I’ve always been a bit obsessed with computers—especially niche hardware. Growing up, I recall my dad having a collection of old systems from companies that no longer existed. They were different from the standard beige DOS and Windows boxes that had taken over, and I loved exploring how they worked.
By the time I got to college, that curiosity led me into a computer science program at my local state school. One of my professors encouraged us to participate in the predecessor to the ZXplore program, which was a yearly competition during this time. It seemed like a fun chance to experiment with technology I’d otherwise never access. As it turned out, there were only two competitors- myself and a close friend of mine. We had a great time and proudly wore our “three-mainframe-moon” shirts. It was clear to me that the mainframe was unlike anything I’d encountered before.
Detours Lead to Discovery
My college plans didn’t go exactly as expected, and I ended up working in sales for a while. Ironically, that retailer ran its core operations on a mainframe, and most of our selling tools were built on ISPF panels. I couldn’t do much exploring without drawing IT’s attention, but it was fascinating to see a mainframe powering large-scale business processes in real life.
Eventually, I saved enough to return to school and completed my degree in the summer of 2019. After graduation, I worked as a programmer at a local company for three years before stepping away to care for family. During that time, I realized I wanted my next career move to be something different and more specialized.
I remembered my earlier exposure to mainframes and thought it would be the best fit for me if I could just find a way to get started.
Finding the Right Opportunity
When I began looking for entry-level mainframe roles, I quickly realized how rare they were. Most listings assumed years of experience. Then I came across the Vitality Program through LaunchCode, and it immediately stood out.
A structured, paid training program that opened doors into the mainframe field—it felt almost too perfect. The timing was ideal, too: I could complete the initial training while staying local and managing family commitments.
The interview process went smoothly, and in mid-December, I got the call—I’d been accepted. After a year of sending applications that rarely even received a response, that phone call was truly an early Christmas gift.
Learning, Growing, and Building Real Skills
A few weeks later, I was logging into class for the first time in five years. Even with some relevant experience, the material was new and challenging. The instructors were knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about their work.
After the initial phase, our cohort split into smaller focus groups. I joined the Endevor track, which connected well with my prior DevOps experience. The training was hands-on and practical—we spent most days building infrastructure, writing JCL and REXX, and producing real documentation alongside experienced mentors.
From Training to Career
Before I knew it, I was being hired directly into my current federal placement, which means I technically skipped the residency portion of the program. Even now, I stay in touch with the Vitality mentors and instructors, who continue to offer support when needed. Thanks to the strong foundation I gained, that’s rarely necessary—but it’s reassuring to know the support system is still there.
A Career That Feels Right
This has easily been the best work environment I’ve been part of. The work is meaningful, the team is supportive, and it’s rewarding to know that what I do has a real impact—not just numbers in a spreadsheet.
Looking back, I know I wouldn’t have broken into this field without the Vitality Program and LaunchCode. They gave me the opportunity, the skills, and the confidence to pursue a career that finally feels like the right fit.