From Early College to Summa Cum Laude: How E@W Helped Kettsy Cadena Succeed
From Early College to Summa Cum Laude: How E@W Helped Kettsy Cadena Succeed Graduation Spotlight Kettsy Cadena began her college journey at just 17 years old—and with grit, determination, and the support of Education at Work, she didn’t just adapt—she thrived. From earning a full-ride scholarship to graduating summa cum laude, Kettsy’s story is a powerful example of how flexible, supportive work opportunities can empower first-gen students to reach their goals. Meet Kettsy Cadena: A First-Gen Graduate with a Head Start and a Bright Future College can be both exciting and intimidating—especially when you’re only 17 years old. For Kettsy Cadena, starting her first semester at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) so young was a bold step. But thanks to her high school’s early college program, she had already completed her associate degree before setting foot on campus, giving her a strong academic foundation and the confidence to take on the challenge. With a full-ride scholarship in hand, Kettsy dove into university life—but after just one semester, she was ready for more. Determined to gain real-world work experience while staying on top of her academic responsibilities, she attended her university’s job fair and met the Education at Work (E@W) team. That moment would become a turning point. After landing a role as a Discover Cells Agent in June 2023, Kettsy quickly found that E@W’s model aligned perfectly with her goals. “Work-wise, I received high-quality training and continuous support from staff and supervisors,” she shared. “I was also blessed by the Tuition Assistance Program, which helped further lift the burden of tuition.” But it wasn’t just the financial support that made a difference. E@W’s flexible scheduling and remote work options allowed Kettsy to maintain her full-time course load and meet the GPA requirements of her scholarship—without sacrificing her mental well-being. “Having a schedule that adapts to my school schedule, having my workstation at home, and being able to take time off for exams, projects, and studying helped boost my academic success tremendously while gaining work experience at the same time.” Through her time with E@W, Kettsy gained critical technical and communication skills, deepened her understanding of customer service tools, and learned how to manage the demands of professional life while in school. Fast-forward to Spring 2025—Kettsy is now a proud summa cum laude graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. And she’s not done yet. She plans to continue working at E@W to further her professional development and explore new opportunities. “Overall, E@W has played a significant role in being my cornerstone for success while in college, and continues to give me stability, mentorship, and a place to grow.” Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Growing Skills, Confidence, and Connections at E@W Student Spotlight: David Wu
Growing Skills, Confidence, and Connections at E@W Student Spotlight: David Wu At just 19 years old, ASU student David Wu is already building a strong foundation for his future—thanks to his role with Intuit through Education at Work. In this spotlight, David shares how he’s gaining real-world experience, growing his confidence, and developing skills to support his long-term success. Meet David Wu, a 19-year-old Arizona State University student balancing academic success with professional growth. As a Product Expert with Intuit through Education at Work (E@W), David has found more than just a part-time job—he’s gaining invaluable experience shaping his future. Building Professional Skills “Working as a Product Expert has strengthened my communication skills,” David shares. “Since I’m constantly interacting with customers, I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, listen actively, and adapt to different situations—all skills that will be valuable in any career. This role has also taught me the importance of accountability: showing up on time, staying prepared, giving my best effort, and knowing when to ask for help. I’ve developed these habits at E@W and know they’ll benefit me long after I leave.” Why E@W is the Smart Choice for Students For students looking for meaningful part-time work, David encourages them to consider E@W:“If you’re a student looking for part-time work, E@W is worth considering. Not only do you earn a paycheck, but you also get tuition assistance—which helps with college expenses. Beyond that, you gain real-world professional experience and the chance to develop skills to set you up for future success. It’s more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow while still focusing on your education.” Working with Industry Leaders One of the standout aspects of David’s experience has been the opportunity to work with a major company like Intuit while still in school.“One of the biggest benefits of working for a large company like Intuit is building connections with experienced professionals. You can network with people who can become mentors, offer guidance, and potentially open doors for you after graduation. On top of that, you’re gaining real-world experience—applying what you’ve learned in class to actual professional situations. It also pushes you to step outside your comfort zone, which has helped me build confidence and tackle new challenges head-on.” David’s Final Thoughts David’s journey at E@W shows just how impactful the experience can be. Not only is he earning an income and receiving tuition support, but he’s also developing the professional skills, confidence, and connections to serve him well beyond graduation. If you’re a college student looking for a job that offers more than a paycheck, E@W provides the perfect blend of financial support, flexible scheduling, and career development—all while working alongside industry leaders who want to see you succeed. View our open student positions and apply now! 🌟 Learn More Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Student Spotlight: Edward Osei | ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro
ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro Student Spotlight: Edward Osei ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro Student Spotlight: Edward Osei ASU Student • Intuit Product Expert • Future Finance Pro Meet Edward Osei, a driven student at Arizona State University who’s gaining more than just a paycheck through his role as a product expert with Intuit, which was made possible by Education at Work. In his own words, Edward credits E@W with helping him build something you can’t always learn in a classroom: true confidence. “I like to talk to people, but I didn’t know how to do it professionally. Now, I’m comfortable on the phone, helping customers, and I see the results in my performance. That confidence came from this job.” One of the most significant benefits for Edward? Work-life balance that prioritizes being a student. “They want you to be a student first and a worker second. If you have an exam or project, they support you. It’s why ‘education’ is in the name.” And when it comes to tuition assistance, Edward doesn’t hold back: “I love the tuition assistance—no lie! It’s been incredibly helpful. I’m just trying to make it through school and pursue my dreams, and E@W and Intuit provide support tenfold.” Watch Edward’s full spotlight video above to hear his story in his own words. Ready to build transferrable skills, grow your confidence, and get school support? Explore our current student job openings and apply today! 🌟 Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Student Spotlight: Sydney Rice | ASU Freshman & Intuit Product Expert
Student Spotlight: Sydney Rice ASU Freshman & Intuit Product Expert Starting college is a big step—new classes, responsibilities, and finding a rhythm that balances it all. For Sydney Rice, a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in International Relations, the decision to take on a professional role alongside her studies might seem ambitious. However, for Sydney, working as an Intuit Product Expert through Education at Work has fit seamlessly into her college experience and provided her with skills and confidence that will stick with her well beyond her time at ASU. Gaining Real-World Skills Early On Sydney’s role at Intuit puts her on the front line of customer support, where no two days are precisely the same. Each customer brings a unique question or challenge, and it’s up to her to provide helpful solutions—sometimes on the fly. “This position has helped me sharpen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Sydney shares. “Customers often call in with specific challenges, and I have to think quickly, stay calm under pressure, and find the right solution. Sometimes, that means relying on the resources available to me; sometimes, it’s about trusting my judgment. Either way, every conversation is a learning opportunity.” But beyond solving technical issues, Sydney says one of the biggest takeaways has been developing strong customer service skills—something she knows will benefit her long after this job. “Learning how to connect with customers, even when frustrated, and helping them feel supported has been huge for my growth.” Connecting Coursework with Career Goals As an International Relations major, Sydney’s coursework revolves around understanding people’s cultures and how communication plays a key role in diplomacy and leadership. She’s found that her experience at Intuit mirrors many of those same lessons. “Communication is everything in my field,” Sydney explains. “Every day in this role, I interact with people from all different backgrounds, personalities, and situations. It’s up to me to make sure they feel heard and supported, whether the conversation is easy or challenging. That experience aligns perfectly with what I’m learning in my classes.” She adds that her job has also taught her valuable lessons in patience, empathy, and adaptability—qualities she sees as essential to her future career. Flexible, Student-First Work Environment One of the reasons Sydney is eager to recommend Education at Work to fellow students is the flexibility and support built into the program. Unlike traditional student jobs, E@W understands that academics come first and balancing life as a college student requires adaptability. “I’d recommend working here to any friend looking for a job,” Sydney says. “It’s not just about earning a paycheck—although that’s a bonus. What I appreciate most is how flexible and student-focused it is. I can prioritize my classes, exams, and schoolwork and still pick up shifts that fit my schedule.” That flexibility allows Sydney to fully embrace the college experience without sacrificing valuable work experience. “You can still have a social life, hang out with friends, and enjoy all the things that make college fun while also gaining skills and experience that will help you after graduation.” Building a Foundation for the Future In addition to the hands-on skills and customer service experience, Sydney also benefits from Education at Work’s tuition assistance program, which helps lighten the financial burden of college. For her, it’s the full package—real-world experience, professional development, flexibility, and financial support—all designed to help students succeed. As Sydney continues her journey at ASU, she’s confident that the skills and knowledge she’s building will serve as a strong foundation for her future career. “This experience has been such an important part of my growth,” she reflects. “It’s setting me up for success—not just in college, but in life.” Looking for more than just a part-time job?Join a program that helps you grow, gain real-world experience, and graduate with a stand-out resume. View open student positions and apply now! 🌟 Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube
Gaining Confidence and Real-World Experience: Martin Hristov’s Journey at Intuit
Gaining Confidence and Real-World Experience: Martin Hristov’s Journey at Intuit E@W Student Spotlight Starting college is a time of exciting new opportunities and big decisions about the future. For Martin Hristov, a freshman at Arizona State University majoring in finance, one of those key decisions was to start building his career experience early—by working as a product expert for Intuit through Education at Work (E@W). While many college students might wait until later in their academic careers to pursue professional roles, Martin immediately recognized the value of getting hands-on experience. “I value the chance to work for a large company like Intuit so early on,” he shares. “I know this experience will help me in the future since I’ll be able to put on my resume that I’ve worked directly with customers, helping them with their tax forms and addressing financial issues.” However, the benefits of Martin’s role go far beyond what he can list on his resume. Since joining Intuit, Martin has had the chance to sharpen key professional skills—skills that aren’t always developed in a typical classroom setting. “This job has helped me improve my problem-solving and communication skills,” he says. “I’ve learned how to approach complex questions, explain financial concepts clearly, and work with various people. I am much more confident since working here.” For Martin, one of the most valuable aspects of working at E@W is the community and support system it offers. “It’s not just a job—it’s a professional network,” he adds. “I’ve met a lot of peers who are also balancing school and work, and it feels good to be part of a real-world corporate setting outside of my classes. It’s given me a sense of belonging and helped me understand how a large company operates.” Balancing work and school can be challenging, but Martin appreciates how E@W’s partnership with Intuit is designed with students in mind. One standout feature is the flexibility in scheduling, which allows students like Martin to succeed academically and professionally. “A key benefit to working for E@W over other companies offering tuition assistance is the flexibility,” he says. “I can prioritize my classes and still gain valuable experience without feeling overwhelmed.” As Martin continues his studies in finance, he’s already laying a strong foundation for his future career. Through his role with Intuit, he’s building real-world skills, expanding his professional network, and gaining the confidence to take on whatever challenges lie ahead. His advice for other students? Don’t wait to get started. Opportunities like Education at Work allow students to earn a paycheck, receive tuition assistance, and develop career-ready skills—all while balancing life as a college student. Education at Work isn’t just a job—it’s a launchpad.Like Martin, you can earn a paycheck, gain valuable skills, and set yourself up for long-term success.Browse current student openings and apply now! 🌟 Linkedin Facebook Instagram Youtube