From Museum Guide to System Developer

Annika used to work as a Coordinator and guide at Stockholm City Hall and she's a big fan of history and art. She tried some coding course for beginners, and it made her rethink her career.

How did you get curious about coding?

"My journey into coding began during a challenging period at my previous job. I found this free coding course by Tjejer Kodar and loved it! It got me thinking about pursuing a career in programming."

Annika's inspiration came from talking to two developer friends. They really supported her and encouraged her to learn coding. She also joined some Facebook groups for women in tech and started researching schools and tech jobs.

Why did you choose bootcamp format, and why Technigo?

"I had already spent a lot of time studying at the university and wanted something more hands-on. Also, the length of the course was just right for me." Annika also mentioned that she liked that Technigo alumni get good jobs after graduation and that Technigo was founded by women.

How was your learning experience?

"It was great! My teammates and I used to meet online to discuss code and help each other out. That was really good for my learning!" I wish I had known earlier about the supportive tech community and that you don't have to be a math genius in order to have a successful career in programming.

How did you land your first developer position?

"I got a tip from a developer - a Technigo alumni, as a matter of fact - that I had been talking to on Linkedin." Annika says the hiring managers liked that she was used to working in teams even though it was not as a developer. "I also think they saw that I had an eye for aesthetics and, most important of all, that I was eager to learn."

How do you feel about your job and responsibilities?

"I love my job! I get to solve problems and see my code being used in applications that are helpful to people." Annika believes it's essential to work on something that feels meaningful, either on a big or small scale.

What would be your advice for someone who wants to change careers?

"I would recommend reaching out to developers and asking them questions! You'll probably find that they're eager to help. Another advice is to embrace your doubts as part of the journey and focus on moving forward. The path isn't always easy, but with determination and practice, it'll definitely be worth it!"