After graduating CodeYourFuture in 2022, Dharma returned as a volunteer to inspire the next cohort of CodeYourFuture North West trainees. Photo: Breige Cobane Photography.
Dharma Guadeloupe is a volunteer with CodeYourFuture in the North West.
Dharma first joined CYF as a trainee. She was drawn to CodeYourFuture’s mission of supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds to have successful careers in IT.
Mission and value-aligned from the start of her CYF journey
“I love the idea of helping people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to break into the tech industry,” Dharma says. “I think it’s really important to give back to the community, and CYF is a great way to do that.”
Dharma graduated from CodeYouFuture’s Software Development programme in 2022.
Through CodeYourFuture, Dharma was able to get the skills she needed to start a career in the tech industry. As a graduate, she couldn’t wait to give back to the community that changed her life trajectory.
Dharma became a Personal Development volunteer. She works with trainees to help them develop their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. She also helps them with their CVs and cover letters.
“I really enjoy working with the students,” Dharma says. “They’re all so motivated and eager to learn. It’s inspiring to see their passion for technology.”
“I was assigned an all women team. Being able to watch these women from different backgrounds come together and empower each other to be a voice within a predominantly male space has been extraordinary.”
Learning new skills and gaining valuable experience.
Dharma has learned a lot from her time with CYF. She has gained a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion and developed her skills as a mentor and career coach.
“The family-driven atmosphere that guides the program has made it easier to connect with people from all levels. I have no trepidation about approaching my boss as I was taught at CYF that we are equal.”
Volunteering expanded her tastes too!, “I’ve developed my palate immensely. I love learning about different cultures, mainly experienced through food.”, says Dharma with glee.
She has also made some great friends.
Recent North West CodeYourFuture cohort celebrate their graduation. They received great help from Dharma and other CYF volunteers.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with CYF,” Dharma says. “It’s been a truly rewarding experience. I’ve discovered a joy of mentoring. I like being able to frame my experiences for the next graduates to aid them on their journey to a new career.”
If you’re considering volunteering with CodeYourFuture, Dharma encourages you to go for it.
“It’s a great way to give back to the community and make a real difference in someone’s life,” Dharma says. “You won’t regret it.”
“It’s such a rewarding program to be a part of. Their successes are yours. I’m immensely proud of each and every one of them and cannot wait to see what the future brings.”
Some of the benefits of volunteering with CodeYourFuture:
- You can give back to your community and make a real difference in the lives of people looking to break into the tech industry.
- You can learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
- You can meet new people and make new friends.
- You may be able to try incredible new foods.
If you want to use your professional experience to make a real impact as a CYF volunteer, find out more and apply here.