Building Future Talent: Ryan Clark’s Journey with Education at Work and Fidelity
E@W Alumni Spotlight
Education at Work (E@W) is dedicated to bridging talent gaps through real-world, work-based learning that benefits students and employers. Ryan Clark’s journey from student to Senior Software Engineer highlights the powerful impact of E@W’s partnerships with leading companies like Fidelity, offering a glimpse into how early talent pipeline solutions create career-ready graduates.
Ryan, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, joined E@W’s program with Fidelity while still a student. Starting as a support admin, he gained hands-on experience in Salesforce, eventually transitioning into a developer role. Through E@W’s guidance and Fidelity’s support, Ryan became Salesforce-certified and advanced in his skills. Within eight months, he moved from support admin to developer—a significant progression that reflects E@W’s commitment to helping students build the expertise and confidence needed to excel professionally.
Today, as a Senior Software Engineer, Ryan leads a team of developers, a role he achieved in just five years—a faster trajectory than most. He attributes this to the blend of learning and professional growth he experienced through E@W. Reflecting on his time at E@W, Ryan recalls feeling calm and confident at graduation, unlike many of his peers who faced uncertainty. “Education at Work completely transformed my career. I felt a sense of calm knowing I had a quality job lined up, thanks to E@W,” Ryan shares. “The experience, training, and support launched my career and helped me discover my passion in the Salesforce ecosystem.”
Ryan’s story illustrates how E@W’s model equips students with more than just work experience; it provides a launchpad for successful careers and helps companies like Fidelity build a robust and skilled talent pipeline. Ryan’s gratitude and belief in E@W’s mission underline the program’s value in shaping well-prepared, confident professionals poised to contribute meaningfully to their fields.