Career Changer: Chef to Software Engineer
Years of working in the food service industry took a toll on my values as a leader and the joys I got from being a chef. My interests in software engineering stem from an early age. I remember starting to learn how to program from a computer science teacher in middle school. It was very basic html and css but I do remember learning in that class how to manipulate and code web pages.
While working in kitchens, my main interactions were with POS systems and vendor ordering websites. I was always the one to learn those systems and figure out the best ways to use them. I remember having ideas on what could be helpful for other users within those programs.
In late November 2019, I started researching new career options, programs and schools. A couple friends suggested programming. I researched all the ways of doing this. Which included another college degree, bootcamps and the advice of being self instructed.
Learning quickly and working again were my top priorities. Being taught by professionals that could help mold my new career was also keys I value. I also researched the programmer languages and who offered those qualifications.
Looking for local or remote programs was another essential. General Assembly came as one of the first found. They had good reviews and were well rated across the board. General Assembly offers a full time full-stack 12 week immersive bootcamp. They also offer other bootcamps and tutorials for other applications.
Next came the application process. I applied at the beginning of December 2020. Some life events occurred preventing an early start date. But I was set to start with the April cohort.
To pass the application process into the program, there were many hoops to jump through first. A week’s worth of pre-work. That included modules that guided through html, css and javascript. You actually had to fork a repo and recreate a web page before completing the pre-work. There was also a test that had to have a grade of at least 40% correct. Sounds easy but as a novice the learning part came but testing has always been my downfall. I took the test twice before succeeding.
The process also had me research the local job market. What were the companies that offered web developer positions? What were the base rates? What did they offer for employee benefits? What were the top companies of tech in the area? All these questions steering down the path of your future as a software engineer.
The entire application and admissions process conducted by an admissions producer. After submitting everything there was a readiness interview with your admissions producer. The interview really put you in the mindset of a job interview and why I was a good hire.
I remember thinking how this interview and application process was serious business. And how excited it made me to start my journey as a software engineer.
