Learning to Code and Land a Job in the Tech Industry

Introduction

Learning to code and entering the tech industry can be a daunting task. However, it is entirely possible to embark on this learning journey and end up with a rewarding career. In this article, we will share an inspiring story from Stina Niemann, a 31-year-old Software Business Analyst at Wayside Publishing, who made a successful transition into the tech industry. Her story serves as a reminder that there is no single path to a more fulfilling work life.

Why Stina Chose to Learn to Code

Stina initially started her career in higher education but developed a love for tech and coding during the pandemic. She wanted to learn something new and useful, and that’s when she stumbled upon Codecademy. She began with the basic skill path Code Foundations and found it to be a fun and engaging experience. Stina also explored Python, SQL, and HTML, learning command line, GitHub, and basic HTML along the way. These skills helped her stand out in a job interview for an entry-level tech operations role about a year after she started learning how to code.

Making Time to Learn

During the pandemic, Stina found herself with extra time on her hands and a desire to learn something that could lead to career opportunities and potentially higher income. She discovered Codecademy, which stood out as the most fun, playful, and colorful platform. Stina developed a habit of dedicating 30 minutes to an hour every morning before work to learning, making it part of her morning routine.

Saving Thousands of Dollars with Codecademy

Stina found that Codecademy offered a cost-effective learning solution compared to bootcamps. With a discounted annual subscription of $130, she was able to learn a lot from the comfort of her own home and at her own pace. This affordability made Codecademy a steal compared to other options, allowing her to save thousands of dollars.

Landing a Job in Tech

Stina began her learning journey in December 2020 and secured her first ed tech job in September 2021. Although the job required five years of experience, she was able to showcase her skills and stand out in the interview process. Stina had built a robust portfolio of projects through the Codecademy career paths, demonstrating her technical abilities. She also had a tech resume and was able to speak to basic HTML, command line usage, and Git/GitHub knowledge. These small but essential skills helped her make a strong impression during the job interview.

Nailing the Interview

Stina’s advice to fellow coders is to focus on learning a few key skills that can make a difference in an interview. It’s not necessary to become an expert in every aspect of coding or a specific language. Even a basic understanding of how the tech world works and some fundamental skills can help you stand out. Stina’s knowledge of HTML, command line usage, and Git/GitHub set her apart from other candidates and demonstrated her technical prowess. It’s important to highlight these skills and showcase how they can contribute to the role you’re applying for.

Evaluating the Job Offer

During the interview process, Stina expressed her passion for coding in Python and her love for data analysis. She also mentioned her wide range of interests and asked about the potential for pursuing these interests in the long term. The company responded positively, stating that they were a rapidly growing company with diverse needs, and she could take her career in any direction she desired. This flexibility and support for future growth played a significant role in Stina’s decision to choose the company. Additionally, the offered salary was better than her previous job, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the learning experience of middle and high schoolers was a driving force for her.

Day One and Beyond

Stina’s first few days on the job were exciting as she got to work with JIRA, managing development tickets, QA tickets, and grooming tasks. While it was initially overwhelming, she quickly adapted and became immersed in software engineering and development. She actively collaborates with QA engineers, works on grooming requirements, manages the backlog, and handles epics for both the front end and back end. Stina feels fully engaged in the software engineering and development side of the company she works for.

What Stina Wishes She Knew Before Starting to Learn

Stina emphasizes that it’s not about acquiring a specific library or mastering every detail of coding. The key to success is having a learner’s mindset. Maintaining curiosity, a constant desire to learn, and an eagerness to improve are essential. Stina used to believe that there would be a point where she would become a “coder” or a “tech-y” person, but she realized that programming is an ongoing learning journey. There is no final step or qualification that marks the end of the learning process. It’s about continuously asking questions, seeking answers, and adapting to the ever-changing tech landscape.

Conclusion

Stina’s story is a testament to the power of learning to code and how it can lead to exciting career opportunities. By choosing to learn through platforms like Codecademy, she was able to acquire the necessary skills, build a strong portfolio, and stand out during the job application process. Stina’s experience shows that even a basic understanding of coding can make a significant difference in landing a job in the tech industry. By maintaining a learner’s mindset and embracing the ongoing learning journey, anyone can make a successful transition into the world of tech. So, if you’re considering learning to code, take inspiration from Stina’s story and start your own journey towards a fulfilling career in the tech industry.