My Professional Fellowship Program Experience so far

By Tomas Cerna

So here I am, 22 days after I departed from my beautiful country El Salvador, thinking and internalizing my PFP experience through this blog. The experience has been amazing, and the host organization has treated me so well; to the extent that I have been exposed to new ways of thinking that will definitely help build my inner self and have seized the tremendous opportunity for my startup. This experience will positively influence those around me.

But let’s go one step back in time, for the purpose of a deeper understanding of why I mention the above statement as truthfully precise. I jumped into this initiative as a means to help reduce migration and improve the lives of my team through economic prosperity. However, big decisions were made to go on this journey.

Husband and father of a 2.8-year-old toddler, and my dear wife is expecting a baby girl to be delivered on May 30th and I am not able to be there.  My mother was diagnosed with cancer and with its treatment that requires special attention it’s difficult to leave. Also, managing a startup remotely fueled with the desire to make the right connections for a better future. All these scenarios create a mental challenge by itself. However, my family has been very supportive and confident in the decision I made to jump into this journey.

So far, so good. During our first week, we received a warm welcome from the ITD team. We were able to create a strong bond from the very beginning with all the co-fellows of this program and had an impressive set of class-like sessions from very renowned experts on topics such as US History, leadership, entrepreneurship, and migration policies. Also, we were able to visit NYC on a cultural trip, and have a lecture about the causes of irregular migration at Columbia University; an enriching experience in itself.

The second week: an introduction to our host organization. I have had the privilege of being placed in Paragus IT, an IT services company located in Hadley, MA. Delcie Bean, the CEO and founder of the company is a complete mastermind. It’s impressive what he has accomplished at his age, though important to note is that he started his entrepreneurial spirit at the very young age of 14. There is so much to learn from his determination, savviness, and courage. All of this was learned by watching a video about his beginnings. Moreover, when interacting with him and his team, you clearly see that he knows what he wants and goes for it. He is not only smart but also very well-connected. He makes things happen.

Third week: I have started to learn how his organization works and why it has reached so far. I have been exposed to one-on-ones with the leadership team, and meetings with current customers, new prospects, and service providers. Also, relevant meetings are organized to make crucial decisions such as full employee ownership business model, financial decisions, and overall strategy.

The fourth week has not finished yet but it is a promising week to learn more about the host organization. I have identified that synergies and opportunities can be developed among both organizations. It will be a matter of time, determination, and commitment to make this happen. Also, I have gotten a clear view of how to develop a small project or Action plan, and apply for the mini-grant that will be awarded by ITD when returning to El Salvador.

The journey has not finished yet; still, two weeks to come. I am excited about what will come and the long-lasting effects that this Fellowship program will bring to my life. I am already so thankful for this opportunity that I will never forget it, for sure.