For Santos Pablo Jimenez, opportunity isn’t something he takes lightly. A senior entering his final semester of high school where he has been a student since kindergarten, Santos is preparing to graduate and complete his internship as a Technologist at Databricks. As a first-generation college-bound student, his journey reflects discipline, pride, and a deep commitment to his community.
Santos comes from a Guatemalan immigrant family and grew up in a multilingual household, where he speaks English, Spanish, and Mam. Language has become a bridge between his personal and professional lives, as he regularly speaks Spanish with coworkers and finds ways to connect with staff through their shared language. By maintaining and building on his roots, Santos has been able to use his heritage as a professional asset.
The oldest of three siblings – with two very young brothers – Santos carries a strong sense of responsibility and pride in his work. Neither of his parents had the opportunity to complete high school, and he is proud to be the first in his family on the path to college. He credits his extended support system, including those from Genesys Works and mentors from his school, for helping guide him through financial aid, planning, and decision-making. He describes these mentors not just as advisors, but as family. He plans to use his experiences to help open doors for his brothers someday, too.
As a junior, Santos felt unsure about his career path and never even dreamed of the chance to experience a professional workplace. He applied to Genesys Works with the hopes of gaining this exposure, and what he’s experienced has changed his outlook on his future and given him the chance to prove himself in a demanding environment. During Summer Training, the expectation that he had to earn, rather than simply receive, his internship seat pushed him to develop discipline and accountability. He shares that the early mornings and long commutes were challenging at first, but have now become a source of pride as he feels he is truly shaping his own future.
At Databricks, Santos has found his footing quickly, proving himself a serious asset to his team. Skills he developed through Genesys Works coursework, including Excel and organization systems, now help him work more efficiently and confidently. But it’s other skills – the communication, networking, and connection building – that have played the biggest role in his internship.
Through corporate pickup soccer games, Santos has built relationships across teams and departments. He believes he’s met nearly half of his professional network on the soccer field, with many of his colleagues assuming him to be a full-time employee! As his circle expands through his willingness to put himself out there, Santos has truly seen the value of building his network. He wants to continue to stay in touch not only with his Databricks colleagues but his Genesys Works mentors, too.
“The Genesys Works Alumni Program has been so great… there are always GW alumni that I can connect with,” he shares. “I will carry this experience with me until my next job, and through that, my entire career.”
This is Santos’ first real job, but it represents much more than that. It’s proof to himself and his family that he can and will continue to succeed in settings he never pictured himself in. With his strong community ties, a growing professional network, and Genesys Works supporting him, Santos is ready for whatever comes next.
To listen to Santos describe his experience, check out our Mini Mic episode here!
