Blaine Bettencourt
- Software Engineer II
- CNA National
School Information
School: Kansas State University
College Major: Engineering
Years at College Works: 2017-2018
Career Information
Working For: CNA National
Title: Software Engineer II
Industry: Staffing
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Design, develop, implement, and maintain web based applications to deliver scalable solutions that drive business efficiency and enhance digital experiences.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Moving from Kansas to Arizona, buying a house, and starting a life in a new state.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was where I learned to market and sell myself successfully. Without it, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
College Works Painting gave me the courage and strength to get through the hiring process. I graduated during covid and went through a massive company shutdown that caused me to lose my first job out of college only 2 years in to my career. Because of College Works Painting I knew exactly how to market myself and my skills in both situations, but more importantly, how to cater to business needs and stand out from other applicants. In any industry it’s not just about knowing your part, you have to know the business as a whole to be an effective employee. College Works Painting gave me the skills to realize this and to get through very difficult times with my career while finding a way to spin my outcome so I’ve had growth in my career and been successful the whole time while doing it.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
I don’t remember their name but a gentleman gave me quite a bit of grief over his probably $2,000 deck stain job I did for him. He ended up being my favorite client that I remember because I successfully got his deck stain done in one day, got paid, and got out of there and doing his deck actually lead me to a bunch more work in the area. So while the client was difficult, the situation itself was my favorite memory because I absolutely walked away a winner in that situation.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Mistakes happen, things you don’t plan for happen. Learning how to deal with the situation and how to handle yourself was an invaluable lesson College Works Painting taught me.
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
I still talk to a few of the people that attended College Works Painting at the same time as myself but I know others who do work together, or were in one another’s wedding, etc. My biggest regret is not networking even more than I did. Networking out of school can be the difference between having jobs thrown your way or struggling to find opportunities. It’s all about who you know.
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
Paint Your Future
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
“For potential College Works Painting participants, especially non business participants like myself: Give yourself a chance to understand business and what it takes to run one. It’s extremely helpful to understand everything that it takes to run a business, to learn how to communicate like a professional, and to know first hand what it’s like to struggle and succeed (and you will succeed). For current College Works Painting participants: I’ve been in your shoes twice, I did College Works Painting back to back years. I know it’s EXTREMELY challenging to juggle school, work, and still find time for a social life but trust me when I say struggles happen in life outside of school and learning to manage everything now with the cushion and guidance College Works Painting provides lays a foundation you can build off of for the rest of your life. Success happens at the end, not the beginning, so stay strong and I know everything will work out just fine.”
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
As a computer engineering graduate this was the exact struggle I went through. My advice is you’re going to need to know how businesses communicate and operate regardless of your degree, because every job exists within a business. You can have all the knowledge in the world but if you don’t understand business needs, you’re at a major disadvantage over others who do understand and know how to communicate so. After school it is one big competition to decide if you get the job or the next person does so make yourself stand out, be different, and learn how to properly market yourself so you’re always picked first.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Learn how to market your skills effectively and seek relevant opportunities to strengthen your resume.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
“Montana and myself riding motorcycles from Manhattan, KS to Lake of the Osarks in Missouri. It’s a core memory I’ll never forget because my motorcycle started having issues half way down and kept dying which caused our trip to take twice as long since I kept having to stop and restart my bike. It was a huge pain but also a lot of fun and a moment I will never forget. Also, Chicken and Pickle because that place is awesome.”