Joanne

Tell us a little bit about you/your background e.g. previous coding experience, job situation before the course, motivations for taking on a coding course etc

I have been an intensive care nurse for more than 11 years now, and before this course I have learned a scripting language and worked as a junior web developer in a healthcare digital agency. I learned a bit of JavaScript too but wanted to learn more.

What are your plans following the course/what have you achieved already?

I ended up having a job offer about 7-8 weeks into the course, which was great! I currently work as a junior software developer in a company making healthcare software, the perfect combination of my passions.

Why did you choose Manchester Codes over other courses?

I chose Manchester Codes because I like the idea of a part-time coding course. I don't think life should stop because you wanted to do something else.

What did you enjoy most about Manchester Codes?

I enjoyed the material they teach and the pace at which they delivered it. The teachers/mentors and my classmates are fantastic. If they can teach a nurse how to code, I reckon they can teach anybody!

What did you find most challenging?

EVERYTHING. I can still vividly remember the console errors I got making the projects (and still get them every now and then).

How did you find balancing the course with your other commitments?

The appeal of this part-time yet intensive course was that it didn't require me to stop my normal day-to-day life for this. It also gave me time to get into grips with the concepts. They (teachers) are always ready to help.

Anything else you'd like to add about your experience on the course?

I have learned that in software development, just learning the concepts and being able to do them is not enough. There a lot of "soft skills" involved in it too. The course is designed to teach those too.

If someone was on the fence about doing the course, what would you tell them?

I have been telling everybody to do it. Basic programming knowledge is a vital skill of the future. This course goes beyond the basics-- it makes a good future-proof career.

What advice would you give to others who are doing the course now?

You can do it! It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Perseverance, the thirst to learn more, humility and being easy on yourself go a long way in this industry.