From Passion to Profession: iAcademy Alumni Pave Their Non-traditional Career Paths to Global Stages

iAcademy Gamechangers

Following one's passion isn't always the best course of action when it comes to advancing one's career. Due to cultural and societal expectations, many people feel forced to pursue traditional careers because they are thought to provide greater stability and financial security. Most people view pursuing non-traditional career paths as riskier than other more common options because they are unaware of the potential opportunities and growth within the creative industry.  But some people have the guts to take unorthodox routes in order to pursue their passions, and as a result, they end up changing the game significantly. 

Forging Unconventional Career Paths

Joshua Villena, iAcademy Graduate of BS Animation Batch 2020

Joshua Villena shows that passion and career can coexist in a society where they frequently appear to be two different paths. After earning his degree in Animation from iAcademy, Joshua went on to work as an artist and designer in New York. He started out working for different animation studios before pursuing a non-traditional career path and exhibiting his art in shows in the Philippines, Italy, Paris, and New York.

In a society where passion and career are often seen as two distinct paths, Joshua Villena demonstrates how they can coexist. Joshua began working as an artist and designer in New York after graduating from iAcademy with a degree in animation. Prior to choosing a non-traditional career path and showing his artwork in exhibitions in the Philippines, Italy, Paris, and New York, he began his career working for various animation studios.

Joshua Villena at his The Arrival of Yeshua” solo exhibition in New York

Joshua Villena with his own streetwear merchandise “YESHUA”

In April, Joshua debuted his first solo exhibition, "The Arrival of Yeshua" featuring ten original artworks and a new streetwear line called Yeshua. This milestone not only highlights his individual success but also sets the stage for Filipino creatives on the global scene.

"Being a game changer is about not limiting yourself to what you know but always evolving and making space to learn. I want to be that representation in the creative industry." ~Joshua Villena, iAcademy Graduate of BS Animation Batch 2020

Sabrina Maybituin, iAcademy Graduate of BS Animation Batch 2012

Sabrina Maybituin also took a non-traditional career path on her way to success. Starting as a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Animation, she quickly rose through the ranks to become Head of Client Relations at Top Draw Animation Inc. 

“My interest was really illustration, but being exposed to the production and opportunities to work with global creators such as Nickelodeon, it really sparked my love and passion for animation.” ~Sabrina Maybituin, iAcademy Graduate of BS Animation Batch 2012

Her career began with the critically acclaimed first season of Jimmy’s Got Tentacles and progressed to iconic projects like The Tom & Jerry Show and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Netflix.

Ruka Azuma, iAcademy Graduate of AB Multimedia Arts and Design Batch 2022

Ruka Azuma’s career is a perfect blend of artistic vision and strategic thinking. As a former student leader, Ruka's leadership skills and creativity were evident early on. As a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker, Ruka operates his own studio, creating compelling short films while serving as a Senior Creative Strategy Officer at Eventscape Manila. His diverse career portfolio illustrates the various roles and industries one can take when pursuing a non-traditional career path.

Nuke Dumayas, iAcademy graduate of BS Animation batch 2021

Nuke Dumayas, now a Technical Director at Puppeteer Animation Studios, found his calling through the mentorship and rigorous training provided to him back when he was still a student. His is a story of dedication and expert training that equipped him with the expertise needed to become a leading figure in animation. Nuke’s journey from a passionate student to a technical director underscores the importance of quality education and mentorship in transforming passion into professional expertise. 

Reinventing Education for the Future

The achievements of Joshua, Sabrina, Ruka, and Nuke demonstrate that following one's passions in the workplace not only makes sense, but can also result in extraordinary success. These tales serve as a reminder that pursuing one's passion can, in fact, lead to a successful and fulfilling career path when it is backed by the correct resources and surroundings. Organizations such as iAcademy, dedicated to transforming education to fulfill the dynamic demands of various sectors, generate innovative thinkers with expertise in design, technology, and business acumen. iAcademy shows how a progressive education develops creativity, innovation, and leadership, enabling students to succeed in their respective fields, by embracing non-traditional career paths.

Start your journey to becoming a part of the next generation of game changers who will shape the future. For more information, visit www.iacademy.edu.ph.

About iAcademy

Established in 2002, iACADEMY continues to pave the way and reinvent education by offering degree programs that are highly specialized in Computing, Business, and Design following an Output Based Education approach that allow students to learn through hands-on experience and from industry experts.