Read how Marcus went from bartending during the pandemic to Junior Systems Administrator through a coding bootcamp and sheer persistence.
Marcus is a Junior Systems Administrator in Durham, North Carolina, working in the financial services industry. But his path into technology did not begin with computers. It began behind a bar. For years, Marcus worked in hospitality as a bartender while pursuing interests in theater and film. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the hospitality industry, he found himself at a crossroads. Rather than letting uncertainty define his future, Marcus chose a new direction. In 2020, he enrolled in the Merit America Java program with no prior technical experience and committed himself to learning an entirely new field.
The transition was not immediate. After completing the program, Marcus spent nearly a year applying for jobs, interviewing, networking, and building his skills before landing his first role as a Technical Support Engineer. Along the way, he faced a challenge familiar to many STARs: job postings that listed bachelor's degrees as preferred or required qualifications. Instead of focusing on barriers he could not control, Marcus concentrated on what he could control by developing technical skills, earning certifications, gaining hands-on experience, and building relationships. He immersed himself in networking events, sought mentors, joined professional communities, and treated every interview as a chance to learn. That persistence helped him grow from technical support into systems administration, where he now works with Linux, cloud platforms, automation, and security technologies.
Today, Marcus's story reflects the power of continuous learning and staying engaged, even when the path forward is not clear. His advice to other STARs is simple: focus on what you can control. Build your skills, seek mentors, join communities, and do not wait until you feel fully qualified to pursue opportunities. Marcus believes that growth comes from showing up, staying curious, and being willing to learn in public. His journey is a reminder that talent, determination, and a commitment to growth can open doors. Success is not defined by how you start, but by your willingness to keep moving forward.
.jpeg)
