If given the choice, would you pursue a football career, or a mechanical engineering career? Not many would choose engineering, but that’s just one of the things that makes Bruce Beuzard IV so unique.
A D.C. native and long-time Excel enthusiast, Bruce turned down football scholarship offers from colleges because they didn’t have mechanical engineering programs. His passion for knowledge even led him to earn a staggering 13 certifications, along with the title of .
Bruce’s ride has been unconventional and inspiring, and we can’t wait for you to hear his story.
Certiport: Bruce, we can’t believe it’s been over a year since you took home the gold at the MOS U.S. National Championship.
Bruce: I know, I can hardly believe it myself. Winning first place was my favorite memory from the competition. After finishing the exam at the competition, I felt so confident! When they announced third and second places, there was only first place left. When my name was called, I was so excited!
Certiport: So much has changed since you won in 2019, but we know what hasn’t changed is how busy you are. Tell us what you’re doing these days.
Bruce: I have lots going on right now. I’m working toward my bachelor’s degree at George Washington University, studying mechanical engineering. On top of my schooling, I’m working as a Data Center Technician for Amazon. I work in Chantilly, VA, but live in D.C. It’s quite a commute, but the work is extremely fun, especially since I’m surrounded by an incredible team of technicians.
Certiport: Plenty to keep you busy! Tell us what you do as a Data Center Technician.
Bruce: My job is to ensure that Amazon’s hosts and servers are functioning at their full ability. I manage everything from software upgrades to hardware replacement when systems fail.
Certiport: Not a small job, especially when you consider that you’re working for the second largest private employer in the United States.
Bruce: The stakes are high, but I don’t mind working under pressure.
Certiport: Did you always know that you wanted a career in technology like this?
Bruce: My end goal is to become a robotics engineer. I’ve wanted that to be my career ever since I was the team and mechanical captain for my first robotics team in high school. I’ve also been interested in programs like Microsoft Excel for a long time, but I didn’t get seriously interested in certifications for my career until I started attending a job readiness program called Career Connections at the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES). It was a three-week program, and when you finished, you were placed in a role to gain work experience. The DOES knew that I wanted to be a robotics engineer, and saw my technical skills, so they recommended I get certified. They placed me at the Latin American Youth Center Career Academy (LAYCCA), and that was the real start of my certification journey.
When I got to LAYCCA, I was under the impression that I would only be studying for one certification but LAYCCA had a lot more to offer me. LAYCCA offered around 35 certifications, and I completed my first 10 certifications in a mere 10 days there. I have to give a major shoutout to Abner Soto-Henry and the rest of the LAYCCA for helping me to earn all my certifications and telling me all about the MOS Championship.
Certiport: So many people helped you on your journey, which is exactly what we hope for every student. Do you think that certifications played a crucial role in getting you where you are today?
Bruce: Absolutely! A lot of companies love when applicants have earned certifications because it serves as a form of work experience. For any student running into roadblocks getting their degree, I totally recommend getting certified. Certifications can help you achieve the career of your dreams.
Interested in helping your students pursue the career of their dreams? Certiport offers a portfolio of certifications for any career pathway! Learn more here.