Student Spotlight: Tech Transformation and Growing Representation

From studying languages and bouldering, working as a product manager or an ICU nurse, you would think their worlds couldn’t be further apart or further from coding careers, but now these three women are finding the many connections between their previous careers and experiences, and the new tech world they are entering. 

As well as being united by their shared passion for tech, Celeste, Hannah and Camilla are also passionate about helping other women to follow in their footsteps. 

What inspired you to pursue your studies in tech, and how did you choose your specific area of focus?

Celeste: I have worked previously as a product manager. I was fortunate to meet and work with many exceptionally skilled developers and technical leaders.

Inspired by my colleagues, I became increasingly interested in the technical craftsmanship involved in building products and increasingly keen to build out my own. This led me to further studies in software development at Coder Academy.

In particular, I sought expertise as a full-stack developer in order to independently build and maintain complete products. 

Hannah: I witnessed the peak of tech advancement during my formative years and became fascinated with what it made possible. However, in a career sense, it never felt within reach. Looking back, I now wonder if it was because I didn’t know any women entering the field. This uncertainty led me to pursue a career in nursing, which I viewed as a more secure option at the time. 

Like many nurses, post-COVID burnout led me to explore other career options. Interestingly, it was my decade-long experience in healthcare that reignited my passion for tech. Having seen healthcare’s tech transformation, as well as the growing representation of women within the tech industry, I was inspired to finally pursue a dormant dream of mine and try my hand at programming. 

I ultimately decided on a full stack web development bootcamp in order to gain both frontend and backend development experience, figuring this would provide a solid foundation and give me space to explore my preferences in each area.

Camilla: My passion for computers began with a deep curiosity about how things work. From a young age, I was the go-to person in my family for resolving tech-related issues, which sparked my interest in technology. 

As I grew up I enjoyed watching people playing video games like “Detroit: Become Human”, “Until Dawn” and “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II”. The storytelling, human-like characters and the technology used like the MetaHuman framework, made me inspired to pursue a tech career.

How do you see your education at Coder Academy preparing you for your future career?

Hannah: After a lot of research regarding different coding bootcamps, I signed up for Coder Academy’s Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp and never looked back. Throughout this bootcamp, I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience with various technologies and frameworks, which has been invaluable in building my technical skills. 

The project-based learning approach has allowed me to solidify these skills by applying them in real-world contexts. I feel that the well-rounded nature of this program has equipped me with the skill set required to assimilate into real-world scenarios; learning about the history of the internet, computer science fundamentals, programming languages, algorithmic logic and industry expectations. 

It was striking to me how supportive and collaborative the learning environment was; emphasising teamwork and communication, which are not only essential skills for software development, but made me feel safe to learn freely without judgement. I’m excited to take these experiences into my career and make a meaningful impact in the industry.

Are there any particular areas of tech that you’re passionate about? If so, what draws you to them?

Hannah: Yes! There are several areas I feel passionate about that I’d ideally love to integrate into my future career. As it turns out, I have a deep thirst for machine learning and artificial intelligence. The potential of these technologies to analyse data, uncover insights and democratise this information is truly fascinating to me. I think its potential to develop tools that streamline mundane tasks, inspire fresh ideas and provide predictive insights will allow teams more time to focus on creativity and problem-solving. I’m definitely keen to delve further into data science.

What particularly thrills me is the application of machine learning in healthcare. As an ICU nurse, I’ve witnessed the complexities and demands of patient care firsthand. I want to explore how AI can enhance patient outcomes by providing data-driven insights, such as predicting patient deterioration through vital sign trends.

What impact do you hope to have in the tech industry after you graduate?

Hannah: I’ve been inspired by the use of tablet applications that optimise communication between intubated patients and clinical staff. Witnessing the positive impact of these tools has motivated me to envision ways of integrating my software development skills with my knowledge of the healthcare system. By integrating these two fields, I hope to make a meaningful impact on both patient care and the support provided to healthcare professionals.

How has your experience at Coder Academy shaped your goals for the future?

Celeste: My experience at Coder Academy has given me the confidence and skills to pursue more ambitious goals.

My classmates and teachers have opened my eyes to what I might be capable of.

The experience also reaffirmed for me how fun and rewarding it is to build new things, problem-solve and collaborate. 

Hannah: Entering the program as a coding neophyte, my experience at Coder Academy was transformative in shaping my goals for the future. The curriculum is rooted in the most current industry trends, equipping me with a solid foundation in coding and problem-solving while fostering a user-centric approach: 

Now I understand the most in-demand frameworks, languages and services, which has prepared me for the competitive landscape of tech. Plus, the program has encouraged me to think critically and creatively when designing projects, inspiring me to develop solutions that address real-world challenges. Most importantly, Coder Academy has emphasised the significance of continuous professional development, instilling in me the mindset needed to achieve success and truly make a difference within the industry.

Can you share a project or assignment from your studies that you’re particularly proud of?

Hannah: I’m particularly proud of the Web Server API I developed using Python. It mimics a social media framework, intended to provide a platform specifically for software developers who are interested in experimenting with and contributing to emerging technology innovation. Given it’s a backend framework, it’s not visually impressive. However, it required intricate mapping of complex entity relationships and implementation of these models.

Camilla: I’m particularly proud of a project I had to do a few months ago. The assignment was to build an API and, since I’m passionate about bouldering, my goal was to create a system for climbers to store rock climbing and bouldering locations, check the presence of events and create a community of climbing enthusiasts.

It was a long project, but it was very satisfying to see everything working correctly.

How do you approach problem-solving and critical thinking in your coursework?

Hannah: As an ICU nurse, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend years refining these skills. Throughout countless high-pressure scenarios in my previous career, I’ve learned how to quickly assess problems, gather relevant information and implement solutions efficiently. 

This experience has taught me to stay calm under pressure, think critically and, perhaps most importantly, prioritise tasks effectively. As I transition to software development, I’m able to apply the same approach to my coursework. I break down complex problems into manageable parts, analyse each component and explore various solutions before selecting the most appropriate route. But it’s essential to remain adaptable and embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. I can always be better, and I intend to be.

How do you stay motivated and manage your time while balancing studies, work, and personal life?

Hannah: Preserving life balance can be tricky. This is a skill I’ve had to master during my last career. I’ve found remaining consistent with rituals that are meaningful to you (sometimes something as simple as going to the gym) goes a long way. Personally, I’ve found reading and exercise are a good means of escape from the computer screen when my eyeballs start to ache.

Camilla: Trying to balance a full-time job, studying and personal life has not been easy. Learning something new is always demanding and coding takes a lot of practice other than studying the theory.

I keep a journal where I write down to-do lists to stay organised, and for me it works very well since I can plan out the week ahead and it also helps me feel less overwhelmed.

It’s essential to take breaks, and sometimes it’s ok to do nothing even if you had the day planned. In my downtime, I enjoy watching anime and TV series, and doing bouldering. Spending time with my friends certainly helps me navigate through life.

To keep myself motivated I keep reminding myself that everything I’m doing is for my future, and that to reach my goals I need to put in effort and hard work.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your education so far?

Hannah: I think one of the most rewarding aspects of my education so far has been discovering my capacity to learn something completely new. 

Coming into this bootcamp, I had zero coding experience. Throughout this journey, I’ve been amazed at my ability to understand concepts that once seemed overwhelming to me. Tracking my progress from writing simple functions to developing complete applications has been an exceptionally fulfilling experience. 

Additionally, being able to integrate the transferable soft skills from my previous career, which only enriched my learning experience and highlighted my existing strengths. This journey has made me realise I’m not incapable of learning something new, I was just scared to try.

How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your studies, and what strategies do you use to stay focused?

Hannah: Setbacks or challenges are not only common, but inevitable. Personally, I’ve found that if I’ve been blocked for long enough that I’m exploding with frustration, it’s time to walk away. Literally. The best thing for your mind is giving it a break. I’ve found that taking a long walk, going to the gym or just talking about something else entirely can reset your mind enough to find the solution. 

If it involves a particular programming issue, the rubber duck debugging method works. Explain the problem to someone you know, or even an inanimate object, and allow the solution to surface. 

Lastly, I believe in simply asking for help. By turning to your mentors or community, you can sometimes troubleshoot an issue ten times faster, saving yourself time and anguish – and maybe even inadvertently teaching others in the process.

Camilla: The first project for Coder Academy was to build a terminal app and since I didn’t have any prior knowledge before starting the course, I initially felt overwhelmed.

Because of the limited time, I first broke down the project into smaller tasks and tried to accomplish something every day, but the code didn’t quite work as expected.

I researched online, watched tutorial videos and looked up similar projects done by other people to understand how they tackled similar challenges. I also sought help from my teacher which was incredibly valuable.

What challenges have you faced as a woman studying tech, and how have you worked to overcome them?

Hannah: In my personal experience so far, I acknowledge I have been fortunate to not experience any overt hardships pertaining to gender-based prejudice. With that in mind, I believe simply being a minority within the industry can be challenging and intimidating on its own. Personally, the lack of representation in tech roles and perpetuation of stereotypes has led me to struggle with imposter syndrome at times. When this happens, I try to fixate on the success I’ve already achieved. I’ve also found it useful to actively seek out supportive communities that encourage open dialogue about these experiences. Engaging with other women in tech has helped me gain perspective and build resilience.

Camilla: I was born and grew up in Italy, I graduated in Japanese at university so many people asked me, “Why study computer science?”.

Well, there’s the old stereotype that guys are more inclined to study STEM fields while girls study languages. I was somewhat steered towards dedicating myself to languages too. I thought that studying computer science would be too difficult because of the mathematics involved, so I didn’t pursue it due to fear. But now I don’t feel different or less capable than a man; if a man can do it, I can do it too.

What advice would you give to other young women who are considering a career in tech?

Celeste: I would encourage any person starting out on a new path or challenge to ask for the help you need along the way and ask for the opportunities that you’d like to take on.

We often need less permission than we imagine.

Hannah: Entering a male-dominated industry like tech can be intimidating, but don’t let that deter you. Your voice and perspective are incredibly valuable. As a queer woman, I believe that diversity is essential in creating the best possible products that are free of bias and meet the needs of every user. A great example of this is accessibility design; by ensuring that the product accommodates individuals with disabilities not only broadens your audience but also enriches the user experience for everyone. 

Build a support network and seek mentorship with other women in the industry – allies are crucial! Failure is inevitable so don’t let it mess with your confidence. Remember, each setback is an opportunity for growth. The tech industry is a playground of creativity and problem-solving, so find joy in what you do – you absolutely belong here!

READ: Improving Neurodiversity in the Tech Industry

Camilla: Don’t let fear or prejudices hold you back. Think about what job you would like to do for the rest of your life and move towards that. Don’t do something just for your family or for how you’ll be perceived. And if you’re afraid to do something, just do it scared. 

Having a community that supports you is very important, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Tech is such a big field that, understandably, one can be overwhelmed. Try different things and speak with as many people as possible who are working in tech; they can lead you down a path you might not have even considered.

How do you view the role of women in tech, and how do you see yourself contributing to gender equity in the field?

Celeste: I don’t usually think about women’s “role in tech” or of women entering “tech” as a space.

It’s odd to think of technology as a separate and exclusive space to which entrance can be barred – isn’t it often technology that’s seeking entrance into our public and private spaces?

Given that technology has entered or taken up a place in all our lives – including the lives of women, it’s only right that we all participate in shaping and co-creating technology that we live with and alongside every day.

Hannah: As an aspiring software developer, I view the role of women in tech as vital for fostering innovation and diversity. I believe that women can offer unique perspectives and experience that make better products. I believe that every industry would benefit from a balanced representation, leading to better products and solutions that meet the needs of a broader audience. In order to make this a reality, I intend to actively mentor emerging female professionals starting out in tech. I’ll always advocate for policies that promote diversity within organisations, such as equitable hiring practices and supportive work cultures. 

Finally, I believe visibility is critical. I hope that by sharing my own journey and achievements, I can inspire women like me to pursue their dream careers in tech. Together, we can transform the landscape of technology and create a more equitable future in the field.

What are some of the common misconceptions about women in tech that you’ve encountered, and how do you address them?

Hannah: I think one of the main misconceptions about women in tech is that they’re less capable of learning the technical skills required to thrive in the roles that rely on this knowledge, such as programming. 

I think historically, stereotypes have been developed regarding men as more “handy” or “technical-minded”, which all genders have been guilty of perpetuating at times (even I used to rely on my brothers to fix the TV or internet in the past). 

I think that in order to encourage society to break free of these unconscious biases, it requires representation and action. I plan to address these by sharing success stories of women in tech, creating inclusive environments, encouraging mentorship programs and creating supportive networks for women interested in the industry. I hope that with my future experience, I can also one day be one of these women, to impart my knowledge to mentor fledgling female developers and bridge this gap.

How do you think educational institutions like Coder Academy can better support women in tech?

Celeste: Educational institutions and workplaces can support students and employees by investing in and championing flexible work practices.

This can go some way to reducing barriers to workplace participation for persons who have caregiving responsibilities. 

Coder Academy does this well by offering full time and part time delivery modes where classes are outside working hours, with lectures recorded and supplemented by self-paced resources. 

How do you stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in your field of study?

Hannah: One of the most wonderful things about entering the computer science field today is the wealth of resources and communities available online. Platforms like Medium, Substack, GitHub, Stack Overflow and YouTube provide discussions on a range of programming topics, making them invaluable resources for keeping your skills and knowledge up to date. 

Have you had any role models or mentors during your studies? How have they influenced you?

Camilla: Alex Holder, a Coder Academy teacher, has been a significant influence on my study path. Not only has he assisted me with assignments, but he has also been incredibly supportive and understanding whenever I sought advice.

My friends are also a major source of inspiration for me. They’re hard-working and strive for excellence. Their dedication to pursuing their dreams inspires me to work hard too. They push me to challenge myself and I’m very thankful and feel fortunate to have them in my life.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to bring your diverse perspectives to the tech world, just like Celeste, Hannah and Camilla, then a great place to start is by checking out the various opportunities offered by Coder Academy and others, such as the Diversity in Tech Scholarship or the Women in STEM Program.

Programs like these not only offer financial aid, but also a support network and the reassurance that others are cheering you on to succeed in your own journey into tech.