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 completely new profession. We hope these tales function a reminder that there’s no single path to a extra fulfilling work life.
In the present day’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 make sure to share your story right here.
Why I selected to study to code
“I did a Bachelor of Arts and labored in political communications for a number of years. Working my manner as much as a senior position, I acquired burnt out throughout the pandemic. Fixed information, fixed stress. So I left authorities communications and took a job in a nonprofit for a yr. Throughout this time, it grow to be clear to me that I actually needed to journey extra in Latin America. In order quickly as journey grew to become regular, I took off to Latin America — form of an ‘eat, pray, love journey.’ I stop my job. I used to be searching for some readability.
I didn’t actually just like the route 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 laborious to search out long-term roles, and the popular {qualifications} embrace HTML and CSS. I needed to study extra about coding however was probably not certain the place to start out. My accomplice 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 need to 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 manner by the Entrance-Finish Engineering profession path. I feel like the best way the market goes — we’re seeing loads of UX Engineer or UX Designer and Entrance-Finish Developer hybrid roles.”
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How I made time to study
“Freelancing gave me fairly a little bit of flexibility with my schedule. I attempt to make it a aim for myself to code no less than two or three days every week. Codecademy makes it fairly straightforward to leap again in, which I actually recognize. I simply try to keep per 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 alternate for volunteer work, was an effective way to dwell affordably overseas whereas nonetheless having time to give attention to studying or freelancing.”
How lengthy it took me to land a job
“I completed my design program in February of 2024 after which acquired a 6-month internship. Final August, I acquired a possibility to start out freelancing whereas I used to be searching for long-term roles. One consumer led to the following undertaking, and it constructed from there. My aim can be to have a everlasting place in a design or growth company.
A part of the explanation I went the coding route is that there are fairly just a few paths you possibly can take on this business. I spotted by studying that I needed to make massive issues and be part of a group, and having a fuller understanding of code is what’s going to assist me get there.
It’s key to have the ability to communicate the builders’ language in order that I can work together and collaborate successfully with them. Having these further coding abilities 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 need to know every part unexpectedly. Platforms like Codecademy make the method approachable, so simply take step one and construct on it regularly.
Having persistence with your self is vital. It’s a totally new world, similar to design was a brand new world, after which coding, and now growth 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 that has carried out loads of various things. It’s form of freaky while you hear about ‘totally different languages’ however even simply having somewhat little bit of HTML and CSS goes to be helpful.
And with beginning any new factor, don’t have a look at the entire mountain. Take it one step at a time.”
Recommendation for Aspiring Coders
- Keep Open to New Prospects: “I didn’t know precisely the place coding would take me, however I knew it was a ability price 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 possibly can match it into your schedule, whether or not you’re freelancing, working full-time, or touring.”
- Take Dangers, however Plan Forward: “Huge adjustments usually require stepping out of your consolation zone, however sensible planning—whether or not monetary or logistical—could make the leap much less intimidating.”
Undecided the place to start out? Try our character quiz! We’ll make it easier to discover one of the best programming language to study primarily based in your strengths and pursuits.
Wish to share your Codecademy learner story? Drop us a line right here. And don’t overlook to be part of the discussions in our neighborhood.
