Studying to code with the intention 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 individuals 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.
Immediately’s story is from Torey Kesteven, a 31-year-old former political communications chief turned freelancer residing in each Canada and Colombia, Latin America. Learn extra tales from Codecademy learners right here — and remember to share your story right here.
Why I selected to be taught to code
“I did a Bachelor of Arts and labored in political communications for a number of years. Working my method as much as a senior position, I obtained burnt out in the course of the pandemic. Fixed information, fixed strain. So I left authorities communications and took a task in a nonprofit for a 12 months. Throughout this time, it turn out to be clear to me that I actually wished to journey extra in Latin America. In order quickly as journey grew to become regular, I took off to Latin America — sort of an ‘eat, pray, love journey.’ I give up my job. I used to be on the lookout for some readability.
I didn’t actually just like the course my profession was going. I discovered myself climbing the profession ladder however feeling unfulfilled. That’s when I discovered UI/UX. I did an internship, and now I’m freelancing.
The design business is tremendous aggressive. It’s exhausting to seek out long-term roles, and the popular {qualifications} embrace HTML and CSS. I wished to be taught extra about coding however was not likely certain the place to start out. My associate is a Software program Developer and he was encouraging me to dive in.
I discovered Codecademy and actually actually, actually love the platform. Particularly, that it has a built-in textual content editor — I didn’t must go and obtain one thing and will begin instantly.
I started with an HTML course, then a CSS Course, and now I’m working my method by way of the Entrance-Finish Engineering profession path. I believe like the best way the market goes — we’re seeing numerous UX Engineer or UX Designer and Entrance-Finish Developer hybrid roles.”
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How I made time to be taught
“Freelancing gave me fairly a little bit of flexibility with my schedule. I attempt to make it a purpose for myself to code no less than two or three days per week. Codecademy makes it fairly straightforward to leap again in, which I actually admire. I simply attempt to keep in keeping with it.”
How I saved up cash to modify careers
“I used to be lucky to have financial savings from my authorities job, and I additionally break up my time between Canada and Colombia, the place the price of residing is decrease.
Workaway, a platform providing vacationers room and board in change for volunteer work, was a good way to stay affordably overseas whereas nonetheless having time to concentrate on studying or freelancing.”
How lengthy it took me to land a job
“I completed my design program in February of 2024 after which obtained a 6-month internship. Final August, I obtained a chance to start out freelancing whereas I used to be on the lookout for long-term roles. One shopper led to the subsequent mission, and it constructed from there. My purpose can be to have a everlasting place in a design or improvement company.
A part of the rationale I went the coding route is that there are fairly a number of paths you’ll be able to take on this business. I spotted by way of studying that I wished to make large issues and be part of a workforce, and having a fuller understanding of code is what’s going to assist me get there.
It’s key to have the ability to converse the builders’ language in order that I can work together and collaborate successfully with them. Having these extra coding expertise has actually helped me stand out.”
What I want I knew earlier than I began studying
“Coding isn’t as scary because it appears, and also you don’t must know every thing suddenly. Platforms like Codecademy make the method approachable, so simply take step one and construct on it step by step.
Having endurance with your self is vital. It’s a very new world, identical to design was a brand new world, after which coding, and now improvement work.
A part of me was just a bit annoyed with myself that I didn’t begin sooner as a result of I really feel like I didn’t give myself sufficient credit score. I’m a university-educated one who has accomplished numerous various things. It’s sort of freaky while you hear about ‘totally different languages’ however even simply having slightly little bit of HTML and CSS goes to be useful.
And with beginning any new factor, don’t take a look at the entire mountain. Take it one step at a time.”
Recommendation for Aspiring Coders
- Keep Open to New Potentialities: “I didn’t know precisely the place coding would take me, however I knew it was a talent value having. Be open to the place the training course of can lead.”
- Leverage Versatile Studying Instruments: “A platform like Codecademy is nice as a result of you’ll be able to match it into your schedule, whether or not you’re freelancing, working full-time, or touring.”
- Take Dangers, however Plan Forward: “Huge adjustments typically require stepping out of your consolation zone, however good planning—whether or not monetary or logistical—could make the leap much less intimidating.”
Unsure the place to start out? Try our character quiz! We’ll show you how to discover one of the best programming language to be taught 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.
