How and why did you get started with coding?
I have been an entrepreneur for many years, primarily working as a freelance consultant in accounting, corporate finance, and tax planning. My favourite activity involved designing models and creating business solutions on MS Excel. As time passed, I had numerous ideas and grew impatient waiting on others to code my app ideas. One day, I woke up, logged onto Codecademy and tackled JavaScript (finished the entire course of a few weekends).
What were your goals when starting to code and how did you keep motivated?
I love to travel and I have been trying to build a business model for years that allows me to travel for long periods of time, while making a decent living. Currently, I have an app that I am designing that may materialize into a lucrative business opportunity. I have tried partnering with others, in the past, to develop my software and it never goes anywhere, so I knew I was truly on my own. I haven’t looked back since.
What was the most challenging part of learning how to code, and how did you rise above those challenges?
Before this recent life changing transition, I tried Codecademy over a year ago learning Ruby. I didn’t have a project in mind and I lost momentum, as I didn’t understand the true merits of learning Ruby. Whereas now, I came across software like PhoneGap where I can code in JavaScript (along with HTML and CSS) and build my app that I had previously designed on MS Excel.
Which resources would you recommend to folks just starting out?
Everyone learns coding in very different ways. My start to coding was building models on MS Excel, where I learned using and manipulating functions and integrating objects within a spreadsheet. I teach Business Data Analytics part-time at the very college I graduated over a decade ago, where I teach my students to look beyond memorizing equations; rather I try to help them understand how data can be analyzed using various methods.
How did you start creating your own projects?
I am still working on my very first project and it is picking up a lot of momentum. I test the equations in my code by using my models on MS Excel, as well as use third party calculators. I wrote up my tech brief and requested assistance creating a flowchart and asked a few experts which languages they suggest I learn first.
What advice would you have for folks who are just starting out or thinking of getting started?
I would strongly encourage first time coders to not get intimidated if they get stuck on a lesson. Learning on your own can be intimidating, so it is important to reach out to individuals with relevant experience. A personal touch can help you go exponentially further; however, all the tools are already provided for you by Codecademy. I would also recommend starting with the ‘Beginner’ status courses if possible. Aim for the small victories and work your way up.
How did you get to where you are now? What did you do after Codecademy?
I am racing to finish my backend coding so I can find a top level UI designer to get my app ready for market early 2016. I am being very ambitious; however, coding has become an addiction. With every successful line of code written, the more momentum I have to keep pushing forward.
Which steps would you recommend for folks who want to find jobs after Codecademy?
Networking never hurts; however, being able to display a portfolio showcasing some of your capabilities will outshine most applicants submitting just their resume. The great thing about coding is that many employers are more interested with your skill set than your transcript and/or credentials from post secondary school. Doors will open where there were never doors before.