Ida McCarty
Career Path: Full-Time Software Engineering
Director of Products to Manager at Deloitte
Before Coding Temple: External Manufacturing Manager at Beyond Meat
After Coding Temple: Digital Foundry & Operate Manager @ Deloitte
What motivated you to enroll in a tech bootcamp?
Laid off during covid-19, in March 2020. Wanted to update my technology skill set.
Why did you ultimately decide to enroll at Coding Temple?
Qualified for a full scholarship with Coding Temple’s partnership with City of Chicago – Chicago Codes
What was the most challenging part of the program for you and how did you overcome it?
Overcoming my idea that my age was going to prove to be a detriment to learning, with people younger and more agile.
What was the most valuable lesson or skill you learned during the program?
SQL and data science
What resources did you find most helpful during the program?
Going over the homework, and having one on one sessions with tutors
What was the job search process like and how did Coding Temple prepare you for your current job?
It was longer than expected. Coding Temple taught me how to persevere, especially in technical questions
How has your career progressed since graduating from Coding Temple, and what are your future career goals?
I am currently a Digital Foundry & Operate Manager for Deloitte. It is a dream job, because my age, experience, and updated skills acquired at Coding Temple are an asset to the company.
How did Coding Temple compare to your expectations, and what surprised you the most about the experience?
The intensity of the coursework, required homework, and dedication to learning for 10 weeks was unexpected. I was expecting a break, but we worked from 9-6pm m-f, and then had projects on the weekends. The most rewarding surprise has been the alumni support, post graduation from Coding Temple. They offer refresher courses, assistance with interview questions, resume assistance, job leads, and forum to chat, and job verification support.
What advice do you have for current or prospective bootcamp students in terms of preparing for and succeeding at Coding Temple?
If you are dedicating to learning something totally unfamiliar to you, and you are willing to stretch outside your comfort zone – then Coding Temple is for you. Be willing to feel totally overwhelmed immediately. But through dedication from knowledgeable staff and trust in your team, you will conquer the beast aka python.