Like many, I never envisioned a career in coding. My background was in Psychology, culminating in a Master’s degree in 2012. For years, I navigated the world of Human Resources, a path chosen more by circumstance than passion. Coding wasn’t even on my radar.
My journey into tech began unexpectedly with a seemingly mundane task: calculating employee annual leave. It was surprisingly complex, and observing colleagues struggle, even those with extensive HR experience, sparked an idea. They relied on a clunky Excel calculator – a black box that spat out answers. I thought, “Surely, there’s a better way.” Driven by curiosity, I decided to build a tool myself. This meant venturing into the unknown, Googling solutions, and stumbling upon the concept of variables. That initial spark of problem-solving ignited a passion I never knew I possessed, revealing the foundational appeal of coding.
It was around this time that I discovered Codecademy – or perhaps, it discovered me. The timing felt serendipitous.
In July 2020, a job loss became an unexpected catalyst. Having spent seven months engrossed in Codecademy’s Data Science Path, diligently working through data manipulation, visualization, and statistics modules (around 70% of the path at that time), I decided to test the waters. Despite feeling unprepared for a full-fledged coding role, I applied for both HR and Data Analysis positions. The results were telling: no HR interviews, but two for data analysis roles requiring Python and SQL skills. While the first interview wasn’t successful, the feedback was invaluable. The second interview, however, was a turning point – I nailed it.
Joining the NHS (National Health Service) as an Information Analyst in August 2020 marked the beginning of my coding career path. The role immediately threw me into the deep end with real-world challenges. My initial tasks involved crafting SQL queries to validate data from another government agency. Soon after, I was tasked with migrating a SAS-based process to Databricks using Python – a project initially estimated to take three months, which I completed in just two. This early success boosted my confidence and opened doors to more complex projects. I found myself assisting colleagues, developing Python loops, and leveraging dictionaries to enhance efficiency. Each day brought new learning opportunities and creative applications of the skills I was developing.
Codecademy deserves immense credit for this transformation. Their Data Science Path was instrumental in equipping me with the skills and problem-solving mindset needed to thrive in this new career. The modules are meticulously designed, and the lessons are comprehensive, effectively simulating real-world work scenarios. This practical approach is a masterpiece in career preparation.
Today, I am more confident than ever. My coding career path, launched in 2020 thanks to Codecademy, is not just a job; it’s a fulfilling and constantly evolving journey. I continue to learn and grow, still working towards completing the Data Science Path, embracing the challenges and the exciting career prospects that lie ahead.
For anyone considering a coding career path, especially if you feel uncertain, my experience is a testament to the power of online learning platforms like Codecademy. Believe in yourself and the learning process. Sometimes, unexpected life events can push you towards the very path you were meant to take. In my case, job loss inadvertently propelled me towards a coding career I might have otherwise hesitated to pursue. The skills I gained through Codecademy were more impactful than I initially realized, proving that a career change in 2020, even without a traditional tech background, is entirely achievable.
Best of luck on your own coding journey.
