Shubhra Kar Linux Foundation Training LiFT Scholarship Smooths Career Path Switch
With an educational background in Computer Science, Glenn Fabia started his career as a college instructor at Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City, Philippines. It was a great professional start lasting almost a decade. Importantly it allowed him to work part-time as a Systems/Security Administrator.
As much as Glenn enjoyed teaching, he learned through his part-time work that being hands-on with IT systems was how he really wanted to spend his time. In early 2020, he began to focus on this new career direction and started studying with the Linux Foundation Training & Certification.
While he made good progress, the pandemic pressures at work and at home with his young children and family kept him from devoting the time and energy he knew was required. But he kept going, attempting and failing to pass the Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) exam. “I realized too late that the practical aspect of the exam is no joke,” said Glenn. “I really wanted to pursue this career so I decided to quit my teaching job and in early 2022 got a job in IT.”
As he was starting his new job, he also restarted his Linux Foundation training with “Linux Networking and Administration (LFS211)”, followed by “Linux Security Fundamentals (LFS216)”. In April 2022 he applied for, and received, a Shubhra Kar Linux Foundation (LiFT) Scholarship in the SysAdmin Super Star category, which he used to take and pass the exam to become a Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS).
“The LiFT scholarship was the catalyst for a smooth transition from academia to industry. It validated and further honed the skills I already possessed. With it, I have become more confident as I chart my way in the IT industry,” said Glenn. “I was promoted to Senior Systems Administrator just six months after being hired, in part because my employer learned that I had received the LiFT scholarship. Now, I am in an environment more aligned and conducive to my goals. Above all, I’m more prepared.”
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Learn about the Shubhra Kar Linux Foundation (LiFT) Scholarship Program, including how to apply here. Applications are open from April 1 through April 30.
