CodeSpace Case Study
From hustling job to job to financial security.
Bukho's Story
Bukho worked in promotions and sales, which left her feeling drained and job-hopping to keep up with the cost of living. After rediscovering her passion for tech, she studied Software Development at CodeSpace, leading to an internship in QA testing that pivoted her career. Now a certified QA analyst pursuing a BSc in Computing, Bukho has transitioned to a Test Analyst role, proving that dedication and the right support can result in a thriving career and financial security.
Life before learning to code
Bukho was working in promotions before pursuing financial freedom and career security in tech.
Before learning to code, life was a lot less structured. I started studying Psychology, but it wasn't for me, so I started working in promotions and sales. As an introvert, working in sales was very draining! I also had to keep going from job to job to keep up with the costs of living. While I didn't love my job in sales, it taught me the soft skill of communication I would need in my future career.
I decided to pursue a career in tech for the financial freedom and security that came with the industry.
"I decided to pursue a career in tech for the financial freedom and security that came with the industry."
Where coding has taken me
Since graduating, Bukho became a certified QA analyst and is pursuing a Computing degree.
My world has opened up since starting my career in the tech industry. I have gotten to work on lots of cool things and received really great opportunities. Just before I landed my first job in tech, I was almost homeless. But since working in tech, I have been able to provide more and help my family out. It is a privilege!
I’ve just passed my ISTQB-CTFL exam and am a certified QA analyst! I know that this certification will open up lots more doors for me.
I am using my CodeSpace experience to further my studies and get more experience and skills. I've just started my BSc in Computing through UNISA!
My experience in the tech industry has been transformative. I've grown in both skill and confidence! My manager and team have been so willing to help me as I learn. I've learned that there are so many ways to join the industry. Some people are self-taught, some joined from a bootcamp, and some through a degree in Computer Science. So, there is a path for everyone to be able to work in tech. The industry is growing and there is a need for more people to join it! You always hear that there are no jobs, but there are so many opportunities.
Path from graduation to here
An internship in quality assurance led Bukho down an unexpected career path.
When I graduated, I initially received lots of rejections to my job applications until I received an offer for a role as a QA Intern. This internship opened my eyes to what QA testing is and showed me the value of what people do in the QA space. After completing my internship, my outlook on the whole tech industry broadened, and I'm so grateful!
Based on my internship experience, CodeSpace's employment support team secured me an interview for a role as a Junior QA Analyst. During the interview process, I had an in-person interview where I was asked about my experience and knowledge of QA. I also had to test my skills in a technical interview. Both interviews went really well. The next day, I got a call to say I'd gotten the job! It was a quick and seamless process!
When I landed my junior role, my salary doubled!
When I was working as a Junior QA Analyst, I had to play the role of every member of a testing team for the product I was responsible for, and my practical and theoretical knowledge grew rapidly. It has been really cool for me to experience the full might of testing. I've had to speak to stakeholders, and as an introvert, that has grown a muscle I didn't even know I had.
I’ve now just landed a new job as a Test Analyst at a new company and I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I’ve learned that I have highly employable skills that open doors for me.
How I landed my first job in tech
CodeSpace provided her with the financial, coaching, and career support she needed to succeed.
In high school, I was really great at IT, but I was discouraged from pursuing it in university because I believed it was for mega-smart people. I didn't feel like I was at that level, and I felt like I would fail if I pursued it.
"I’ve just passed my ISTQB-CTFL exam and am a certified QA analyst! I know that this certification will open up lots more doors for me."
One day, while scrolling through social media, I came across someone's story about their coding journey. It reminded me of my love for IT and inspired me to look at how I could learn to code, too. I applied for an income share agreement to study Software Development through CodeSpace and got it.
I felt super supported at CodeSpace. I had lots of different people supporting me during my learning journey. While studying, I received practical support from the program coordinators and my code coach. I also received financial support from the Chancen ISA, which was necessary for someone from a difficult economic background like me. I even had support with preparing for employment from a career coach. This support made my time at CodeSpace the best learning experience since primary school.
The next phase was tough because it took me a while to find a job. I started freelancing for a company through CodeSpace’s employer network. After a while freelancing, they saw my skills and desire to grow and hired me as a permanent employee.
When they hired me as a Junior Tester, my salary was double my previous intern salary. Now, in my new job, my salary has doubled again.
Takeaways
- Don’t be afraid to pivot in the tech industry. I studied Software Development, but through my internship I decided to pursue QA testing.
- If you'd like to work in QA, connect with other testers and learn from them. Get a mentor to help you navigate the space more easily. Everyone is willing to help.
- If you can, get certified as a QA. Some companies will even pay for you to get your certification.
- You don’t need to be mega-smart to study something in tech. Tech is for everyone.