Meet two Operation Level Up graduates from our fifth cohort

Operation Level Up is an 18-week Software Engineering Immersive program offered exclusively to active-duty military. Galvanize trains soldiers in their last six months of active duty service to prepare for a career in software engineering upon their transition to civilian life. Below, read about two of the incredible alumni who graduated in our fifth cohort.


Benjamin Jackson

Tell us about yourself.

I am a positive outgoing person who enjoys creating bonds and pushing my limits.

How did you find out about this program?

I found the program on the career skills program flyer via email.

What is one thing that surprised you when getting into the world of tech?

How vast it is, and that understanding that everything correlates once you have a base understanding.

What are some projects you’re most proud of?

I am most proud of SDC. That was the first time I had enough time to cement some real skills and research process. It was exhilarating to find out I can do this and perform at a high level. It was a great project.

What are some goals you have for your new career?

To create my own software that will be used regularly and to work internationally.

What is a quote you live by?

“Become sheep and the wolves will eat you” – Benjamin Franklin

Learn more about Benjamin on LinkedIn.


John Ferguson

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an Army Veteran with Computer certifications who loves to BBQ, teach, and play games.

How did you find out about this program?

I found the program through the Army transitional program.

What is one thing that surprised you when getting into the world of tech?

Just the different aspects in which you can work.

What are some projects you’re most proud of?

The Blue Ocean project was something I am proud of because we got to work together to go through the process and fine-tune it all at the same time. We created a daily food planning app that took in your ingredients, your allergies, and the vitamins you would want and gives you recipes to choose from.

What are some goals you have for your new career?

I want to continue to learn new software and languages being used, like Java, Eclipse, (etc.)

What ideal do you use as a guiding post?

I don’t just try to do the best I can every day. Make a schedule, make a list, and do whatever you can to keep yourself focused and on task. Keep learning and practicing on your own time to keep everything fresh.

Learn more about John on LinkedIn.


For more information about our Operation Level Up program, visit here.

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