Graduate Profile: Toa Fifita
Toa Fifita is a graduate of ActivateWork’s IT Support & Security Fundamentals bootcamp.
From Computer Science Graduate to IT Support Professional
When Toa Fifita graduated with a Computer Science degree in 2024, he faced a challenge familiar to many aspiring technology professionals: he had the degree, but needed professional experience and industry connections to land that all-important entry-level role. That’s what led him to ActivateWork.
“I got my education, I finished my degree, but I needed some way to turn my education into real-world experience.”
Through ActivateWork’s IT Support and Security Fundamentals program (now AI-Enabled IT Support), he found specialized technical training, career coaching, and connections to local employers that helped him take the next step.
Building a Supportive Tech Training Community
The experience gave Toa more than technical knowledge. The focused IT and cybersecurity curriculum increased his confidence in technical interviews, while career coaching and mock interview practice helped him navigate the professional job search process.
Equally important was the community he found in his cohort.
“We were all super close and it was incredibly helpful. I was happy to be with people who were supportive and just trying to help each other succeed.”
That support extended beyond academics and career preparation. One of Toa’s most memorable experiences was seeing the way his ActivateWork coaches prioritized learners’ well-being during stressful moments throughout the intensive, 16-week bootcamp.
“There were a couple times when it was really hard, and Coach Adam could see people were struggling,” he recalls. “He would pause his presentation and take everybody outside for a 10–15-minute walk.”
“It made me realize that there’s people out there that actually care about you as a person and not just what you can do as a professional.”
Launching a First Professional IT Role at Janus Henderson
Today, Toa works at Janus Henderson Investors in his first professional IT role. He supports employees across a large enterprise environment, works with a diverse range of technologies, and contributes to keeping critical systems running smoothly.
He is especially grateful for the welcoming team culture and mentorship he has found in the workplace—including another ActivateWork alumnus, Uli Maturin. “Uli’s kind of my go-to guy. If I ever need anything, I’ll send him a message or reach out to him, and he’s just been super helpful with everything.”
Real-World IT Experience and a Clearer Career Path
Looking back, Toa says the biggest difference in his life now is that working in technology is no longer just a dream.
“Now I’m actually working in tech. I have real-world experience now. I have a much clearer idea of where I want my career to go.”
As he continues building experience in IT, Toa is already exploring future opportunities in software development and looking ahead to the next chapter of his career.
His advice for future ActivateWork learners?
“Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’. Just jump in, and eventually you’ll figure out how to do things; you’ll learn. Go before you think you’re ready, and you’ll figure it out.”
Ready to take the first step?
Want to launch your own tech career or hire talented professionals like Toa? Check out our no-cost training programs and talent solutions services!