Le Wagon was exactly the push I needed to learn web development and discover what I’m capable of
I had been interested in tech for a while before joining Le Wagon’s Bootcamp. However, I didn’t really know what the implications were for a long time and what this interest was saying about me. I was working as an architect prior to Le Wagon. The work usually required having a good understanding and knowledge of different programs. I was always the one who wanted to play around with these programs and try to get them to do more than default. I soon realised that what I was actually interested in was improving my understanding of how these programs were created in the first place. I also love maths, and the more curious I got, the closer I got towards the idea of learning how to code and discovering the tech industry.
Le Wagon was exactly the push I needed to learn web development and discover what I’m capable of. I finished an Introduction to Python tutorial about a year prior to joining Le Wagon, but as soon as I finished it I didn’t know what to learn next and confusion ensued. I really needed a structured plan and people to work with who were as excited to learn coding as I was. That’s exactly what I found during the bootcamp.
I saw how much you can learn in a short time, given an optimal environment and structure
One of the best things about Le Wagon’s curriculum was how it all made sense at the end. I enjoyed each module but sometimes found myself curious how it all will come together. I must say I wasn’t disappointed.
I loved doing the challenges and the hands-on approach to practicing the concepts we learned that day. I appreciated the effort that was clearly made creating each one of these challenges, and they were a crucial part of the bootcamp. I spent the first week on campus and kept doing the rest of the bootcamp remotely. Covid surprised us all and forced us to be capable of doing more online. Both experiences were amazing, I loved having a structured day with lessons and challenges. I saw how much you can learn in a short time, given an optimal environment and structure. It was amazing to see how far we all came at the end of the bootcamp.
The project weeks were both challenging and rewarding at the same time. I was the team leader which was a responsibility I happily took and enjoyed very much. Balancing responsibilities and tasks through the team could be tiring at times but the end result was very rewarding, and I think those weeks were great because we learned how it is to work as a team.
It was great to connect with many professionals in a variety of different roles in the tech industry during Week 10, known as “Career Week”. Listening to their recommendations and their experiences was definitely inspiring. We also learned how to create an appealing Linkedin Profile and CV for ourselves
Coding is like solving puzzles
Two weeks after the bootcamp I started working with two Le Wagon alumni from two different batches, and completely different countries, on a volunteer project. I was referred to them by another alumni who watched our demos. It just shows what an amazing network Le Wagon provides during and after graduation. I also realise that working together is quite easy because despite doing the bootcamp in different cities and times, we all somehow speak the same language and understand each other well.
Coding is like solving puzzles to me. I can’t imagine it not changing one's mindset in some form. I realise I approach things in a more playful but rational way if that makes sense. My first instinct became to break problems into smaller parts and go from there. It’s something I explored and learned by coding.
I really enjoyed the community vibe Le Wagon provided for us.
I love meeting new people and talking to them very much. Le Wagon’s global alumni is great to do exactly that. It is very easy to get in touch with other alumni all around the world and everyone is very helpful and nice. I also miss creating tickets and talking to a teacher whenever I faced problems, and the buddy system through which we learned Paired Programming. I really enjoyed the community vibe Le Wagon provided for us.
I am planning to keep on learning and expanding my knowledge as far it goes. I’m also evaluating myself and trying to understand what my values are and how I can use my skills in different ways. I am trying to gain as much experience as I can at this point by participating in a volunteer project, working on a personal project of mine, my portfolio and Github.
NB - Soon after writing this Esin landed her first job in tech as a Software Developer :)
