We talk to Cat, a freelance web developer at Unify Media. Cat shares her journey of switching careers from a QA Analyst for a grocery delivery company in the USA to a front-end freelancer. She talks about her motivations for making the switch and how Le Wagon helped her get to where she is today. Cat also gives advice for those wanting to learn to code or new tech skills. Read on to learn more about Cat’s experience and insights!
What were you doing before Le Wagon?
I was working as a QA Analyst for a grocery delivery company in the USA. I first started learning the foundations of front-end development through pair programming with my previous coworkers.
What were your motivations for switching careers?
I wanted a job that allowed flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere. I love to travel, so the idea that I could take my laptop with me and work wherever was very appealing to me!
How and why did decide to become a front-end freelancer?
I picked this role because after working as a full-stack developer for nearly a year, I realised my passion and interests were more around the design aspects of sites and apps.
I love the freedom that I have as a freelancer. Because it’s with a media company, I’m not entirely on my own but have the ability to work when and where I want to.
What’s a typical “day in the life” at your current role?
A typical day for me can vary, but because I am a freelancer, I can set my schedule. I usually start later/work later as I am more of a night owl. My days usually consist of working from home with my two cats. If I want to change it up, sometimes I’ll go to a cafe in London!
Is there anything you’ve learnt in your previous career/studies that has helped you in this role?
As someone with a QA Analyst background before joining Le Wagon, testing code and writing test cases has helped me big time, especially in full stack engineering!
How would you summarise your experience at Le Wagon?
My experience at Le Wagon would be a little daunting at first: when you realise how much you’re going to learn in those next 9 weeks, you can start to already think “that’s impossible”. But the way the lessons are structured and organised, you quickly realise that it is totally possible. My overall experience was great!
What was the most challenging part of the Bootcamp?
For me it was grasping how backend works. I always felt more comfortable with front end, so it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. But everyone is different. I know some of my classmates felt the opposite and preferred backend!
What was your favourite part of your Le Wagon Bootcamp?
I really liked the “buddy system” when working on challenges.
Can you briefly describe how the bootcamp helped you to get where you are now in your current role?
I think apart from the learning aspect of Le Wagon, Career Week was very helpful in setting you up for success. Hearing alumni stories and working on CVs and cover letters was very helpful for me
Do you have any advice for those wanting to learn to code or learn new tech skills?
If you’re going through Le Wagon’s bootcamp, trust the process. Some things won’t make sense at first and that’s okay. It WILL all come together in the end!
And finally, do you still keep in contact with any alumni?
Yes! We have a small WhatsApp group and try to meet up when we can!
Curious to learn more about her work? Take a look at her portfolio here.
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