[Learner’s Story] From Uncertainty to Action: Eric’s Journey of Transformation

Eric sits before us with a gentle, slightly shy smile. Before entering the tech industry, his life mirrored that of many young people in Hong Kong. He enjoyed quiet moments alone in coffee shops, stayed active in online communities, and had a rich inner world. Yet he often felt uncertain about the future.

Although he held an associate degree in multimedia, Eric was working part-time in a quality assurance role that he described as monotonous and lacking meaning. The repetitive, manual tasks left him feeling stuck. He longed to break free from this cycle but felt anxious about what lay ahead.

For a young person searching for a sense of security, the Manual Software Testing pre-employment programme offered by Generation Hong Kong gave him the confidence he needed. The 13-week full-time schedule provided structure and stability that had been missing from his life. He saw the programme as a rigorous and systematic journey of transformation, one that helped him feel grounded and ready.

Rebuilding Confidence: From Communication Anxiety to Workplace Growth

What truly opened Eric’s eyes was Generation Hong Kong’s unique Behavioural Skills and Mindset training.

“Destroying the old self was the most powerful concept I encountered,” Eric recalled. As someone with dyslexia, communication had always been his greatest fear. He worried about expressing himself poorly or failing to convey his thoughts clearly.

The course did not aim to turn him into a charismatic speaker. Instead, it gave him a mindset that changed everything: express as much as your confidence allows.

The focus was not on how much he said, but on building the confidence to say it. Eric learned to accept himself as he was and to speak with courage. This internal shift proved more valuable than any speaking technique.

The impact was clear in his two mock interviews. In the first, he spoke without structure, saying whatever came to mind. By the second, he was able to explain each step with clarity and logic. He also learned how to truly learn. When faced with challenges, he no longer struggled alone or withdrew. He knew how to ask for help, reflect deeply, and turn others’ knowledge into his own.

Professional Breakthrough: Recognition in an Inclusive Workplace

After graduating, Eric joined an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered FitTech startup (GOFA) as a QA Tester. It marked the beginning of a new chapter and a career highlight.

During one test, he uncovered a deep-rooted bug that even senior developers had missed. Under specific conditions, Bluetooth disconnection caused video playback to freeze. When asked how he felt after discovering the issue, Eric smiled and said he felt not only joy but also a deep sense of fulfillment.

It was the kind of satisfaction that comes from real expertise, something he had never experienced in previous jobs. He was not just completing tasks. He was contributing meaningfully to his team.

His manager, Issac, publicly praised Eric’s communication skills and shared why he had chosen him. He said, “We treat Eric like any other employee.” For a young person with SEN, this kind of trust—free from labels and based purely on ability—was the strongest affirmation of his growth. It also reflected the true value of an inclusive workplace.

Redefining His Path with Confidence

Today, Eric is taking on an even greater challenge. He is learning to use AI tools to assist with coding. He admits the process is difficult, but his response is no longer fear or avoidance.

“I’ll keep trying and give it my all,” he said calmly and with conviction. This time, he no longer doubts himself.

From fear to action. From seeking external security to building inner confidence. Eric’s story is a powerful reflection of how Generation Hong Kong empowers young people to take charge of their future.

When asked what he would say to his younger self, Eric paused thoughtfully before answering:

“I know you’ve tried really hard. Don’t worry too much about what others think. Most of the pressure comes from within. Your life is yours. You get to decide how it unfolds. So go ahead, and give it your all.”

These words are his heartfelt invitation to anyone who has ever felt lost. His life’s coordinates have been redrawn by his own hand.

Learn more about the Manual Software Testing Pre-employment Programme [here].