More Than a Job: My PCA Journey

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Tristan Deveyra
A person wearing jeans and a red polo sitting in an orange chair working on a laptop in front of a bank of windows in a large room.

The Pearson Campus Ambassador (PCA) program has been an incredible journey. It shaped my college experience and professional development in ways I never could have imagined.

Through this program, I gained invaluable opportunities for networking, hands-on sales experience, internships, and personal growth. These have all set the foundation for my future.

I write this reflection with a heavy heart, as this is my final semester as a PCA. At the same time, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This program has been transformative, and I want to commemorate my journey by sharing how much it has meant to me.

First Steps and First Impressions

My experience began in the spring of 2023, when I first started onboarding before officially joining in the fall. From my very first All-Call, I was struck by the energy of being surrounded by college students from across the country. That sense of community immediately made me feel like I was part of something much larger than myself.

Early on, I also met my Regional Coordinator, Ryan Celestine, who quickly became a mentor. His guidance and support during that first semester made my transition into the program smooth and encouraging.

During that semester, I recorded and edited a day-in-the-life vlog of a PCA for the Pearson Instagram. It was a fun content-creation opportunity!

Opportunities, Collaboration, and Mentorship

By the end of fall 2023, I was eager to pursue new opportunities, which led me to discover Pearson’s Micro-Internships. These short-term roles provided direct exposure to managers within Pearson and helped me explore my career interests.

In spring 2024, I earned a Data Analyst Micro-Internship with the Higher Education Data Reporting team. There, I conducted data quality audits and supported a product data migration project. This experience led to a full-time summer internship with the same team.

During my time with Pearson, I completed five internships with Pearson through the PCA program—an achievement I never would have imagined when I first started.

Additionally, I also had the privilege of working closely with Sales Representative Rachel Calcote during the 2024-2025 school year. Her clear communication and strong leadership made the back-to-school season one of my best experiences in the program. These opportunities not only strengthened my skills but also showed me the value of mentorship, teamwork, and perseverance.

A Launching Pad for the Future

Looking back, the PCA program has been far more than a student role. It has been a launching pad for my career, a network of lasting connections, and a source of personal growth.

It is bittersweet to say goodbye. However, I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and experiences that will continue to shape my professional journey.

I am proud to have been part of this community and am excited for the next chapter of my life. I know the PCA program has prepared me to succeed.

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About the author

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Tristan Deveyra

Tristan Deveyra is a Filipino-American who graduated with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Houston. He is a former Pearson Campus Ambassador who is currently employed by Pearson as an Inside Sales Associate. In his free time, he loves creating music and hopes to one day do so full-time. Until then, he explores his passion for technology and data.