Jonathan Cervantes

Alumni Profile

Jonathan Cervantes

Center High School, Center School District Pathways to Technology Class of 2020
"My experience at PREP-KC and in the Cerner Scholars internship put me in a good place when I was ready to apply to Oracle. They were really interested in everything I had done."
Jonathan Cervantes, Oracle Employee
Jonathan Cervantes, PREP-KC alumni and Oracle employee

Education & Experience

Current Position

Oracle

Technology Professional

Professional Experience

  • Oracle (formerly Cerner) - Technology professional
  • Cerner Scholars Internship - Led to full-time role
  • Best Buy Geek Squad - Technical support

Technical Skills

  • Python, Java, Ruby on Rails
  • Software Development Certificate (in progress)

Meet Jonathan Cervantes

Meet Jonathan Cervantes, a 2020 graduate of PREP-KC's Pathways to Technology, who is making his mark at Oracle. Jonathan secured a Market Value Asset by completing a challenging internship at Cerner (now Oracle), which led him to his current position at the company.

"When I applied, my internship manager recommended me. He encouraged me to apply for an open role," Jonathan recently shared.

Jonathan Cervantes and other Pathways to Technology students being recognized by the Center School District in 2019

Jonathan Cervantes (back row, right) and other Pathways to Technology students being recognized by the Center School District in 2019.

Real World Skills for Tech Success

Jonathan's journey with PREP-KC provided him with practical coding experiences and invaluable technical support skills that he uses daily at Oracle. "It was drastically different than taking a coding class in high school. Pathways was about real-world experience—learning to jump in and handle complex projects right from the start."

During his time in Pathways to Technology, Jonathan completed internships where he transitioned software into various programming languages, including Java and Ruby on Rails. "I only knew Python when I started, but they taught me on the job, and that experience broadened my skills tremendously."

A Vision for Continued Learning

Passionate about expanding his software expertise, Jonathan is also pursuing a certificate in software development. "Customer service is critical in tech. I started out troubleshooting at Best Buy's Geek Squad, and those experiences taught me patience and the importance of clear communication," he shares.

Advice for Future Tech Professionals

For those considering PREP-KC's Pathways to Technology, Jonathan recommends diving into every opportunity. "Build those relationships," he advises, "and seek out hands-on experiences early. The more you practice, the more you'll stand out when you're ready to start your career."

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