Q: Why did you decide to learn to code?

I've always been tech-oriented and wanted to understand how computers work, which inspired me to study programming. I have a very analytical mind, and I am curious to know how different pieces of software come together and work with each other. If something doesn’t work, I feel a need to find out why and fix the problem. With all this in mind, I told myself that I have to learn to code. At the very least, I have to try!

Q: How did you get into Altcademy’s online program?

I've been working for a tech startup company on developing HR software for two and a half years. I started in Customer Success as an intern and then transitioned into a full-time customer support role. As I got deeper into the technical side of the job, I was presented with the opportunity to transition into a software tester (SDET), starting with end-to-end quality assurance of new features and bug fixes. My company sponsors my Full-stack Web Development Course at Altcademy, so I can later start writing automated tests, which would decrease the time needed for QA and increase the quality of the software.

Learning how to code from ground zero feels like trying to get into a moving car. However, I like how this program is constructed - the examples and the small assignments at the end of each lesson are well-paced and the test environments used for evaluation provide a nice place to practice each lesson.

Q: How much time do you spend studying each week?

I try not to rush through the studies and I want to take my time to understand the assignment and lessons. I don’t really have a hard deadline for finishing the whole program. I study for roughly half an hour every day on weekdays and about 8 hours on the weekends with the intent to make a habit out of it.

Q: What’s your end goal after graduating from Altcademy?

At my current job, I use the software and deal with customers so much that I understand clearly where people get confused and frustrated. This is a vital part of becoming a software tester and a software developer. Building software is not only about the know-how but also about understanding users and delivering what they want.