From Strategy Manager to Full-Stack Java Developer

We sat down with Thloks to learn about her journey via Code College to become a Full-Stack Java Developer at BMW.

Tell us about your journey before studying coding at Code College

After I matriculated in 20xx, I graduated with a Business Management Degree from UKZN. I then started working in the banking industry and continued studying for a Hons Degree in Strategic Management. I then moved to a parastatal company hoping to grow my career. I was sadly disappointed as I was completely under-utilised and there was no growth at all.

What inspired you to study software development in 2022?

I always loved using spreadsheets and macros inside it. Yes, I was a passionate Excel user and I always felt a need to learn more. My husband is a software developer, specialising in COBOL and he influenced me to consider a career change.

Why Code College? What stood out about Code College?

I researched a lot and Code College seemed most attractive to me. I liked the real-life success stories. I was amazed at how life-changing the Code College Java Bootcamp was for many students.

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

No, I did not know anything about coding at all. The Introduction to Programming course was an eye-opener and I was immediately hooked.

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

It was very hands-on. You get a feeling like you are in the workplace. We did stand-up meetings, and code reviews. It was definitely not your typical textbook study like at normal tertiary institutions. We were encouraged to collaborate in learning and practising. We cultivated discipline and the more senior students influenced the more junior students.

How many hours per week did you need to spend on your studies?

I am also a mother, but I made a point of spending at least 6 hours minimum per day on my studies.

What was the teaching style like at Code College?

Collaborative and interactive, you get very involved. Not one-way teaching. The task-oriented nature of the course kept us engaged.

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

I never felt lonely - there was always someone to help. Either a peer or a mentor was close by when we got stuck.

What did you actually learn in the Code College Coding Bootcamp?

To know the tools and to use the tools to build solutions. I made sure I implemented as much as possible what I learned, in order to understand it better. I also learned to find resources on the internet, use the best of different components, change apps and customising them.

What kinds of projects did you build in the Bootcamp and which did you enjoy most?

• Memories app in React which allowed users to post interesting events in their lives (like a social media journal)
• Weather app (React)
• Soccer App (Java) .- because I did it from scratch
• Coronavirus app (Spring Boot REST API)

How did Code College prepare you for the tech job hunt

CV tips were good because they helped to distinguish between an IT CV vs a non-IT CV as well as what you can expect in an IT job hunt.

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

I felt not restricted to junior jobs and was comfortable in applying for

• Junior Full-Stack Web Developer (MERN Stack)
• Junior Full-Stack Java Developer (Spring / React).

Was the Employer interested in your Code College Bootcamp experience?

Yes, that was discussed in detail during the interview process. I had an online interview, which was a panel interview, attended by 6 people: a mix of technical, managerial and HR staff. The interview lasted an hour and 15 minutes, phew!! After the normal HR interview, the technical interviewer asked very specific technical questions.

How was your job offer compared to your previous non-IT job/s?

I was happy that my new employer matched my previous salary scale.