WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT EPICODUS?
I was working at a restaurant as a busboy, day in and day out. With all that work, I was making just under $29,000. I had a friend of mine who had gone through a coding boot camp some months prior and it dawned on me that it would be a really great option for me too. I did a bunch of research and found Epicodus. They seemed like a great school and after learning more about the industry, I fell in love with the idea.
HOW DID MIA SHARE HELP THROUGHOUT YOUR APPLICATION PROCESS?
Software is such a fast-evolving industry and the junior software developer’s position is dwindling. The industry wants more experienced developers in the current market. Thanks to Mia Share, I was able to enter the school immediately rather than trying to save up for it because I didn’t have the money at the time. Your team allowed me to get into the field immediately and I didn’t have to worry about incurring debts.
HAVE YOU CHANGED POSITIONS SINCE GRADUATING?
I immediately started looking for jobs in tech. I now work as a web developer for a company that offers label editing software. They also do printer software because you have to print the labels on specific printers. So I work on a variety of projects that keep me entertained. The biggest change I’ve noticed since starting this position has been the pay. I’m fortunate to make roughly $83,000 annually.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF WORKING IN TECH?
I love working remotely, it gives me the freedom to do and go where I want. It’s a job like any other, but I’m really lucky to have a career that I actually enjoy. I don’t do software recreationally yet, but maybe once I get further along in my career, I’ll be able to enjoy that aspect as well.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING TRADE SCHOOL?
If someone I know asked me if they should attend a trade or technical school, I would say absolutely. A hundred percent. It was a really fantastic option for me. Not saying it's a great one for everyone. Just like in the traditional college experience, there are always people that show up and they’re not ready to give 110%I definitely know that there. But if you think you can really show up and you’re willing to put in the hard work, it’s totally an option. For me, it was truly life-changing.