Work-study program offers high schoolers a start in tech
Investing in the future of the tech industry is a high priority for ServiceNow. That’s why we’ve partnered with Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program since 2020. The school is on a mission to empower students from underserved communities in Silicon Valley to be spiritual, academic, and professional leaders.
“Cristo Rey is the only high school in the South [San Francisco] Bay area that offers a work-study program where students can get real-world experience in a corporate setting and work with industry leaders during the academic year and as part of their curriculum,” says Silvia Scandar Mahan, president and CEO of the school.
In our first year of the work-study program, we brought four students onto the ServiceNow campus. This academic year, we’re excited to offer work-study opportunities to 25 students—the most hosted by any participating company.
Work-study students get a chance to work at our Santa Clara, California, headquarters one day a week, network with industry leaders across various business units, and learn how to succeed in a corporate setting—all before some even have their driver’s licenses.
Building confidence
Jasmine M. worked on the ServiceNow sales team in Santa Clara during her senior year, reporting to Albert O., senior manager of sales success and insights, based in San Diego. Despite their geographical distance, the two were able to form a strong working relationship.
Early on, Jasmine told Albert she had anxiety about presenting in front of people. Knowing that Jasmine would need to present a final project, Albert gave her tips and tricks to help her overcome her fear. His top tip was to have a nice big breakfast and stay away from caffeine.
“Before I got to ServiceNow, I would absolutely break down if I had a speaking role,” Jasmine says. “Now that I'm at ServiceNow, presenting is way easier. I think it's because I've grown as a person, and my presentation skills and confidence grew with that.”
A newfound voice
“Throughout my years in college, I will take any speaking role I can,” Jasmine continues. She hopes to become a lawyer. “I really need to level up [my presentation skills] to the max because being an attorney involves a lot of talk.”
Jasmine, the first in her family to attend college, received a full academic scholarship to the University of Chicago. “I decided to go to the University of Chicago because they have the fourth-best law school in the United States,” she explains. The school has since moved up to No. 3.
“We’re extremely proud of Jasmine,” Albert says. “I want her to remember that this is a prime example of hard work paying off. It's good to be humble, but at the same time, it's also good to take a second and pause and pat yourself on the back before you start climbing up a mountain.”
Investing in the future
Jasmine is just one of many successful students who jump-started their careers at ServiceNow.
“We make the world work better for everyone,” says ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott. “That extends to the communities where we work, live, and serve. Our partnership with Cristo Rey High School over the last three years is a great example of how we’re leaning in to create equitable opportunity for young talent in the technology space.”
Get your start in tech. Explore ServiceNow early careers.