Trent Cooper’s career journey is about passion, purpose, and reinvention. It is an inspiring tale of transformation driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
After spending over 15 years working as a software engineer with renowned companies like Motorola and IBM, Trent shifted his career toward ministry. For nearly a decade, he served various churches, helping communities in diverse spiritual and technical roles.
But as they say, life often comes full circle. For Trent, this meant returning to his first love software development. His decision to re-enter the tech world after a long gap wasn’t easy, but it was deeply rooted in his passion for serving others through faith and technology. This was when he decided to enroll in the Professional Certificate in Full Stack Software Development from the University of Texas at Austin in collaboration with Great Learning.
Learn how this program helped Trent navigate the challenges of returning to the software industry and succeed in it.
A Tech Career with a Higher Purpose: Trent’s Early Days and Ministry Path
Trent’s career began in the late 1990s, an era of rapid technological advancement. He quickly made a name for himself, working with industry giants like Motorola and IBM. In 2011, after years of success in the software industry, Trent felt a different calling.
“I decided to pursue a path in ministry,” Trent recalls. “I worked in several churches, holding different roles, some of which were technical, but primarily, I focused on serving congregations and the community.”
During his stint at the ministry, Trent utilized his technical skills to support churches with systems that managed everything from tracking congregants to organizing Sunday services. His technical expertise helped churches run more efficiently, even though resources were often limited.
“I developed a system that connected all aspects of church life—from uploading songs for Sunday services to accounting for contributions. It was fulfilling to use my skills in a way that served a greater purpose.”
Revisiting UT Austin After 24 Years
After spending nearly a decade in ministry, Trent felt the pull to return to the software industry. However, the tech landscape has evolved dramatically since he last held a full-time position. Despite his rich experience, Trent realized he needed to update his skills to remain competitive in the modern job market.
“The motivation to return to software and take a program came from my awareness of how much the industry had changed. I knew I had to get up to speed.”
Trent began researching ways to refresh his skills, and his search led him back to The University of Texas at Austin. That’s when he discovered the Professional Certificate in Full Stack Software Development in collaboration with Great Learning.
“I graduated from the University of Texas in 1998, so I went to their website to see if they offered any programs to help me retrain for a new career. That’s how I found this program.”
The Decision to Upskill
For Trent, choosing the right program was crucial. His previous positive experience with The University of Texas at Austin and the involvement of renowned faculty made the decision easier.
“I had a very positive experience at UT Austin, and seeing the faculty’s involvement with Great Learning endorsed the program for me. Plus, the financial aspect was a big factor—it was a great offer considering the skills being taught and their relevance in today’s market.”
The program’s structure, content, and hands-on approach were exactly what Trent needed to regain his confidence in software development.
“The program was well-organized, and the material was structured to build up gradually. It wasn’t just theory—every assignment and project had practical applications, which made the learning experience much more meaningful.”
From Challenges to Triumphs: Transformative Skill-Building in Action
Like any new journey, returning to software came with its challenges. Trent found the assignments to be demanding but rewarding. One of the program’s highlights for him was the sense of community and the support from his peers.
“I was fortunate to meet someone who lived nearby during orientation. We encouraged each other throughout the program, which made a big difference. Being part of a group and seeing familiar names each week was one of the best aspects of the experience.”
Trent’s persistence paid off when he secured a job halfway through the program. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as what he learned in the program directly applied to his work.
“The tasks I encountered at work aligned with the program material. Sometimes, I completed homework assignments that were directly related to my job. That made the learning process even more effective. Recently, the CTO of my company asked me to work on a research project involving MongoDB. The timing was perfect—we had just completed a unit on MongoDB. The leadership at my company is excited about this project, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Words of Encouragement: “It’s Worth It”
When asked what advice he would give others considering a similar path, Trent is honest about the challenges but also speaks to the rewards.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s worth it. The program was organized so well, and the communication was great. Despite the workload, I never felt alone. The rewards I’ve experienced during and after the program are invaluable.”
Trent’s transition from ministry to software is a story of resilience, faith, and the power of education. His journey proves that pursuing a new path is never too late, especially with the proper support and resources.
“I couldn’t have anticipated where I am today, and I’m truly grateful.”
Trent’s story exemplifies how dedication, continuous learning, and proper guidance can lead to remarkable transformations. Whether you want to change careers or simply upskill, Trent’s experience reminds you that anything is possible with the right mindset and support.
