For Trey Pero '18, Pitt-Johnstown was a place where friendships, mentorship and opportunity came together to change the direction of his life.
After starting college at HACC while raising his 2-year-old son and earning close to minimum wage, Pero came to Pitt-Johnstown to continue his education in Computer Science. Along the way, the relationships he built with other students became some of the most meaningful parts of his experience. He made lifelong friendships and developed connections that have continued into his professional life.
One of those important relationships was with Dr. Bilitski, who taught Pero in many of his Computer Science classes and served as a professor and mentor. Pero credits his Software Architecture and Design courses and his internship experience with preparing him for his career in technology.
After graduating from Pitt-Johnstown, Pero landed a job in his field that paid nearly four times what he had been earning before earning his degree. That change gave him the opportunity to provide more for his family.
His Pitt-Johnstown experience also prepared him for his next academic step. After earning his bachelor's degree, Pero went on to earn a master's degree online from Georgia Tech.
Today, Pero is a Tech Lead at McKesson. For him, the journey from a student balancing college, work and fatherhood to a career in technology began at Pitt-Johnstown.