Q: Tell us about yourself! What made you consider a career in tech?

I was a teacher before I decided to switch into tech. I taught eighth-grade science, so my background has always been in education. However, most of my friends and my boyfriend were all getting into tech or already in tech and seeing their experiences was intriguing to me. I found myself drawn to the creativity and freedom connected with web development and designing, which was something I missed while teaching.

Q: Is this your first time learning to code?

Yes, it is.

Q: Why did you decide to learn coding?

After looking at different options, like going back to school or using unguided online resources, I found Altcademy. I appreciated the time flexibility, its affordability, and the structure provided in their learning courses. It gave me a logical order of starting with basics before moving on to more complex languages, which appealed to me.

Q: How are you doing so far in the program?

I'm currently focusing on doing this full time. I just wrapped up HTML and CSS, and I'm planning to finish JavaScript within the next two or three weeks. I'm hoping to complete the entire program within a year.

Q: How have you been dealing with challenges in the program?

Whenever I encounter challenges, I first try to figure them out on my own, using Google or YouTube for additional help. If I still have issues, I reach out to my boyfriend, who is already in this line of work. However, I am also learning to lean on the resources provided by Altcademy and reach out to the mentors when I require help.

Q: What are your goals and plan after completing the program?

I plan to apply the skills I learn through the Altcademy program to start a career in tech. I'm currently applying for jobs in software development, front-end development, software engineering, and even looking into data analytics and UX/UI development. Though I am exploring the many options, my goal is to fully transition into a tech career, and I'm committed to dedicating my time to achieve this.

In conclusion, embarking on this journey was a significant decision for Katelyn. She has shown great commitment and perseverance to switch careers and step into the world of tech. She is currently in the early stages of her tech journey and is excited about where this path will lead. With a firm focus on her goals, she aims to make a successful career transition and carve her place in the tech industry.