VCU or Virginia Tech to earn her bachelor’s degree–and later a master’s.

"Brightpoint has given me the confidence that when it is time to transfer, I will be ready."