How I Became a Software Developer

"The course experience was really cool. I looked forward to each session with enthusiasm and curiosity about what we were going to learn.

Our trainer always had a motivating attitude, and I left each session thinking about the next one. "

Bogdan is a graduate of the Python Programming Course at IT School, who successfully transitioned into the programming field. Having worked in the HoReCa industry during his student years, Bogdan felt that his academic specialization was not the right fit for him and decided to pursue a career in a promising field.

Driven by curiosity about Python’s functionalities, Bogdan developed a passion for this niche and continued his learning journey even after completing the course.

Discover his story, the lessons he learned, and how he managed to secure a job as a Software Developer.

Tell us more about yourself. What field were you working in before IT School, and what was your role?

I worked in Hospitality. Jobs in this industry were quite accessible for me as a student at that time. Unfortunately, university wasn’t what I expected it to be, so it took me a while to find something that truly attracted me professionally.

What motivated you to switch careers to IT/Python?

While I was still a student, I started flirting with the idea of learning a programming language because I had heard that it would be useful later in the career I had set my mind to at that point. I began playing around with Python and found it fascinating. I became almost obsessed with learning as much as possible and discovering what I could achieve with this language. That’s when I realized that this was the direction I wanted to pursue.

Did you have any prior knowledge of the technologies taught in the course, or did you do research beforehand?

I had minimal knowledge. By playing around with Python before taking the course, I grasped some of the fundamental concepts of the language.

Why did you choose IT School?

Choosing an academy where I could specialize was one of the toughest decisions. I had several options. I did extensive research, read reviews, and even managed to talk to a few people who had completed IT School programs. Their positive feedback ultimately convinced me to choose IT School.

Briefly describe your experience during the course.

The course experience was really cool. I looked forward to each session with enthusiasm and curiosity about what we were going to learn. Our trainer always had a motivating attitude, and I left each session thinking about the next one. Concepts that initially seemed very complex started to become simpler and easier to understand. All of these kept me motivated throughout the course.

Did you have any fears or difficult moments during the course? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, there were difficult moments. But by continuing to learn, practice, and ask my trainer questions about everything I didn’t understand, I was eventually able to grasp every lesson and complete all the assignments, including the final project.

How were the career coaching sessions at IT School?

They were extremely useful. I had no idea it was possible to create a CV like the one presented to us during the career coaching sessions. All the advice on job-hunting and interviews had a massive impact on how I prepared to land my first job. Catalin was always prompt and helpful whenever I needed guidance.

What is the key lesson you took away from your trainer?

The lesson that stuck with me is that a programming language is just a tool. You can drive a nail into a wall using either a hammer or a rock. In the end, you’ll achieve the same result.

However, depending on the need, one tool may be more efficient than the other.

How long did it take you to get a job after completing the course?

About a year, but that was probably also due to the fact that I finished the course during the pandemic, when the job market wasn’t in great shape. I used that time to learn many complementary skills to enhance what I had learned in the course and to build a portfolio, which was incredibly helpful during job interviews.

What is your current role, and what does your job involve?

I have been working as a Software Developer for two years now, mainly in backend development, at Amdaris. My job involves implementing software solutions, writing code to solve specific problems, and collaborating with the team to ensure the functionality and efficiency of client products. I am involved in various stages of development, from requirements analysis to testing and continuous improvement of applications.

Although I took the Python course, I now work extensively with .NET ecosystem technologies such as C# and ASP.NET, as well as frontend technologies like Angular and React.

What do you like most about your new job/industry?

The satisfaction of launching a new feature, finding and fixing bugs, and working with open-minded people and mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and guide you through the learning process.

What’s next for you? What new goals do you want to achieve?

Right now, I’m preparing to reach the Senior level in my current position. That’s my main goal, and in 2024, I want to get as close as possible to achieving it.

What advice would you give to those considering a career change but don’t know how to take the first step?

Don’t make the financial gain your main motivation. If you do, you’ll be holding yourself back. Do a bit of research, figure out which niche you’d enjoy working in. Learn the basics and play around with them. If it makes you want to learn more and explore further, then you’ve found a passion. Nurture it, and you’ll be on the right path.

Inspired by Bogdan’s story? Interest or even simple curiosity about a different field can open doors to new career opportunities.

Here’s what your learning experience could look like in our Python Programming course.