Q: Tell us about yourself! Which city do you live in?

My name is Marina, and I currently reside in Chicago in the US. I work as a market researcher for a tech company, which involves analyzing websites daily. This exposure to websites sparked my interest in web development, as I found myself wanting to understand how to build and fix websites.

Q: Is this your first time learning to code?

Although I have a non-tech background, I've dabbled in coding languages like R and Python. I also took a web development course that wasn't as intensive as a bootcamp, but it piqued my interest in web development. Now, I'm fully diving into web development through Altcademy's bootcamp program.

Q: What made you take the leap and join a coding bootcamp?

I enjoyed the web development course I took earlier, so I decided to invest in a bootcamp to gain more in-depth knowledge and follow a structured learning path. The deadlines in the bootcamp help keep me motivated and on track. The reason I took the leap was from dissatisfaction in my current day job and wanting to pursue something that has been a growing interest of mine, which is web development.

Q: How are you doing so far in the program?

I've completed HTML and CSS and am currently working my way through JavaScript. Although I'm not halfway through yet, I've found that my prior coding experience has helped me grasp some concepts more quickly. However, I still encounter challenges and have to work through them, especially with JavaScript being fairly new to me.

Q: What challenges have you faced in learning to code, and how did you overcome them?

In HTML and CSS, I sometimes struggled with technical aspects like aligning elements in a particular way. With JavaScript, I understand the concepts, but I need more practice in creating functions and grasping the intricacies of the language. I enjoy challenging myself and refuse to give up until I've figured out a solution to a problem. Having access to a mentor like David, Altcademy's frontend mentor, has also been incredibly helpful in overcoming challenges.

Q: What are your goals after finishing the coding bootcamp?

Ideally, I'd like to transition into a developer role. My plan is to work with someone at my current company to gain real-world experience by tagging along on junior developer projects. This way, I can apply the skills I've learned in the bootcamp while also gaining practical experience that will help me secure a job in the field.

Q: How do you plan to use your coding skills in your current job or future career?

I hope to apply my coding skills to improve websites and user experiences. As someone who enjoys building and creating things, I believe that a career in web development will allow me to utilize my skills and passions effectively.

Join Marina and countless others in their coding journeys with Altcademy! Whether you're looking to transition into a new career, enhance your current skill set, or explore a new hobby, Altcademy's coding bootcamp has the resources and support to help you succeed.