Studying to code in an effort to land a job in tech can really feel daunting. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring tales from Codecademy’s neighborhood — to point out how folks such as you (sure, you!) can embark on a studying journey and find yourself with a very new profession. We hope these tales function a reminder that there’s no single path to a extra fulfilling work life.
Right now’s story is from Vic Ontiveros, a 22-year-old Software program Designer at an IT consulting firm dwelling in Tampere, Finland. Learn extra tales from Codecademy learners right here — and make sure to share your story right here.
Why I selected to study to code
“After I was a extremely little child, my father gave me a Lenovo ThinkPad that was being recycled. I used to be simply taking part in with it and smashing on the keyboard, which led into my love for computer systems. Throughout my childhood, I attempted some HTML and CSS and that form of simply exponentially grew into my love for coding.
My highschool was in a extremely small city, and the STEM curriculum was just about non-existent — you had your fundamental math courses and nothing else. I took it upon myself to begin a coding membership at college. I used to be form of going by way of some sources that I may use for the coding membership and I got here throughout Codecademy and I believed, Wow, that is nice. I went forward and I acquired a Professional membership and all of us began coding collectively and discussing completely different ideas. It was undoubtedly at that time that I noticed I may flip this right into a dwelling and do that for work.”
How I made time to study
“My girlfriend works as a safety guard, so her days are fairly lengthy. We’d take my son into daycare, in order that means I’d be residence and alone. I just about spent most of her shift on Codecademy and constructing my very own aspect tasks. I simply grabbed a Crimson Bull and went loopy.”
How I saved up cash to modify careers
“I studied laptop science for one 12 months on the College of Massachusetts Amherst, however I needed to depart due to monetary points. I appeared round for developer work, however it was tough as a result of I didn’t have a lot skilled expertise and had restricted training. I put that on maintain and began doing pizza supply to repay my tuition. However even then, I’d nonetheless hop on and off Codecademy for some time.
It wasn’t till I moved to Finland and my son was born that I noticed delivering pizza wasn’t going to pay the payments. In order that’s why I actually stepped up and went loopy with Codecademy.”
How lengthy it took me to land a job
“I moved to Finland in 2021, and I began this job in March 2023.”
How I acquired within the door
“I made a Reddit publish in my metropolis subreddit saying: ‘Is anyone on the lookout for a front-end developer or a full-stack developer?’ One man truly reached out to me saying, ‘I’ll attempt to get you on this firm. If not, I’ve acquired a bunch of references for you.’ It was by way of one in all his references that I managed to slide into the Software program Designer place that I’m in now.”
How I nailed the interview
“We had a pre-assignment that we needed to full to be able to apply. We got a database of various electrical bike leases at stations scattered throughout town, and one other database of each single journey that passed off with these electrical bikes in the summertime of 2021. It was as much as us to determine how we will use this information to create an online app. We needed to just about do all the things: the entrance finish, again finish, and managing the info. Codecademy gave me all the abilities in order that I used to be capable of sort out this undertaking. Then there was a proper interview the place we needed to clarify our codebase* for our pre-assignment undertaking.”
* Throughout a technical interview, you ought to be ready to speak by way of your strategy. Learn this weblog for tips about easy methods to speak about your work.
How I evaluated the supply
“The corporate I’m at now trains folks for six weeks of intensive onboarding. They actually educated us to suppose like consultants and acquired the brand new recruits on an analogous web page when it comes to talent degree by way of workshops. In Finland, as a result of the economic system is rising a lot and the inhabitants is so small, corporations arrange these packages to be able to discover builders. I do know that within the U.S., the job market could be very saturated, and corporations search for folks with a grasp’s and 20 years of expertise. I undoubtedly really feel like I had a neater probability getting a job up right here than I’d have within the States.
However what’s actually particular about my firm is they provide an employment contract and fee, which most different packages don’t do. Compensation is a crucial factor for me, particularly as a result of I’ve a child who I would like to have the ability to present for indirectly. The one who referred me to this place additionally talked about that it might be a extremely good step to take a trainee place as a substitute of attempting to instantly break right into a junior-level place, which might be tough with none type of expertise.”
How day one and past went
“It is a huge step when it comes to breaking into tech. One factor I can’t deny is having a number of impostor syndrome. among the different tasks that individuals made and their GitHub repos, they’ve acquired some very nice tasks on the market that look superb. Evaluating my codebase to theirs, I’ve this sense that I’m not adequate. Moreover that, I’m undoubtedly excited.
There’s some preliminary coaching that I’ve to undergo first, so I believe it’s going to be a very long time earlier than I contact something prod. I’ve acquired a number of workshops to go to and a number of issues to review with different builders.”
What I want I knew earlier than I began studying
“Constructing your individual tasks is absolutely necessary, and I want I had accomplished extra tasks — I solely realized that final 12 months. It’s one factor to comply with a YouTube tutorial or learn the directions of a Codecademy undertaking, and one other to simply do it. With a purpose to get a very good sense of drawback fixing, you actually have to be doing stuff by yourself. I undoubtedly have a couple of tasks that I did alone and am pleased with. But when I may return in time, I’d be constructing my very own aspect tasks* to have a greater grasp on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.”
* Wish to begin constructing your individual tasks? Take a look at our tasks library and begin making use of your coding abilities to real-world eventualities. And in case you have a undertaking you’re particularly pleased with, contemplate submitting it to our learner showcase.
Undecided the place to begin? Take a look at our persona quiz! We’ll enable you to discover the very best programming language to study based mostly in your strengths and pursuits.
Wish to share your Codecademy learner story? Drop us a line right here. And don’t neglect to be part of the discussions in our neighborhood.
