When Neidy Ortiz started her career in talent acquisition, she quickly realized that she enjoyed connecting people to great careers. Little did she know that in just a few years, she’d have the opportunity to transform the careers of more than 400 professionals looking to pivot into the IT industry.
Neidy is the global talent acquisition lead for the SoftwareOne Academy, a paid employment opportunity that combines extensive on-the-job training with an educational program to equip participants for a future in technology.
“Over 400 people have passed through the SoftwareOne Academy since our launch in 2021. These remarkable individuals have embraced the challenges, overcome socioeconomic barriers, and emerged victorious,” Neidy says with a smile. “These are not just numbers; these are real lives touched, futures transformed, and dreams realized.”
We sat down with Neidy to get an inside look at the Academy and hear who she believes is the ideal candidate (spoiler: it could be you).
Behind the scenes with the Academy
When the Academy was launched in 2021, Neidy was working in Budapest, Hungary as a talent acquisition lead for SoftwareOne. As someone who’s passionate about opening doors for professionals, Neidy jumped at the opportunity to lead the Academy as the global talent acquisition lead.
“I was lucky enough to obtain the role and relocate to Madrid,” Neidy says, highlighting her excitement to provide talented people with educational programs, internships, and employment across the globe.
“Successful applicants to the Academy earn a salary whilst receiving free training that covers a wide range of business and technical skills,” Neidy explains. “We make sure our learners receive the latest information about current technologies, and at the end of the program, if successfully completed, we offer them a full-time job at SoftwareOne.”
The Academy is open to candidates from a wide range of experience levels and backgrounds. “Whether you're a fresh-faced graduate, an apprentice with a hunger for success, or an experienced professional looking to start a new path, the Academy welcomes you with open arms,” says Neidy.
Bridging the gap between education & the workplace
The overarching goal of the Academy is to bridge the gap between education and career. While unpaid training programs are inaccessible for many professionals, the Academy pays participants a salary to develop in-demand skills — thus removing barriers to career advancement.
“Through their hard work and perseverance, past Academy participants have not only completed the program but have also obtained at least one certification under the program's umbrella. The impact is truly inspiring as 92% of these individuals have found meaningful employment with SoftwareOne,” Neidy shares.
SoftwareOne supports participants by baking hands-on guidance and real-world insights into the curriculum. Participants have access to tech mentors who are both experts in their fields and also actively involved in the business.
“Our tech mentors bring a wealth of practical experience and invaluable industry knowledge to the table. They serve as pillars of support, providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship to the Academy learners,” Neidy explains. “Imagine immersing yourself in a dynamic learning environment, where knowledge meets practice and theory seamlessly connects with real-life work experience.”
3 reasons to consider joining
As the global talent acquisition lead for the Academy, Neidy works to recruit participants who are dedicated to learning.
She says, “These are the individuals who understand the significance of continuous growth and are willing to put in the effort to expand their knowledge and skills. They are the ones who thrive in our program, consistently pushing boundaries and striving for more.”
If you’re eager to learn, Neidy encourages you to consider joining the Academy for these three reasons:
- You’ll receive comprehensive training on the latest technologies within the industry. “We believe in equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital landscape. With our guidance, you'll gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies that will set you apart.”
- You’ll have unwavering support every step of the way. “Our dedicated team will be there to guide you, answer your questions, and help you overcome any challenges that may arise. We believe in the power of community, and as a member of the Academy, you'll be part of a global network of like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and growth.”
- You’ll get paid while you learn. “We believe in removing financial barriers that may hinder your progress. We want you to focus on your education and personal development without worrying about financial constraints. This is our way of investing in your success and demonstrating our commitment to your journey.”
The Academy has already witnessed a multitude of success stories, with graduates securing positions such as associate project coordinator, junior cloud support associate, junior business development associate, and junior SAP consultant.
The best part? This could be you. “We see your potential and we want to support your aspirations for a career in the ever-evolving world of technology,” Neidy says.
For more information, check out the SoftwareOne Academy here. And to explore career opportunities with SoftwareOne, visit their company page here.
