Knowledge 25 wasn't just another tech conference - it was a career-defining moment for students from across our academic partner network. Among the thousands of attendees in Las Vegas, two students stood out with their inspiring journeys of discovery, learning, and transformation. Meet Rob Elmore and Bernice Essuman, whose experiences at K25 showcase the power of ServiceNow's academic partnerships in preparing the next generation of digital leaders.
Student Spotlights: Different Paths, Shared Passion
Rob Elmore came to ServiceNow through Arizona State University's AZNext Workforce Training Accelerator program after a remarkable career pivot. Following 30 years in hospitality and a major life reset that included a total knee replacement, Rob was ready to embrace technology as his next chapter. "I was immediately drawn to how ServiceNow solves problems in a smart, human-focused way," Rob explains. "Coming from hospitality, I've always been about people and process—ServiceNow lets me continue that, just with way more reach and impact."
Bernice Essuman discovered ServiceNow from a completely different angle. As an MBA in Finance student at New York Institute of Technology, she was working with the IT department when she first encountered the platform. "With my background in finance, I've always been interested in data-driven decision-making and process optimization," Bernice shares. "I saw ServiceNow's potential to streamline operations, enhance workflow efficiency, and generate insightful analytics—capabilities that align closely with financial analysis and business strategy."
Both students were invited to Knowledge 25 through ServiceNow's Academic Partnership Program - Rob as a guest of the university team, and Bernice recommended by her supervisors at NYIT who recognized her growing expertise with the platform.
Diving Deep at Knowledge 25
Once at the conference, both students maximized every opportunity. Rob participated in Pre-Conference training, CreatorCon, hands-on labs, live demos, keynote sessions, and extensive networking. "I dove into as much as I could," he recalls. "Every corner of the event was packed with learning and energy!"
Bernice focused on the ServiceNow University pre-conference sessions, the CreatorCon Hackathon, breakout sessions, and networking events. Her highlight? "My favorite part was the CreatorCon Hackathon. What stood out most was how inclusive and beginner-friendly it was - even students like me, without a developer background, were able to actively participate and contribute."
As part of Team Fab 5 in the Creator Studio category, Bernice discovered that her finance background added value to tech-driven projects. "The environment encouraged creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. This experience gave me confidence to explore the platform further and showed me how a non-technical background can still add value."
For Rob, the people made all the difference. A chance encounter with ServiceNow professional Raj Kharran while waiting in line for the Gwen Stefani concert became a pivotal moment. "He told me he could see the light and energy inside me—and that if I focused, I could truly level up. That moment meant more than he probably realized. It solidified my belief that I'm on the right path."
Academic Foundations for Real-World Success
The students' success at K25 was built on strong foundations established through their university partnerships with ServiceNow. Rob earned multiple credentials and badges through the AZNext program, including Certified System Administrator (CSA), ITSM, and eight micro-certifications, with CSM and SPM certifications in progress.
Bernice's journey began through her student worker role with NYIT's IT department, where she gained hands-on experience generating reports, creating dashboards, and analyzing service data. Though ServiceNow wasn't formally part of her curriculum, the IT department assigned her training courses including IT Service Management, Introduction to App Engine Studio, and Automated Test Framework.
"These experiences equipped me with practical, job-ready skills that can be applied in real-world roles involving digital workflow solutions, business analysis, and process optimization," Bernice explains. This preparation allowed both students to actively engage during K25 and contributed to their transformative conference experience.
What's Next: Career Journeys Begin
Both students left K25 with clear visions of their ServiceNow futures. Rob's transformation was complete: "It didn't just reinforce my interest—it ignited it. I came back knowing I'm not just learning the platform... I'm meant to be here. I'm ready to serve, solve, and contribute."
Bernice is pursuing a consulting path that bridges her finance expertise with ServiceNow capabilities. "I'm interested in pursuing a role as a ServiceNow Consultant. This role aligns with my strengths in analysis, problem-solving, and communication, allowing me to help organizations optimize their workflows while bridging my finance background with technology."
Both students continue building their skills through ServiceNow Career Journey learning paths. Rob is working toward additional certifications, while Bernice is progressing through modules assigned by her IT department, including advanced ITSM and App Engine Studio courses.
The Power of Academic Partnership
Rob and Bernice's stories exemplify the impact of ServiceNow's academic partnerships in preparing students for successful careers in our ecosystem. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world applications, these partnerships bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical skills that employers need.
As Bernice puts it: "I strongly encourage universities to embrace becoming a ServiceNow academic partner, as it offers a powerful way to equip students with in-demand, job-ready skills. This partnership bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world application while reinforcing the university's commitment to innovation, practical learning, and workforce readiness."
Ready to Transform Your Students' Futures?
Interested in becoming an academic partner and using the ServiceNow AI Platform at your college? Our academic partnerships provide students with hands-on experience, industry certifications, and direct pathways to high-demand careers. From workforce accelerator programs to student worker opportunities, we offer flexible ways to integrate ServiceNow into your curriculum and student experience.
Reach out to academicpartnerships@servicenow.com to get started and discover how your institution can join our growing network of academic partners preparing the next generation of ServiceNow professionals.
