Tersia successfully changed her career to become a software developer
Tersia’s path to a career in tech is a story of perseverance and growth.
“About 12 years back, I knew very little of how to use a computer.”, she says.
“There was a time I was unemployed and in my community there were little workshops for you to use a computer, get more comfortable with it, and in that time they also introduced coding,” Tersia recalls.
Despite being older than most participants, she found herself drawn to the field of tech: “I was quite a bit older compared to everyone else, and now I was in this advanced course learning things like software.
“My goal was to become a software developer.”
She learned in these coding workshops that she loved the tech environment: “I like the work environment and what it allows you to be personally as well, and so my goal was to become a software developer.”
However, Tersia faced a hurdle. As she puts it, “I didn’t have any idea” what software was.
This lack of software knowledge didn’t discourage her but fueled her desire to learn more.
“I was still struggling to find work.”
Despite some experience as an intern in a software company, Tersia still needed help finding work. That’s when she discovered CodeYourFuture (CYF).
“I had been part of another programming company but I was still struggling to find work. When I was looking for work someone told me I need more practice and experience and should check out CYF,” she explains.
“I’m not sure I’m quite the right fit for tech.”
Tersia admits, “My doubts prior to joining CodeYourFuture were that I’m not sure I’m quite the right fit for tech.” Despite these doubts, she took the plunge.
The decision to join CYF paid off. “Going with CYF, finishing the digital course and then progressing from there, I felt a bit more confident, a bit more like I fit,” Tersia says.
The support she received was crucial.
“With the volunteers and their help, some of them have been through the same thing, so it made me more comfortable in learning and getting over this feeling of awkwardness in what I was doing.”
“One of the skills that I learned at CodeYourFuture was talking to people.”
CYF didn’t just teach Tersia coding; it helped her develop essential soft skills. “Besides coding, one of the skills that I learned at CodeYourFuture was talking to people. Just groups of people. Doesn’t need to be big or small. I had an issue with that.”, she says.
It’s like I get anxiety and the words just won’t come out. My voice literally disappears,” Tersia reveals.
Learning to represent herself, with support from the community.
“So, getting that experience to explain your work… it helped with the speaking. I’ve gotten more comfortable – not great – but more comfortable with that, and just also representing myself.”, she says.
The support at CYF was comprehensive. Tersia explains, “If you needed the one-on-one with a volunteer for course work, or just something like, for example, during my course work time I had an issue with the PC, and obviously loading software. I was not very good at that and one of the volunteers he’s pretty good at that. I was able to reach out to him and without any hassle.”
Support that extends beyond technical help.
“The support at CodeYourFuture it makes you feel like I’m not dumb. When you’re learning something and you have a lot of people around you who maybe know more, sometimes you do feel like, oh I just want to bury my head, because I’m just saying things that make no sense or it seems like I’m not learning. But that feeling wasn’t there as much with CodeYourFuture,” Tersia reflects.
CodeYourFuture supports people to find a job.
“CodeYourFuture helped me get the job I’m currently at. I’m in an internship at the moment. Prior to that, they helped by posting jobs, checking up that you are applying for jobs. I had a lot of interview prep,” she says gratefully.
“I’m definitely more confident in what I’m doing.”
Today, Tersia’s outlook has changed dramatically. “Now, compared to when I started with CodeYourFuture, I’m definitely more confident in what I’m doing. When I don’t know something, I don’t panic. I used to panic and just feel like headless chicken running around. But now, when I don’t know something, I’m able to reach out and speak to one of the volunteers, even now. Just ask, ‘Okay I don’t know this, could you please explain, and could you please help’.”
“Join and join with an open mindset.”
For those considering joining CYF, Tersia offers encouragement: “If I was speaking to somebody who was applying to CF at the moment I would say even if you’re nervous and you’re not sure if this is for you, join and join with an open mindset and also know that you can speak to the people there.” she says.
“They are willing to help you, and when you join, join with the mindset of ‘I’m going to do this, I’m going to talk to people, I’m going to put out my insecurities and go ahead with this,’ because the people (CYF) really don’t look at that, and they will help you at every point.”
Tersia’s journey from computer novice to tech professional showcases the transformative power of determination and support of a whole community.
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At CodeYourFuture, Tersia found a community that supported her all the way to employment – and beyond