From Apprentice to Automator: Mubarak's Thrive Story

Written by:
Isobella Browne-Barfels

September 15, 2025

blog

From Apprentice to Automator: Mubarak’s Thrive Story

At Ingage Partners, we believe that investing in people and communities creates a ripple effect far beyond the workplace. That belief is the foundation of the Thrive Accelerator, an initiative designed to mentor aspiring technologists, create life-changing careers in high tech, and connect companies with diverse and highly capable talent.

One of the program’s recent success stories is Mubarak, who has accepted a role as a QA Automation Engineer at Integral Analytics (IA). His journey reflects not only personal perseverance but also the transformative impact of strong mentorship, intentional training, and inclusive hiring.  

No Option to Fail: Mubarak’s Motivation

Before joining the Thrive Accelerator, Mubarak completed a software engineering course at Per Scholas, a long-standing nonprofit training partner of the program. His goal was clear: build a stable career in tech and create a better future for his family.  

“There was no option to fail”, Mubarak shares.  

His passion for software engineering started early, but opportunities were scarce. After earning a university degree and working abroad, Mubarak was one of 40 candidates selected from over 1,000 applicants for an intensive software engineering training program. That opportunity eventually led him to Per Scholas, and later to Ingage, where Thrive gave him a chance to apply his skills and take the next step in his career.

“Joining Ingage allowed that dream to become a reality,” he says. With the stability and means that Ingage and the Thrive program provided, Mubarak was able to relocate his family so they could be together again.

Mentorship That Makes a Difference

As part of Thrive, Mubarak was paired with Ken, a Senior Managing Consultant at Ingage, whose mentorship bridged the gap between classroom learning and real-world development.

“It was a goal to have Ken as a mentor,” Mubarak says. “He was willing to guide me from the day of my interview. I learned so much from him.”

With Ken’s support, Mubarak deepened his technical skills, learned Agile practices, and gained the confidence to contribute meaningfully as part of a development team.

Ken emphasizes that mentorship is active, not passive: “When you get a really good apprentice, it’s easy to assume they don’t need much, but that’s not true,” he reflects. “Mubarak was sharp and humble, but he was also open to being mentored. Staying intentional in my support made all the difference.”

Mubarak credits Ken’s guidance with helping him overcome imposter syndrome:

“If I can handle the process with Ken, I can handle anything in my career going forward,” Mubarak explains. “I feel at ease moving into my next chapter."

A Place to Thrive

Thrive wasn’t just a program, it was a community. He speaks passionately about Ingage’s developer ecosystem, including C3 (Code. Craft. Community.), a monthly meetup where developers collaborate and grow together.

“Ingage is a place where, if you’re a developer trying to grow your career, they have the structure and support to help you succeed and achieve your dreams,” he says. “I’ll continue to attend C3 meetups, it’s a great place to keep thriving.”, Mubarak shares.  

A Win for Talent and Employers

Mubarak’s story is more than a personal achievement; it represents what’s possible when opportunity meets intentional support. Through Thrive, motivated individuals gain access to high-growth careers, while companies like Integral Analytics benefit from a pipeline of skilled, driven technologists.

Organizations like Per Scholas play a critical role, opening doors for those ready to learn and grow. Together, these partnerships create real impact: more diverse teams, stronger communities, and better business outcomes.  

Join Us in Making an Impact

If your organization is committed to talent development and creating equitable access to tech careers, the Thrive Accelerator is your next step.  

Reach out to learn more, because when people thrive, companies and communities do too.