For almost five years now, Makers has joined forces with Codebar to help individuals gain the skills needed to succeed in the tech industry. As part of this partnership, Makers offers members from the Codebar community a chance to take part in our software developer bootcamp — an immersive 16-week program that covers coding fundamentals and best practices, soft skills training, and job-hunting support from our experienced team.
After completing the Makers Scholarship in January 2023, Kay secured a role as an Associate Software Engineer at iManage — a leading software company that specialises in document and email management solutions for the legal industry.
Read on to discover what inspired Kay to pursue a career in tech and how the Scholarship helped her achieve her career goals.
What were you doing before Makers?
Before joining Makers, I was a stay-at-home parent for 11 years. During that time, I was also studying part-time and earned a degree in Chemistry. Before that, I worked in various roles within the financial sector. While I was good at my job, I always felt like I wasn’t being challenged enough, and I wanted to do something that would make me excited to go to work every day.
What made you want to change your career? Why now?
Now that my kids are older and not as reliant on me, I decided it was time to return to work. I’ve always been interested in coding and programming, and it seemed like the perfect fit for me. I wanted to challenge myself, and I knew that a career in tech would allow me to constantly learn and grow.
How did you feel when you realised you wanted to change career? What were the signs? Did people support you?
I felt a mix of excitement and nerves when I decided to switch careers. It was a big decision, but I knew that it was the right one for me. The signs were always there — I was always interested in tech, and I loved learning new things. My family and friends were all supportive of my decision, but my husband was especially helpful. He encouraged me to pursue my dreams and took on more household responsibilities so that I could attend the Makers bootcamp.
Tell us about how Codebar supported your journey into tech. What do you value about the community?
I cannot express how grateful I am for the Codebar Scholarship that allowed me to attend the Makers bootcamp. The community has been incredibly supportive, and I’ve learned so much through their free workshops. I appreciate that they focus on providing access to tech skills and jobs to minority groups. The community provides a safe space for everyone to learn extra skills, which has been especially helpful for me since I don’t live near the city.
Tell us about how Makers have supported your journey into tech. What have you enjoyed?
Makers has been amazing. The staff have been incredibly supportive and understanding, and they go above and beyond to help you succeed. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my time at Makers, from the curriculum to the community. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow.
What excites you about tech?
There are so many things that excite me about tech. I love that it’s always changing and evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. I’m excited about the potential that technology has to make a real difference in the world and in people’s lives. I’m also looking forward to working with a team that shares my passion for learning and making an impact.
What do you hope to achieve in your tech career?
Ultimately, I want to become a senior developer and work for a company that values ethics and learning. I want to work on projects that make a real impact and contribute to positive change in the world.
Can you share one piece of advice for people just starting to learn to code?
Don’t panic if everything seems hard, you are not expected to know everything — break it down into little chunks and it all starts to fit together!
Are you a Codebar member and looking to join a coding Bootcamp? Why not seize an opportunity to start your tech career with Makers! Our 16-week program is not just about equipping you with coding fundamentals and best practices, but also nurturing your well-being and helping you hone your soft skills. After the course, our seasoned Journey Sucess team will be with you every step of the way, offering comprehensive job-hunting support and guiding you towards achieving your dream career.
Find out more and apply here.
