#ShapedbyCSU: IT alumnus’ ‘life bytes’ on programming dreams, thriving abroad, and staying future-proof

What does it take for an IT professional to thrive in the 21st century? With rapid technological advancements and Artificial Intelligence redefining work, CSU alumnus Yolly Pelegrino values skills beyond the foundational to thrive in the competitive industry.

Yolly earned his degree in Information Technology from the university in 2010. Today, he is a seasoned expert in cloud computing, leading a team at a multiglobal company based in Chicago, USA, since 2014.

But where he is today is no accident. He realized early the potential of the IT industry and worked hard all the way up, with CSU shaping much of the groundwork.

Unexpected ‘Log-in’ 

In 2006, Yolly enrolled at CSU, then NORMISIST, because it was near and affordable. IT programs were still new and only started buzzing in Butuan at that time. But he took it anyway, as suggested by his parents.

“It was not really my choice to take an IT degree. I was not into technology or computers before. We did not even own one at home. I knew that it would be a challenge. But I thought, I’m just gonna try.”

What initially was not his favored program turned out to be a “blessing in disguise.” Yolly ended up enjoying his learning journey at CSU, noting it as more memorable than high school because it shaped his ideals as a person. 

“I met friends [with whom] I am still in contact today. I faced challenges and difficulties in the courses and exams, failures, and adventures. I was trying to be a competitive student,  but I did not always excel. I just tried my best while still enjoying college.”

Despite the enjoyment, Yolly admitted that it took him some time to figure out what he would become after college. With not many graduates to benchmark at that time, he was limited to thinking he would end up managing internet cafes or as a data encoder. But, as he progressed in the program and participated in extracurricular activities, he started grasping the potential of his chosen track. 

CTRL+SHIFTing his IT Perspectives

“When I was in 3rd year, we started going outside of Caraga. We went to Manila to attend congresses and conventions. The speakers and the discussions opened up our minds,” shared Yolly.

With his growing understanding of IT as a field, he set his mind early on which job he would pursue. “There is power in manifestation,” believed Yolly, but he also made sure to walk the talk. It did not matter to him if it would take years to enter the industry. He just dedicated more time to mastering his programming skills in preparation. 

After graduation, he dedicated a year to teaching at CSU. While he appreciated the experience, he later realized that it was not the path he wanted to see himself pursue long-term. He later moved to Cebu to finally embark on his desired career. 

Starting out as an entry-level applications programmer with little pay, he nonetheless valued the role as a “stepping stone,” firmly believing that “all great things start from small beginnings.” 

Fifteen years passed, Yolly now thrives in a foreign land as a business architecture specialist for a multiglobal company with over 700,000 employees across 120 countries, providing IT consultation and services. The same company offered him to move to the US in 2019, which he considered among his career milestones.

“It’s really advanced here,” describing the IT landscape in a multiglobal company he’s worked for 11 years now. “We constantly think of new ways or solutions and apply them. It’s fun.”

Adapting to working abroad was manageable for Yolly since his workflow did not change much. But as a senior lead, he now coaches people in his project. It is his working experience with professionals from diverse backgrounds that has widened his understanding of different cultures and humbled him in the same way. 

“You listen to people and understand them. You are now part of their journey, and the company [when it comes to] training people. Suddenly, it’s not all about your growth, but for the junior people as well.”

Living the ‘Code’ of Competence

For Yolly, thriving in IT does not stop when you land a job. With the evolving demands of the industry, upskilling is vital. He approaches learning new concepts by asking, “Will it add value to my work?” If yes, he will devote time to it.

Today, his work integrates AI in multiple use cases, and he sees it as an advantage rather than a threat. “Five years ago, we were only talking about the introduction of Generative AI, and now we are doing a lot of things with it. It could lessen your workload or make it easier. So, it’s important that you [keep] adapting to stay relevant.”

But aside from technical skills, good work ethics matter for Yolly. He believes that showing up and never being late reflects professionalism and respect, which are important in any industry. He also values improving soft skills, such as effective communication and building strong relationships with colleagues.

However, Yolly shares that while the industry pays well, it is not for everyone. He advises future IT professionals to be honest with themselves and figure out early on if they are on the right track.

“In this industry, you can be employed in projects that can last for 8 to 9 years. It’s competitive. You might feel that your role is not fulfilling anymore. So, you have to know if IT is something that you enjoy doing because you might have regrets in the future. At the end of the day, what you feel is important; it matters.”

From a student with limited knowledge about IT to a senior lead in a global company, Yolly shows how far Competence, a core value of CSU that he relates to the most, “plus determination and perseverance,” can take a Golden Paddler. As shaped by CSU, where innovation and adaptability are a way of life, Yolly embodies IT.

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#ShapedbyCSU features exemplary graduates of CSU who have achieved significant recognition and contributed to the pursuit of the university in the local and international arena