Personal Transformation: From Hospitality to Tech
Q: What motivated you to shift from hospitality to web development?
A: A few months back, I had no idea what was in store for me. After many years working in the hospitality field, I felt like something was missing. After a lot of research and some programming self-studies, I found Le Wagon’s Web Development Bootcamp. I immediately knew this was the career path I wanted to follow. Changing is never easy, but sometimes you need to put aside your comfort zone and dive into it. I am glad I did it!
Q: How has your life changed since completing the bootcamp?
A: After graduation, I started my journey as a teacher assistant at Le Wagon Amsterdam. This was great as I had the opportunity not only to put my tech skills into practice once again but also to connect with new students and help them get through this very intensive journey. I also recently joined the SLMP team as a Research Analyst, a challenging role that brings me a different skill set and allows me to continue to work on my projects as a developer.
Learning Experience: An Intensive and Rewarding Journey
Q: How would you describe the learning experience at Le Wagon?
A: The interactive classes and the problem-solving challenges are a great way to learn and put what you have learned into practice. This is a good way to prepare you for a future job, especially during the project weeks. Le Wagon’s teaching methodology is helpful, especially if you have no web development experience. By the end of the bootcamp, my colleagues and I developed VerSe, a “find your sports buddy” web application from scratch, using advanced features like chats, animated banners and interactive maps. The career services were also an excellent way to prepare you for your job hunt and for any future interviews you may encounter.
Financial Support: The Key to Making My Dream a Reality
Q: What were your financial concerns before joining Le Wagon’s Web Development Bootcamp?
A: The price tag of a bootcamp could have been a deal-breaker. However, I was introduced to TechMeUp, an amazing foundation that helps people achieve their goals by offering an interest-free loan. This loan can be used to pay for the tuition of the bootcamp or your living expenses while you study. With the help from TechMeUp, I was able to enroll in the bootcamp without financial worries, allowing me to focus 100% on the intensive training. Additionally, TechMeUp introduced me to an incredible network of professionals, which can later help you land a tech job.
Q: What would be your advice to someone considering a career switch in tech?
A: Change is never easy, and leaving aside your financial stability can be very challenging. I would say: research, plan ahead, and follow your heart. Visiting Le Wagon Open House, Demo Day events, and meeting alumni can be the best way to get an actual perspective of what’s to come. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible!
Do you want to find out if Web Development is for you? Sign up for a hands-on workshop organized by the Le Wagon team, or take one of our free online courses to learn more about data.