Graduate Spotlight: Denita Jefferson

Photo L to R: Savita Laddha (Freddie Mac), Denita Jefferson, Noemi Almodovar Venkatraj (CareerWise DC)

At CityWorks DC, we help young people in DC launch their careers with invaluable professional experience that will shape the future of our local workforce. This summer, we celebrated Denita Jefferson as she completed CareerWise DC, a three-year apprenticeship in IT, where she worked at Freddie Mac as a Database Administration apprentice. Denita amassed over 2,000 hours of hands-on training. Along the way, she earned two Microsoft certifications, developed critical skills, built a professional network, and discovered a passion for data analytics. Like all CareerWise DC apprentices, Denita earned over $35,000 for her hard work.

We recently sat down with Denita to learn more about her apprenticeship journey and how the program has shaped her academic and career options and aspirations. Denita's story highlights apprenticeship's unique opportunities: long-term, paid, real-world experience that builds life-long professional skills and invaluable social capital.

From Cybersecurity to Data Analytics: A Journey of Discovery

Denita entered her apprenticeship at Freddie Mac when she was a senior at McKinley Technology High School with an interest in cybersecurity, but her experience working in data analytics opened new doors for her. One of her most significant projects involved using data to create dashboards for Freddie Mac's cybersecurity team, particularly in developing their phishing email project. "It was exciting to see how the data we worked with helped improve cybersecurity training for employees," she said.

This hands-on experience with data analytics helped Denita refine her career focus. "I used to think I wanted to pursue cybersecurity, but now I'm leaning more toward data analytics," she reflected. Apprenticeships, unlike internships, allow participants to fully immerse themselves in projects and/or be members of a team that spans years, giving them the time and space to master professional competencies and explore occupations within an industry in order to make informed decisions about their future.

Building Skills That Go Beyond the Classroom

One key difference between apprenticeships and internships is the level of responsibility and skill-building that comes with long-term, project-based work. Denita excelled in this environment, mastering tools like Tableau and working on high-level data projects. "I enjoyed creating dashboards using data sources, and the work I did directly helped the company," she said.

This hands-on approach, coupled with continuous feedback and mentorship from her team at Freddie Mac, gave Denita the tools she needed to thrive. "I had bi-weekly meetings with my manager (Savita Laddha), and we would check in on my progress with the projects I was working on," she explained. These regular check-ins helped build her confidence over time. "I spoke up more toward the end of my apprenticeship than I did in the beginning," she said, reflecting on her growing ability to advocate for herself and communicate effectively in a professional setting.

The skills Denita gained weren't limited to technical expertise. Her apprenticeship helped her develop critical soft skills like time management, communication, and collaboration. "One challenge I faced was balancing school and work, but I learned to create a schedule that worked for both," she said.

Apprenticeship accelerates building these skills, as it requires participants to navigate the demands of their academic and professional responsibilities while being held accountable for their work. "Apprenticeships are a great way to gain real-world experience," Denita noted. You get to work on actual projects and develop the skills needed to succeed in your career."

A Path to Higher Education and Career Success

Denita's apprenticeship experience didn't just shape her professional skills—it also directly influenced her academic success. Now a junior majoring in computer science at Delaware State University, Denita is already applying the skills she learned at Freddie Mac to her studies. "I'm currently taking a database administration class that is directly relevant to the work I did during my apprenticeship," she said.

This connection between her apprenticeship and her studies has given Denita a unique edge as she continues her education. "The apprenticeship definitely helped prepare me for my future career," she said. With three years of work experience, two Microsoft certifications, and growing data analytics expertise, Denita is well on her way to success.

Looking Ahead: The Power of Apprenticeships

As Denita continues her studies and looks forward to new career opportunities, she's confident in the path she's chosen. "I would recommend an apprenticeship because most careers require at least three years of experience, and you can gain that through an apprenticeship," she said. 

At CityWorks DC, we're proud to support Denita's journey. Our CareerWise DC program is designed to enable young people like Denita to launch their careers. "The support I received from CityWorks DC was excellent," Denita said, noting the training and resources provided throughout the apprenticeship.

"I used to think it would be difficult to transition from high school to the workforce," Denita reflected. "But it wasn't as hard as I thought. I've gained many skills and feel more prepared for the future." And that's the power of apprenticeships—giving young people the experience, confidence, and skills they need to build successful, fulfilling careers.

Learn more about CityWorks DC programs: https://www.cityworksdc.org/programs