Jonathan Guzman is a Customer Service Representative at a top telecom company. His role requires problem-solving and communication skills to ensure customer satisfaction, but he wanted to try something new. Jonathan took full advantage of his company’s new tuition coverage program to further his education debt-free.

Education benefits make companies stand out. I took full advantage of my employer’s program. I don’t want to have to go into debt to advance my career with them.

Opening new pathways

Pathstream’s Digital Marketing Certificate was the perfect introduction for Jonathan to get firsthand experience and learn the ropes. This certificate program offers foundational marketing skills catered to employees without prior marketing experience.

I did my research, and out of all the different marketing opportunities that were available, I wanted to dip my toes in with the certificate first. I figured the best way to get started was to get hands-on and actually do projects that would help me get a feel for the field.

The Pathstream experience: schedule flexibility

While excited to be diving in, Jonathan was also a little nervous about juggling school with work and his family:

I wasn’t sure if it was going to be too much work. I’m obviously working full time, and just like everyone else, they have their own responsibilities at home; we have a child, so I was nervous about that part.

Fortunately, Jonathan was in safe hands. Pathstream’s certificates are designed with busy lives in mind, and Success Coaches design recommended weekly calendars. With this resource in hand, Jonathan’s confidence was bolstered.

I lived and breathed the schedule. It helped me plan each week and helped me finish the certificate, which was nice. I just took advantage of the time that I had available to me, an hour here, a couple hours there.

Impact on job satisfaction

When asked if access to this program improved his satisfaction with his employer, Jonathan enthusiastically replied, “Oh, absolutely.” 

He plans to investigate marketing opportunities in his organization and continue his education with another Pathstream course. His completed program increased Jonathan’s satisfaction with his current employer and gave him a greater understanding of his current role.

After completing the course, I now understand the marketing side of the telecom business. More than anything, it has opened my eyes. I have started to see the ‘why’ behind day-to-day business decisions made throughout the company.

Advice to fellow employees

Jonathan advises other employees:

“Dive in and do it! Gain the knowledge you need to continue to succeed in life. We have our worldly responsibilities but work on yourself and your knowledge. It will go a long way.”