When having more coding experience lets you reach higher

From Yoga Studio Manager to Multimedia Specialist

"As you work with code, it slowly becomes more attainable and you might not even recognize you are getting it. Keep going, don't give up, and know that every minute you spend focusing, devoting, and paying attention will be worth it down the line."

This is Emily Okie, a Nucamp Bootcamp Alum and now a Multimedia Specialist at Solers Research Group.

Emily has been passionate about Yoga for 20 years and though there was immense satisfaction in it for her, it wasn't a career that could support her and her family.

The motivations to get into coding

With a little bit of coding experience in Action Script and a professional background in graphic design (as well as Yoga), changing careers seemed like a stretch.

She took opportunities to flex her graphic design abilities for the Yoga studio and started feeling the desire to do more technical work.

She started looking into coding bootcamps, which all seemed really expensive. Ultimately, it was Nucamp's affordability led her to choose Nucamp's Full Stack bootcamp.

What it was like taking a Nucamp Bootcamp

Bootstrap helped Emily understand her own foundational knowledge. After finishing the Bootstrap module, she had a clearer picture of what she had down pat vs. what she needed to work on and how much time she needed to spend on learning new concepts.

As the bootcamp progressed, the material became very challenging. The languages seemed so different, but the more she persisted, the more attainable they felt. Working with a team was instrumental in her understanding as well.

Landing a job early

A previous colleague had reached out to her about a position at their company. They needed someone with a wide range of technical abilities and Emily's exposure to all the concepts in a Nucamp Bootcamp fit the bill.

What originally was predicted to be a shot in the dark hit the bulls eye. She was able to offer technical insight she learned directly from the bootcamp,during the interview, that helped solve a real problem the company was facing.

She was also told that she was chosen over other applicants because she had more coding experience. Emily is grateful that her new job better enables her to support her family.

Emily's advice to someone just starting out and thinking about getting into coding:

"Just because you're not the absolutely expert on any particular technology, the field is so widespread, it is absolutely attainable to get into a field that is in demand. You can do it, don't give up. Take the time, do the work."

One of Emily's primary drives is to encourage and empower other people, especially through the current challenges they are facing.