When I look back on where I started, joining the Matter Career Readiness Institute (MCRI) was one of the most defining decisions of my tech journey. What began as an opportunity to learn about career readiness quickly became a launchpad into a world of innovation, purpose, and growth.
Laying the Foundation: Learning Beyond the Code
At MCRI, I didn’t just learn how to code, I was taught how to be a better professional and, honestly, a better person. Through communication workshops, critical thinking sessions, and collaborative projects that mirrored real-world work environments, I discovered that being “career ready” in tech isn’t just about what you can build, it’s about how you approach problems, adapt to change (roll with the punches), and connect with others.
One of my biggest takeaways from the program was understanding the importance of continuous learning and curiosity, realizing that in technology, the moment you stop evolving, you risk falling behind.
From Learning to Building: Applying Skills in Real Time
MCRI gave me the confidence and toolkit to step into my internship at Jamf, where I now work as a Software Engineer Intern in the CPE (Client Platform Engineering) team. Let me be real, it’s an absolute honor to be working at Jamf. It’s not every day that a 20-year-old kid from Zimbabwe gets to work with a leading American tech company! I still have to pinch myself sometimes.
One of the most interesting and critical part of my job is being a gatekeeper for quality and stability. I own the process of testing complex configurations like Software Updates using Blueprints or Managed Software updates before they are deployed to production. It’s like being a detective and a strategist at the same time. I must think creatively to break things and envision every possible user scenario to ensure everything works seamlessly. This same meticulous mindset applies when I update software for applications, deploy stuff or manage GSX information It’s all about building and validating systems that are not just functional, but are scalable and rock solid for our entire user base.
From the moment I joined, my team at Jamf made sure I never felt like an imposter for long. From day one, they were all about helping me adapt swiftly and fit right in. They eased me into the job without overwhelming me, answering my endless questions and making me feel like a true part of the crew from the jump. The imposter syndrome that tried to creep in didn’t stand a chance because they helped me understand how things worked, and most importantly, reminded me that I deserved to be there.
I was fortunate to join a team that values growth and learning every single day. Everyone around me has this continuous drive to improve not just for themselves, but for the team. Being part of that environment pushed me to grow faster and to take on challenges I’d never imagined handling before.
Through my time here, I’ve had the chance to complete the Jamf 200 and Jamf 270, and to collaborate with different teams across the company. Each experience exposed me to new technologies, new ways of thinking, and new people to learn from. I’ve used and improved skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, and I’ve learned way more than I ever thought possible in such a short time.
Bridging Readiness and Reality
Transitioning from a structured learning environment into an actual tech role brings its challenges: steep learning curves and the constant need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Yet, what MCRI prepared me for was the mindset of growth. I’ve learned to treat every challenge as a chance to grow and not as a failure. That mindset shift has been pivotal in navigating my internship and continuing to evolve as a tech professional.
Looking Forward: Building the Future, One Skill at a Time
The tech world moves fast, tools change, frameworks update, and trends come and go, but one thing stays constant: success belongs to those who are willing to learn and adapt. That’s exactly what MCRI taught me, and what Jamf’s culture reinforces every day.
A Partner in Growth: Recognizing Jamf and the People Who Helped
I must give a massive, massive thank you to Jamf. Not just for the opportunity, but for the culture. Their core values of selflessness and relentless self-improvement aren’t just words on a wall. I see them in my mentors who push me to stretch my skills, my managers who put the team first, and my peers who always have my back. t’s not just about the work; it’s about being part of a team that genuinely cares about each other’s success.
But this isn't just about me. None of this would be happening for me, a young girl from Zimbabwe, if it weren't for Jamf and all the other companies that partnered with the Matter Career Readiness Institute to make this happen. They took a chance on me, and it didn’t just change my life; it changed my entire family’s life.
I’m also so grateful to see other teams at Jamf and other companies taking in students from MCRI. You are genuinely changing lives. My hope is that more teams and companies will continue to open their doors. You’re not just giving an internship; you’re creating futures and uplifting families.
Final Thoughts:
Tech readiness isn’t just about mastering the tools it’s about mastering yourself. It’s about showing up, learning, adapting, collaborating, and leading with purpose. The Matter Career Readiness Institute program bridges that gap, turning potential into purpose, learners into innovators, and alongside companies like Jamf, they’re not just building careers, they’re building communities, inspiring a generation of future tech leaders and changing lives, one student at a time. For that I will forever be grateful.
