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Coding Dojo Alumni Success | Leiver Avila

From Process Assistant to Software Engineer | How Online Part-Time Alumni Leiver Avila Transformed His Career

Pre-Dojo:
  • Worked as a Process Assistant
  • Hit his limit in his career and wanted a new challenge
  • Had no coding experience and feared this would prevent him from succeeding in a bootcamp
After Dojo:
  • Works as a Software Engineering Intern at the Texas Advanced Computing Center
  • Has newfound confidence in his skills and voicing his opinions
  • Dreams of continuing his coding career and growing his skillset
Program: Online Part-Time Bootcamp
Testimonial:

Once graduation approached I felt great with everything I learned, and knew I was capable of finding and starting a new journey with the skills I learned. 

Tell us a little about yourself. Age, hobbies, passions, and what you were doing (professionally) before the bootcamp?

I’m 28 years old and my hobbies include reading manga in my free time, working on side projects for friends websites, and going to the gym. Prior to the bootcamp, I was working as a Process Assistant at Amazon. 

Beyond the desire of learning to code, why did you decide to enroll in a coding bootcamp? 

When looking into enrolling in the bootcamp, I knew that I had reached my limit with my current job and needed a change. I needed a new challenge with something I enjoyed doing and that was definitely what I started to see when I was making the decision to enroll.  

What fears or doubts were “holding you back” from enrolling? How did you get over them?

One of the biggest fears I had was wondering whether I could even succeed in the program while not knowing anything about coding. The main way I got over this fear, and most of my fears in general, was to actually try and see if I could do it.

What sealed the deal on Coding Dojo? Why did you choose us over other programs?

Coding Dojo was very helpful with the whole enrolling process and being affordable was another plus. I chose Coding Dojo because of the security they gave me with being able to do this and giving me more confidence.

What was it like getting ready for the bootcamp? Were you nervous, excited, etc.? How did you prepare?

I was very anxious, excited and a bit nervous when preparing to start the bootcamp. I prepared by looking into more of what I would be doing and looking into the basics before starting to actually do it myself. 

Walk us through your first few weeks in the program. What were the parts you liked? Parts you struggled with? 

The first few weeks were a bit intimidating but with time, I started to really enjoy it more and more. I loved that I always had access to someone that could help me with any questions I had. One of the main things I struggled with was actually putting things to work once I learned that specific material. 

How did you overcome the obstacles or struggles you faced? 

I overcame them by trying things out on my own and even when I failed it really helped me understand what the problem was and get through it

Do you have any fun anecdotes to share about your time in the bootcamp? Make good friends? Fond memories? 

The one memory that I do have, which will always hold a special place in my heart, was my final project I did before graduation. After losing my mother and trying to figure out if I could do this, my instructor (Melissa) was there with me through everything and even pushed me to finish because she believed in me, even when I didn’t think I could.

When your graduation date was approaching, how did you feel about your skills and job prospects?

Once graduation approached I felt great with everything I learned, and knew I was capable of finding and starting a new journey with the skills I learned. 

How did the job hunt go? Where did you land a job?

The job hunt was very eventful and I actually did enjoy it. I ended up landing a job at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at the University of Texas in Austin as a Software Engineer Intern!

Beyond the coding expertise, did the bootcamp give you anything else? 

The one soft skills I’m so glad that the bootcamp gave me was being able to give my opinion on any subject and not to be scared of what others would think

What advice do you have for others who are interested in coding bootcamps or who are just starting one?

Never be afraid to fail. It will really help you learn what you’re really capable of.

What are your goals/dreams for the future, say 5 or 10 years from now?

My goals 5 to 10 years from now is to still be coding at a company that brings my passion into play and being able to help out others just starting as well

If you are interested in learning how to code and upgrading your career, Coding Dojo bootcamp offers accelerated learning programs that can transform your life. We offer both part-time and full-time online courses, as well as onsite (post COVID-19) programs. We also offer financing options, scholarships, and other tuition assistance programs to help you with financial barriers. 
If you want to invest in yourself and your future, there is no better time than the present! If you’re interested, use this link to schedule a 15-minute exploratory session with one of our Admissions representatives today.