Pre-Dojo:
As a Care Specialist in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s Office
Although she was unhappy in her job, she knew she had more to give the world.
Tinkered with programming years ago, but needed guidance to make her career change.
After Dojo:
As a Software Developer at Simulation Dynamics, Inc.
Learning how to be adaptable and reliable, self-sufficient, self-sufficient, hard working
As an entrepreneur, she dreams of advancing into game development, AI and/or building her own software.
Program: Online Part Time Bootcamp
Testimonial:
Bootcamp helped me believe in myself and in my ability to make my own decisions. Although it sounds cheesy, Coding Dojo has changed my life. Not only did I learn how to be dependable, self-sufficient, hardworking, and adaptable, but I also learned what it was like having a lifestyle I could truly live with.
Please tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing professionally before the bootcamp?
27 years old, I love learning new things and have a passion for cooking. I also take care of my two dachshunds, Kiba (and Topaz) Before the bootcamp, my job was as a care specialist at an Orthopedic Surgeon’s office.
Why did you choose to enroll in a bootcamp for coding?
I had previously tried coding, but that was a few years ago before boot camp. My brother-in-law gifted me a Udemy course in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I began the course and found it interesting and enjoyable. However, I soon discovered how difficult it was when CSS kicked me in the stomach. I quit because I didn’t have any resources to ask questions. Now, I am unhappy at my job and have been working there for a while. I thought to myself, “It is time I take control of my career and change my path.” I took an aptitude test to find my niche and multiple times software engineering was mentioned. I remembered how much I loved HTML and decided that, with my experience in foreign languages, it would be a great career choice. I could work remotely, have a better life balance, be able support myself, and overall be happier.
What were your fears and doubts that prevented you from enrolling? How did you overcome them?
Fear of failure was my biggest fear when I entered bootcamp. Bootcamp is an investment, and I was concerned that I wouldn’t see a return on my investment. I was able to realize a lot of potential, but I also realized that I was at risk of losing a lot of money if I failed in this field. My coworkers, family, and friends confided in me a lot. They all said that if this was something I wanted to do, I should go for the opportunity! I was young and had my entire life ahead of us. My coworkers repeatedly told me that I was not good enough for my current job and that I could do more in my life. After thinking about it, I realized that they were correct. I had more to offer the world. I was going take the leap of faith to make a difference in my life and create the life I want. Because it wasn’t going away without me taking action.
What was the secret to Coding Dojo’s success? Why did you choose Coding Dojo over other programs?
I began by searching Google for coding boot camps. I was specifically looking for one online because I wanted to work and do it simultaneously. Coding Dojo was among the many that came up in my search. I went through the coursework but couldn’t understand it. I decided to ask my brother-in-law, who is a data mining specialist, and started as a web developer. I gave him the information for two bootcamps and he asked me for his thoughts. He said that they looked great and it was up to me to decide (really helpful, as I know …).). Coding Dojo offered me the best flexibility and my brother-in-law had approved the coursework so I decided it was a win/win situation.
How was it to get ready for bootcamp? Were you nervous, excited, etc.? How did you prepare?
I was very excited to start bootcamp. Although I was nervous, the excitement of learning something new and making the first steps towards changing my life were equally exciting. I was not a computer science major so Coding Dojo’s prebootcamp prep helped me get started. I read everything and did as much as I could of the algo practice to get my feet on the ground and prepare for bootcamp.