In a recent panel discussion, three alumni from Le Wagon talked about their journeys into the tech industry.
Alina a front-end developer, Capucine a data analyst, and Camille a full stack developer shared the challenges they faced, and their thoughts on advancing in their careers.
Alina: “My background was in marketing and social media within the video game industry. I never saw myself as a developer until a friend with a similar communications background transitioned into coding. This inspired me to explore web development through the Le Wagon bootcamp in 2019. I was surprised by how creative and fulfilling coding could be, and it has since become my career.”
Capucine: “I was working as a project manager at Airbnb, focusing on analytics, which I loved. When COVID hit, I lost my job and saw a scholarship opportunity with Le Wagon. Although I initially thought data analytics wasn’t for me, the scholarship was a chance I couldn’t pass up. It completely changed my career path, and now I work as a data analyst, which I find incredibly rewarding.”
Camille: “I was a freelancer in graphic design and content creation before joining Le Wagon in October 2018. A friend suggested I try web development, given my interest in coding and design. The bootcamp was a game-changer, and I’ve been working in web development ever since.”
Alina: “Subconsciously, I didn’t see many women in tech, which impacted my perception. My father worked in tech, but I didn’t see it as a creative field. It took someone like me succeeding in coding to realize it could be a fulfilling career.”
Capucine: “When I was younger, I was in a robotics club, but the field didn’t seem accessible to me due to a lack of role models. I didn’t consider it an option until a friend’s success in tech made me realize it was possible.”
Camille: “I didn’t actively consider tech due to a lack of female representation and role models in my formative years. My choices leaned towards business or medical fields, with tech feeling off-limits. It wasn’t until a friend’s suggestion and my own experimentation with coding that I reconsidered.”
Capucine: “There is a growing presence of women in tech roles, and it’s crucial to address biases in recruitment. Diverse hiring practices and inclusivity in teams can lead to more women in leadership positions. The more women we hire, the more likely we are to see them in leadership roles.”
Alina: “The tech industry is evolving, and while there are still more men in senior roles, companies are starting to emphasize diversity. Having more female role models and mentors can help inspire and guide women to higher positions.”
Camille: “I agree that while the number of women in tech has increased, senior roles still lack female representation. It’s essential to foster environments that support and encourage women to apply for leadership positions and to advocate for flexible work arrangements.”
Alina: “Remote work flexibility was a significant draw for me. It allowed for a better work-life balance, which was even more prominent during the pandemic when remote work became widespread.”
Capucine: “I find flexibility really attractive in tech roles. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, which I found beneficial for managing work and personal commitments.”
Camille: “The pandemic brought a surge of tech hires and remote work, which was a positive shift. However, as the industry stabilizes, it’s important to maintain flexibility to continue attracting and retaining talent.”
Camille: “I highly recommend using Notion for organizing both personal and professional tasks. It integrates well with other tools and helps keep everything in one place.”
Alina: “I follow female coders on Instagram for motivation and use resources like Kevin Powell’s YouTube channel for front-end development. These platforms offer valuable insights and inspiration.”
Capucine: “The blog Towards Data Science is an excellent resource for staying updated with data science trends and knowledge. It’s invaluable for continuous learning in the field.”
Alina: “Embrace your strengths and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Building confidence and speaking up are crucial. Recognize that you bring unique skills and perspectives to the table.”
Capucine: “Take advantage of scholarships and training programs. They can provide valuable opportunities and open doors to new career paths. Don’t be afraid to apply for roles even if you don’t meet every single qualification.”
Camille: “Apply for positions that interest you, even if you don’t meet all the criteria. I’ve observed applying without meeting every requirement, so don’t let perfectionism hold you back.”
At Le Wagon, we are working to create a more inclusive tech industry. We support women and underrepresented groups by partnering with committed organizations, hosting events, offering scholarships, and building a workplace where everyone feels valued.
Want to learn more about our Diversity scholarship, check how it works here
Interested to know more about our bootcamps? Download our syllabus.
To discuss your career project with a learning advisor, book a call here.
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