So, about a month ago, I applied for a software engineering
fellowship at Hackbright Academy. Now, why did I do this when I'm an
artist?
Well, let's go back many years ago to my first degree. You see, I have a B.S. in Mathematics with a Specialization in Computing from UCLA. The Specialization in Computing was the math department's way of saying 'minor'. All this meant was that I took a few classes in programming: Pascal, C, Assembly. And back then, none of the classes made sense to me. I mean, it partially did, but I never figured out how to apply what I learned. It wasn't until I had my first iPod that I figured out how useful pointers to memory locations in lists were.
So, for years and years, I thought of myself as someone who could use software very well, but not much good when it came to the nuts and bolts of programming. Until I taught myself some basic HTML... Until I took a few scripting classes and realized that programming was starting to make sense to me. Suddenly, I started regretting not learning more programming or sticking with it all those years ago.
Now, I did think to myself that it was too late. I'm over 40. What am I doing thinking of changing careers again (I have had many different jobs in the past 20 years or so)? And besides, I really don't have the time nor the patience to sit through a college class and get another degree (I have two Bachelors of Science already.)
I tried taking a few online programming classes, but they weren't all that satisfying. One was so bad that I didn't even finish. But, I had ideas of applications I wanted to write (not surprisingly for pottery). I just had no idea how to create the application.
So, there I was, hating my job and bored too. Not really able to save enough money and not sure how to get out. I did apply for new jobs but that was going nowhere. And, I wasn't even sure I wanted to be a digital artist anymore. Yes, I love art, but I am really sick of virtual goods. And honestly, I'm not spending enough time trying to build an Empower Network team.
What was I going to do? I was stuck. But then, I learned about Hackbright Academy, a software engineering fellowship/developer bootcamp that could take novices or people who know nothing about programming and turn them into software engineers. In 12 weeks... Yes, I would have to quit my job (if I even got accepted) and yes, it would cost $15,000. BUT, I could more than make up that amount of money with a new job - they have about a 90% job placement rate. And, they only accepted women because they are trying to help bring more women into tech.
I applied. Got interviewed by someone who knew one of my pottery friends. Then, got interviewed by one of the founders (who is 17 years younger than I am... yeesh). And less than a week later, I found out. I got in.
I nearly squealed out loud. I was shaking as I typed instant messages to tell my friends and co-workers the good news. I could barely dial my phone to tell my mom.
And so, come the end of September, I shall be going back to school. I could not be more excited.
Well, let's go back many years ago to my first degree. You see, I have a B.S. in Mathematics with a Specialization in Computing from UCLA. The Specialization in Computing was the math department's way of saying 'minor'. All this meant was that I took a few classes in programming: Pascal, C, Assembly. And back then, none of the classes made sense to me. I mean, it partially did, but I never figured out how to apply what I learned. It wasn't until I had my first iPod that I figured out how useful pointers to memory locations in lists were.
So, for years and years, I thought of myself as someone who could use software very well, but not much good when it came to the nuts and bolts of programming. Until I taught myself some basic HTML... Until I took a few scripting classes and realized that programming was starting to make sense to me. Suddenly, I started regretting not learning more programming or sticking with it all those years ago.
Now, I did think to myself that it was too late. I'm over 40. What am I doing thinking of changing careers again (I have had many different jobs in the past 20 years or so)? And besides, I really don't have the time nor the patience to sit through a college class and get another degree (I have two Bachelors of Science already.)
I tried taking a few online programming classes, but they weren't all that satisfying. One was so bad that I didn't even finish. But, I had ideas of applications I wanted to write (not surprisingly for pottery). I just had no idea how to create the application.
So, there I was, hating my job and bored too. Not really able to save enough money and not sure how to get out. I did apply for new jobs but that was going nowhere. And, I wasn't even sure I wanted to be a digital artist anymore. Yes, I love art, but I am really sick of virtual goods. And honestly, I'm not spending enough time trying to build an Empower Network team.
What was I going to do? I was stuck. But then, I learned about Hackbright Academy, a software engineering fellowship/developer bootcamp that could take novices or people who know nothing about programming and turn them into software engineers. In 12 weeks... Yes, I would have to quit my job (if I even got accepted) and yes, it would cost $15,000. BUT, I could more than make up that amount of money with a new job - they have about a 90% job placement rate. And, they only accepted women because they are trying to help bring more women into tech.
I applied. Got interviewed by someone who knew one of my pottery friends. Then, got interviewed by one of the founders (who is 17 years younger than I am... yeesh). And less than a week later, I found out. I got in.
I nearly squealed out loud. I was shaking as I typed instant messages to tell my friends and co-workers the good news. I could barely dial my phone to tell my mom.
And so, come the end of September, I shall be going back to school. I could not be more excited.
There is another really good training center to learn everything in UI. Its called Go-Live Labs, They actually turned out to be an amazing deal for me.
ReplyDeleteThey offered me Free – Yes FREE!!!! 12 weeks programs – The most complete program I could ever dream of.
The catch? You have to work with them in a consulting role for one year. Or you pay $8000 in 4 installments if you leave and join a full time position. Compare that to others now!
I recently interviewed with them and got in. Check out their website. Not only do they give one on one attention to all of us in class (small class of 6) but also have a career department that actively circulates our resumes and gets us interviews. The previous batch got some awesome job offers since they knew all the latest JavaScript Frameworks like Angular JS, Backbone JS & Core OO JS.
There is an interview but it’s mostly to assess how seriously you are pursuing a career in UI/UX and if you know basic programming. They demand minimum 40 hours in their classroom and Lab per week. They do 3 classes of 4 hours each per week.
They are still growing so you may not have heard of it. I am learning so much! They are in Sunnyvale downtown on Murphy Street with a nice Training and Lab space. Check them out here http://GoLiveLabs.io