How Leeten Went Back Into Software Development after 20+ years

While a lot of our Le Wagon students are new to coding, we also teach people who want to get back into Software Development after working in another industry. It was Leeten’s case: After studying Computer Science, his career took another direction and he joined Le Wagon to go back into coding. Today, he’s a Junior Software Engineer at IOOF!

'The experience at Le Wagon has certainly opened my eyes to the new era of full-stack development.'

Hi! Can you introduce yourself to our community?

Hello! My name is Leeten, I turned 51 during my Le Wagon Part-Time coding Bootcamp. I was born in Malaysia, studied in Australia since the age of 12 and got a degree in computer science at Monash University. I have been a proud Melbournian for almost 40 years. I have three teenage boys and I love cycling, creativity in food, and technologies that help people.

What did you do before joining Le Wagon in Melbourne?

As young as a grade 3 student, I was programming a little Casio. Even back then, I knew that I would always like coding to solve problems. However, job prospects had brought me to the consulting world in Data, Business Intelligence, and Architecture in the last 20+ years. I decided to join Le Wagon Part-Time Batch to get back into Software Development.

How would you describe your experience in Le Wagon?

The experience at Le Wagon has certainly opened my eyes to the new era of full-stack development. It was perfect for updating my skills in full-stack development, with so much support from teachers online and on campus. Although coding was really fun, it was working with the rest of the batch that was interesting and challenging at times. Everyone was from very different backgrounds and had different skills and abilities. During the project weeks and while pair-programming, I learned a lot about my weaknesses and strength!

Leeten and the rest of his Batch (Batch #588) in 2021.

So, what’s up since you graduated?

I count myself fortunate to have been offered a couple of roles within 2 months of applying. I landed in a Junior Software Engineer role at IOOF. Being a junior, I am still learning about the technology stacks, the code base, and how to work with business users to make small improvements. I hope I’ll still be working in development in a more creative role. I’ll always be looking to develop enterprise applications to make a positive difference to businesses and communities in Australia!

What would you say to someone thinking about joining the course?

If you would like to step into the world of software development, Le Wagon is certainly a great place to start that journey. After finishing the Bootcamp, you would be in a much better place in pursuing a career in software development.