Why transition from music to web development?
My motivations were diverse. I was seeking a new challenge, a way to rediscover my potential. Having done many tours as a musician, I wanted and needed to settle down and change my life rhythm. With a bit of determination and right support, many doors can open for us.
Why did you choose Le Wagon to learn web development?
I had been seeking new challenges and wanted to reorient my career. I knew I needed to find something that sparked my passion. A friend who taught at Le Wagon Montreal suggested I try their introductory Ruby workshops to see if I liked it. I quickly realized I enjoyed it a lot. Having greatly appreciated Le Wagon’s workshops, it felt like the ideal path to follow.
Tell us about your bootcamp experience: what impressed you most?
Honestly, the first week was intense, and I truly questioned my decision to engage in this experience. However, the instructors’ support and the program’s structure rebuilt my confidence to complete the bootcamp. Among the highlights were obviously the team projects. This is when you build a real application, and it’s very exciting.
Can you share a project you worked on during the bootcamp that has been particularly useful in your current role?
There are several things, during the bootcamp, the second week, where we discovered the concept of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), was truly a key moment. These concepts are essential and particularly interesting.
I also taught at Le Wagon after my being graduated as a teacher. I learned a lot about team management, project planning, and guiding others through the process of building and debugging projects.
How was your experience as a teacher at Le Wagon Montreal?
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which felt like a natural extension of my background in music teaching. The main difference was working with larger groups.
This experience allowed me to consolidate many notions I had learned at Le Wagon and through my personal projects. I also had the chance to meet many curious, interested, and passionate people in a very well-structured environment.
How did your job search go after completing the bootcamp?
It wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped. Looking back, I understand now that stepping into this field meant embracing continuous learning. I had to put in more effort to showcase solid projects and, more importantly, be clear about what I was looking for.
What advice would you give to career changers looking for a job?
Don’t oversell yourself! Be authentic and trust your experiences. Job offers typically look for two things: someone with the right skills and someone who will be a good team fit.
In terms of skills, your projects are your best showcase. An important note: take care of your README.md files. A README is a text file that presents and explains your project. It contains the necessary information to understand it. In this sense, it is just as important as the project itself.
For soft skills, get into the habit of documenting your work well. Clear documentation helps others understand a feature, bug, or process. Be meticulous with your pull request (PR) descriptions, as it benefits both your future self and those reviewing your code.
Finally, practice communicating clearly about what you’re working on. You’ll collaborate with colleagues who need context, discuss expectations with Product Owners, and proactively exchange ideas about upcoming features.
What does your day-to-day look like as a developer and team manager?
Our team works on a CMS (Content Management System) integrated into a SaaS platform that collects and processes complex data while offering various visualizations. The CMS allows users to create comprehensive reports by integrating both qualitative and quantitative content.
As a developer, our stack includes React/TypeScript, Jest (for unit testing), Highcharts (for data visualization), and AntDesign.
As a manager, I use ClickUp for project management and focus on being available to support my team.
How has this career change impacted your professional life?
In a nutshell, I’ve gone from being a musician and freelancer to working as a developer and manager in a company. Almost everything has changed, except for the importance of clear communication and effective synergy within a team—whether it’s among musicians or developers.
How do you integrate AI into your daily work as a developer?
We use GitHub Copilot, which I find to be a helpful tool. That said, I don’t rely on it entirely for complex operations. I always double-check its suggestions, as I’ve noticed it can occasionally introduce “sneaky” little bugs. It’s a love-hate relationship!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a developer?
Becoming a developer means engaging in a continuous learning process. If you’re ready to devote the necessary energy, it can be extremely rewarding. Be indulgent with yourself during moments of doubt, and learn to be patient while remaining passionate. 😉
Le Wagon is a great stepping stone. Trust the process in place and the team that supports you throughout this adventure.
If you wish to follow Pascal’s advice and journey, sign up for one of our upcoming free workshops and schedule a meeting to discuss your training projects with one of our advisors!
