Applying Before You're Ready - The Bold Move That Paid Off

From Technical Support to Systems Administrator at MRI Software

This is Matt Neary of Mesa, Arizona.

His journey from Tech Support to Systems Administrator was paved with determination, a love for technology, and the structured learning environment provided by Nucamp Coding Bootcamp. His story showcases how Nucamp can help open doors to exciting new career opportunities, even before graduation.

Matt's story begins with a long-standing passion for tech. "I've actually always worked in tech in some capacity," he reflects. From his college days as a student assistant in IT to roles in tech support and sales, Matt's career has been firmly rooted in the digital realm. However, as time went on, he found himself yearning for a change.

After four years in a demanding tech support and sales role, he felt the strain on his work-life balance.

"My work-life balance just kind of went out the window"

Matt recalls. "I'd be hopping on(line), on the weekends or my days off to close something or keeping an eye on my emails... having to be on my phone all the time."

This realization sparked Matt's interest in coding. He had dabbled in HTML during the MySpace days and had some exposure to SQL in his tech support roles. But it was the desire to step back from customer-facing roles and consider the technical side that led him to consider a coding bootcamp.

Matt's journey to Nucamp wasn't immediate. He started with self-paced online resources. However, he soon hit a plateau.

"I felt like I was sorta hitting a wall, where it was almost like, you learn so much and then (it's) hard to take the next steps." 

That's when Nucamp caught his eye. The part-time structure and affordability of Nucamp's programs aligned perfectly with Matt's needs. "I needed something not like, one of those eight week, 40 hours a week (bootcamps)," he says. "I just needed something part time." Nucamp's blend of self-scheduled learning during the week and instructor-led sessions on Saturdays provided the ideal balance.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Matt's story was his decision to start applying for jobs before he felt fully prepared.

"I would encourage people to begin applying to jobs before they feel ready," he advises, "largely because you'll never fully feel like you're ready."

This bold move paid off in a big way. Matt landed a job as a Systems Administrator about a month before completing his Nucamp bootcamp. "I started that job about a month... before I finished. So right in the middle of bootcamp." he said proudly.

Matt's success didn't come without effort. He applied to over 100 jobs, tailoring each application to the specific role. "I was probably applying for three or four jobs a day at least, even on work days and then on the weekends, maybe like 10 in a day," he reveals.

His perseverance paid off. After a month of applications, Matt suddenly found himself with multiple interviews a day and eventually three job offers to choose from.

In his current role as a systems administrator, Matt works with APIs, SQL, and other technologies he learned at Nucamp. While it's not a traditional software development role, Matt finds it fulfilling. "I love the job. I love all the people I work with. I love the work-life balance," he enthuses.

Reflecting on his journey, Matt offers valuable advice to those considering a coding bootcamp:

"If you're thinking about it, you're thinking about it for a reason...what's the harm... a lot of hours of your time, sure, but at the end of the day, take the risk."

Matt's journey with Nucamp not only provided him with new technical skills but also led him to a role that offers the work-life balance he had been seeking. As Matt puts it,

"Sometimes we don't know the the plan for our lives, but that's perfectly fine. It'll work out better than we even want sometimes."

For those standing at the crossroads of their tech careers, Matt's experience serves as an inspiring reminder: with dedication, the right educational support, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, you too can forge a path to a more fulfilling tech career. Nucamp might just be the catalyst you need to take that first step.