The best time of the bootcamp, by far in my opinion, was Demo Day (when we presented the web app we built) with the “mad rush” that accompanied it. Having worked in the logistics industry, I had a lot of experience with stressful, non-tech projects. But this was an entirely different thrill! At the same time, Project Weeks (where we worked in teams to build the web app) helped me to feel, not only that I was learning, but also that I was actually capable of building something.
I was inspired to learn how to code by a strong desire to build something new, using my creativity. This is also the reason I left my previous job in logistics. Throughout my life I’ve placed huge importance on my freedom, and my creativity. If I go a day without creating, I feel bad! But I also joined Le Wagon simply to learn. I’ve always wanted to learn as much as I can. In my opinion, age is just a number. You should never stop learning! During, and since, the bootcamp, I’m learning something new every day. That makes me very happy.
Although I’ve always had respect for Computer Science (CS) Degrees, in my case I didn’t have the time to study for 3-4 years. Instead, I wanted to jump into the wild as soon as possible. And I’m a survivor, so I thought, one way or another, I’ll manage this. In order to succeed, I knew I needed to dedicate myself fully, work hard, stay discipled and motivated. That’s what helped me finish the bootcamp…
Looking back, I would summarize my experience with Le Wagon as “learning how to survive, and even thrive, in only 9 weeks”. Words that spring to mind to describe the experience are hard-work, discipline, and motivation. The truth is that learning this much in a short amount of time, I was suffering every day, but the fun fact is that I truly enjoyed that!
Le Wagon’s teachers really helped me with the whole experience. All of them were great. Learning from teachers who understand you and know what you are going through, who are empathetic, that’s the best way to learn how to code. How the teachers and the curriculum were able to cover every element of this “coding life” in just 9 weeks is amazing. Bootcamps are definitely not easy, but once you’ve finished, it is totally worth the pain at the end of the day.
Outside of “pure learning”, Le Wagon Istanbul organized lots of other things, including webinars, which I was very glad to attend. They were extremely helpful to get advice for completing the bootcamp from alumni, or to understand what it’s like to work in tech from actual Software Developers. But also, it helped us to understand what is possible in the near, and distant, future.
Once I graduated, I wasn’t afraid of being alone, because being part of Le Wagon’s global alumni community is an amazing opportunity. I already got the help of the community when I was stuck during the bootcamp, and afterwards when I continued to work in tech. I think this is one of the best parts of Le Wagon. Furthermore, thanks to “Career Week”, I was able to prepare myself for getting a job in tech, and during this week, I actually met my future employer, and landed my first job in tech soon afterwards!
Now my plan is to keep on learning every day, and to keep getting better and better at coding. Being both creative and productive is what makes me most happy in this life!
