Negin’s path to tech wasn’t straightforward. As a former journalist in her home country, she arrived in the UK hoping to find rewarding work. However, her initial plans didn’t quite work out as expected. She found herself working in retail – a job that was meant to be temporary but stretched into years.
Negin felt stuck in her retail job, and despite looking at routes into other careers, the traditional pathway of going to university involved significant time and financial investments.
Finding another way
Whilst looking for alternative pathways, she heard about CodeYourFuture (CYF), but she was initially unsure. “CodeYourFuture was definitely something that I had my doubts about at the start”, she said, “when I heard there’s a boot camp where they teach you coding, and then they help you to find a job,”
Despite her initial doubts, Negin took a leap of faith and joined CYF’s and her experience surpassed her expectations. “Starting CodeYourFuture, I still think it is a dream, but it’s a dream come true,” Negin shares enthusiastically.
The comprehensive support provided by CYF played a crucial role in Negin’s journey. “We got so much help, and at the end of the course as well, when we had the opportunity to have mock interview sessions, we had people who would review our CVs, give us feedback, even about different things like how to act in an interview,” she explains.
More than just a boot camp
For Negin, CYF offered something beyond technical training. It provided a sense of belonging that she had been missing since leaving her home country.
“I think when you leave your country and come to a new country, you kind of leave some part of you there, and when you come here, the hole is still there, and most of the time, it will be there for the rest of your life,” Negin reflects. “And having CodeYourFuture just changed this.”
The sense of community at CYF left a profound impact on Negin. “I know people say that a lot—it’s like a family—but it is actually like a family. It’s way more than a boot camp,” she affirms.
Today, Negin has achieved her goal of transitioning into the tech industry as she is now working as a developer. She is also a volunteer for CodeYourFuture, helping the next generation of people break into tech.
A fresh start
If you ever feel stuck in your current situation or doubtful about your ability to change careers, then Negin’s story serves as an inspirational example of what is possible. It shows that with the right support and determination, you can overcome barriers and find a fulfilling tech career.
If you’re looking to make a similar transition, consider joining CodeYourFuture. Like Negin, you might find more than just education. You could find a new community and a path to a brighter future.