From Forex Trader To Software Developer In 12 Months

We sat down with Justin to learn about his journey via Code College to become a full-stack developer.

Tell us about your journey before studying coding

After I left school, I decided to try forex trading and I spent two years doing it when I realised that it was not really what I wanted to do. It was full of highs and lows, making a profit and losing it again. I also played many video games for relaxation and to take my mind off trading.

What inspired you to study software development in 2023?

During this period, I always considered coding and enrolled in a few free online courses here and there to explore it further.

Why Code College? What stood out about Code College?

My dad recommended we speak to Code College because of their very practical approach to teaching and their good reputation. We went to their offices in Woodmead - the meeting was very welcoming. I liked the environment and I felt at home immediately.

Did you have to know basic coding to apply to Code College?

No, you do not need any previous coding training - it was to my benefit that I did one or two courses, but some of my fellow students started with zero exposure, and they did not struggle at all.

What was a typical day like in the Code College Java Bootcamp?

At the beginning of each module it was a lot about installations and configuration and then being introduced to the core concepts. I found it beneficial to do this part onsite but after I found my feet, I preferred to attend the remainder online.

What was the teaching style like at Code College?

It was more mature than in a school because they do not force you, but rather motivate you to study. It is a lot like a task-oriented workplace. They also encourage you to learn tools like Google and Stackoverflow to show you are not alone when you get stuck.

Since this was for you an Online Bootcamp, how did you connect with your fellow students and instructors?

I engaged with fellow students and mentors via social chat groups. It is easy to ask questions because your cohort is in the same boat as you and your mentors want you to succeed. I did not hesitate to ask for help when I was stuck. The online learning portal is also very effective in that you might bump into another student/trainer who is also on the portal and then you feel free to chat to them because they are in the same boat.

What did you learn in the Code College Coding bootcamp?

I learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes things in coding, like web servers, and more. I also enjoyed creating beautiful apps that are functionally and aesthetically appealing to users.

What kind of projects did you build in the Code College Coding bootcamp?

We did a variety of apps in React, NodeJS, MERN Stack and Spring Framework with Spring Data, producing and consuming API’s.

How did Code College prepare you for the tech job hunt?

The Interview and CV preparation phase helped me a lot. It was also nice to know that you are not alone when you go for interviews and to have somebody motivating you, boosting your confidence and analysing employer feedback.

Which tech roles did you feel qualified to apply for after graduating?

• Junior Full-Stack Web Developer (MERN Stack)

I felt confident about SQL since it is the foundation of any coding stack. I was very interested in the database side of coding. I also got my first job in SQL. It is an entry into further projects that I can later move into. My other skills (Java and React) will help me become productive quickly in similar roles and also C# and Angular.

Congratulations on your junior developer job. What is it like?

I am working in the software support side of the development team on incoming change requests to the various systems that the company supplies to clients. I am mainly working on database changes, but I will steadily learn other parts of the system as I get to know them.

Was the Employer interested in your Code College Bootcamp experience?

Yes, definitely - my employer sees the big picture and took all my skills into account because they do not see me staying in the software support team forever. Where I am now, I am learning a lot about all the systems in the company, and then I can use my other Bootcamp skills to grow into software development roles, even in languages other than Java.