CodeSpace Case Study
From scientist to software developer.
Tirelo's Story
After studying science and working as a teacher, Tirelo discovered coding through self-study and fell in love with its logic and problem-solving. She joined CodeSpace to deepen her skills and landed a Junior Software Developer role soon after she graduated. Now thriving in a supportive team, her story shows that career changes are possible and that you don’t need a traditional degree to succeed in tech.
Life before learning to code
Before learning to code, I studied Geology and Environmental Sciences at UCT. I did my undergrad and postgrad before I realised that I could not see myself in the career pathways that were on offer. I then went into teaching while I figured out what I wanted to do with the rest of my career. While I was teaching, I came across some online courses and did the basics of HTML and CSS and learnt more about the tech industry. I realised that I really liked the problem-solving and logic aspect of coding and when I found out that I didn’t need a degree to pursue a career in tech, I was sold. That’s when I decided to continue growing my coding skills with CodeSpace.
"When I found out that I didn’t need a degree to pursue a career in tech, I was sold. That’s when I decided to continue growing my coding skills with CodeSpace."
Where coding has taken me
I am now a Junior Software Developer. The environment is nurturing and trusting of me to learn and grow. I am learning and expanding my skills every single day.
As a woman in the tech industry, I don’t feel like a minority in the sense that my team has not made me feel like that is a factor in how I’m being treated. I have met way more women in this space than I thought I would, however I am the only woman in my team.
How I landed my first job in tech
When I graduated from CodeSpace, I got a referral for a junior software developer position. I had a quick telephone interview and then the company invited me to an in-person interview.
"I am now a Junior Software Developer."
During that interview, they asked me about why I decided to move from science to tech and I really had to advocate for my decision. It was challenging because this was my first ever formal interview. After that I did a technical assessment and about a month later, I was offered the job.
My coding learning journey
My first exposure to the world of coding was through Youtubers from all sorts of different backgrounds who had successfully entered the tech industry after teaching themselves to code. I decided to give it a go.
I started learning to code through a year of self study. I did a bootcamp on my own and created my own schedule. I created my own structured program with all the resources I could get my hands on.
I then got a notification about CodeSpace’s Software Development program run in partnership with the Bafokeng Code Lab. I applied for the program and got in!
During my time studying through CodeSpace, I attended classes from Monday to Friday at the Bafokeng Code Lab. The most challenging part was learning how to work with other people, but this teamwork prepared me for what the real world work environment is like.The program provided me with great structure and my code coach was always there to help me.
Takeaways
- Don’t be afraid to change directions to find a career that works for you.
- There are so many ways to enter the tech industry. Look out for different opportunities to study, whether it is self-study, a bootcamp, or a degree.