Jacob Oketayot Ojok has invested seven years in information technology. In the past three, he’s branched into cloud computing. Now he views machine learning and artificial intelligence as critical to his professional development.

“I need to be skilled in those areas to match up with the demands of the digital economy,” he says.

To prepare for this next step, Oketayot enrolled in the Roux Institute’s Graduate Certificate in Cloud Software Development program. He takes evening classes while working full time as a cloud support engineer at Onpoint Health Data, based in Portland, Maine.

Originally from Uganda, Oketayot moved to Boston in 2015, then settled in Maine with his wife two years ago. He’s enjoyed building connections to his new community, where he plays in a recreational soccer league and explores Maine’s expansive hiking trails. Now he’s excited to be able to advance his career, he says, and deepen his ties to the region.

“I hope to be properly prepared for new opportunities in emerging technology,” he says. “And I hope to contribute to our local economy.”