Blog

student stories

Alumni Spotlight: From Layoff to Rewarding Career in Cybersecurity thanks to Ekata

By Mitchell Robertson on June 23, 2021

Courtney Hans is a lifelong learner with a diverse set of skills, an avid adventurer and an amazing Code Fellows Alum! Courtney spent her early career as a whitewater rafting and worldwide adventure travel guide before getting her MBA and joining REI. During her time at REI, she worked on the adventure travel team, new business strategies and adventures entrepreneurial unit, as well as a marketing unit in local brand engagement. That was until she was laid off as a result of COVID-19.

Meet Kate: A Conservationist Who Found New Passion In Code

By Mitchell Robertson on November 11, 2020

Kate Zurlo-Cuva moved to Seattle for family, only to discover her love for front-end development, and a new career as a Technical Project Manager.

Meet Christopher: Code Fellows Graduate, CTO, and Apple Keynote Speaker

By Mitchell Robertson on July 7, 2020

Christopher Cohen has always been one step ahead of technology. As a Code Fellows graduate and chief technology officer of FiLMiC Inc., Christopher is not only pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do (and presenting his groundbreaking innovations to Apple developers at Apple Special Event Keynotes)—he’s pushing the boundaries of what he can do, too.

Five Things I’ve Learned as a Person of Color in Tech

By Dezireé Teague on June 9, 2020

Hear some of the lessons Code Fellows graduate and current software developer Dezireé Teague has learned as a person of color working in the tech industry.!

Meet Jeremiah: From Bartender to Azure Customer Support Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on June 2, 2020

Meet Jeremiah Walters! He met software developers while bartending in Seattle, and was inspired to check out jobs in the tech industry. After five months studying at Code Fellows, he now helps Microsoft customers get the most out of Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. Read his motivation for learning JavaScript, and his advice for other people of color joining the tech industry.

Meet Izzy: Code Fellows Graduate

By Mitchell Robertson on January 21, 2020

Izzy Baer doesn’t let a challenge stop her from achieving her goals. That’s why she thrived at Code Fellows, where students are encouraged to confront challenges head-on with a growth mindset. For Izzy, grit in the face of an obstacle is where the magic happens: “Your brain has the capacity to learn absolutely anything, as long as you just keep trying.”

Meet Amber: Code Fellows Graduate

By Mitchell Robertson on October 1, 2019

When Amber Kim started Code Fellows, she wasn’t afraid to fail. In fact, she wanted to: “The faster you learn, the faster you know where the holes in your logic are, and the faster you can either pivot or work on your weak links.”

Meet Jen: Code Fellows Graduate

By Mitchell Robertson on September 12, 2019

When Jen Carrigan enrolled at Code Fellows, she dove in headfirst: she quit her job, dropped out of her computer science degree program, and devoted herself completely to the Code Fellows program instead. It may have been a risk, but it paid off royally—today, Jen is a Code Fellows graduate and software development engineer. Jen’s journey to Code Fellows may have been full of some twists and turns, but she reached her destination by taking it one step at a time.

Meet Hector: Code Fellows Graduate

By Mitchell Robertson on August 19, 2019

When Hector Norzagaray enrolled in Code Fellows, he expected to learn how to code. What he didn’t expect was to find a community of people who rallied together to help him believe in himself—and make it through.

Meet Ivette! Here's How She's Impacting Her Community after Code 201

By Sarah Fischer on January 9, 2019

Meet Ivette Cortez! Knowing the importance of STEM education for young students, she wanted to add programming to her skill set and to her curriculum as a middle school language instructor. After finishing Code 201, she integrated more technology into her classroom, organized after-school coding classes, and started working with ChickTech. Learn more about her journey and how she’s using her education to benefit her community!

Closing the IT Skills Gap with Coding Academies: A Q&A with an Avalara UX Engineer

By Jesse Hamlin on December 12, 2018

Avalara has hired several Code Fellows alumni over the past several years, with each one bringing grit, passion, and top-shelf training in software development. We sat down with Lee Broxson, UX engineer here at Avalara and our first hire from Code Fellows’ program, to talk about his career after studying at a coding academy, and how programs like Code Fellows—his “alma mater”—are helping to shrink the IT skills gap.

Meet Kevin: From Commercial Photographer to Software Engineer

By Sarah Fischer on August 22, 2018

Meet Kevin Miller! He started his career as a commercial photographer, and as tech advancements started to influence his work, he was intrigued by the possibilities for a creator who knew how to code. Here’s how he went from photography to code, what he loved about his learning experience, and what his work looks like as a developer at Nordstrom.

Meet Rob: From Math Teacher to Software Design Engineer

By Sarah Fischer on July 27, 2018

Meet Rob Reed! He started learning to code as a math teacher to make lessons more visual for his students, and realized he loved the challenge coding presented. Read how he made the most of his time on campus, what he loves about the tech industry, and how he became a Software Design Engineer at Concur.

Meet Amber: From Front-End to Full-Stack with help from the GI Bill®

By Sarah Fischer on July 19, 2018

Meet Amber Kim! She was running her own web design and marketing firm while her husband was in the military. When they settled in Seattle, she was able to use his GI Bill® funds to expand her skill set at Code Fellows. She shares about her learning journey and her advice for other military spouses who are thinking about a career in tech.

Meet Gregory: From Army Electrician to Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on May 15, 2018

Meet Gregory Dukes! His career path lacked direction until he decided to learn to code at Code Fellows. Find out how he made the decision to study ASP.NET, what his job search looked like, and how he went from new hire to lead dev in just three weeks on the job!

Meet Amanda: From Visual Content Developer to Software Development Engineer

By Sarah Fischer on May 10, 2018

Meet Amanda Koster! She was ready for new challenges in her career and fascinated by coding. After realizing the need for a hybrid of creative and code, and that teams of diverse developers can build better products for more people, she decided to pursue a new career in programming. Read about her career transition, and her advice for others who are considering the same path.

Meet Morgan: From Technical Program Manager to Software Development Engineer

By Sarah Fischer on April 11, 2018

Meet Morgan Nomura! During her time as a TPM at Nordstrom, she got a front row seat to the work that software developers do every day. She studied at Code Fellows to quickly learn modern Python programming, and now works with the very developers who inspired her to try coding over a year ago.

Meet Erik: From Puzzle Master to Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on March 29, 2018

Meet Erik Enderlein! With his love of puzzles, an escape room seemed like the perfect place to work. But his job there presented him with a different kind of puzzle: creating software for timers and other features that would make the experience better for customers.

Meet Caleb: From Tech Management to Software Design Engineer

By Sarah Fischer on March 9, 2018

Meet Caleb Wells! He wanted a career in tech but wasn’t sure if coding was for him. After pursuing his education at Code Fellows, he was hired as a Software Design Engineer at Alaska Airlines. Read how he changed his career potential in just five months!

Meet David: From Sworn Peace Officer to Software Development Engineer Apprentice

By Sarah Fischer on February 22, 2018

Meet David Lim! He spent 13 years in military and public service and realized he wanted the more predictable and stable schedule provided by a job in tech. He shares how he used his GI Bill® benefits to study at Code Fellows and land a role as a software development apprentice at Amazon.

Meet Yana: Substitute Teacher Turned Web Developer Apprentice

By Sarah Fischer on December 14, 2017

Meet Yana Radenska! She was accepted into an apprenticeship program through WTIA’s Apprenti and completed her technical training at Code Fellows before starting her apprenticeship at Avvo.

Meet Ted: Mechanical Engineer Turned Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on November 10, 2017

Meet Ted Callahan! His six-year career as a mechanical engineer was moving slow, and he decided he needed a change. He shares what he loves about the tech industry, why Code Fellows’ program was the right fit for him, and what he would say to anyone else considering the same path.

Meet Evan: From the U.S. Army to Porch's Dev Team

By Sarah Fischer on August 24, 2017

When a family member stumbled upon Code Fellows from a Google search, it seemed like a great opportunity for Evan Paige to fast track his learning. He shares how his background in the military aided his learning, how he got the job at Porch, and more.

Meet Nathan: Coder, Entrepreneur, and Founder of pennypost

By Sarah Fischer on August 11, 2017

Nathan Maas wanted to use his knack for innovation to help people stay connected, regardless of their location. After learning to code at Code Fellows, he went on to start pennypost as a way to help people stay in touch around the world.

I Can Do Things That Are Hard: How Learning to Code Changed My Life

By Jake Hawken on July 27, 2017

Not too long ago, I wasn’t a programmer.

Meet Rae: Yogi Turned Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on July 21, 2017

Rae Helsel is a yoga instructor who decided to make a career switch to mobile development. She shares how her background made her the perfect fit for a New York startup, what she loved most about her learning experience, and her advice for anyone considering a similar transition.

Meet Eve: Social Worker Turned Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on June 21, 2017

Eve’s unique background in art and social work may seem unrelated to a software development career, but those skills are exactly why she had an offer in hand before she’d even graduated.

Meet Kaylyn: Nurse Turned Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on May 24, 2017

Meet Kaylyn Yuh! She graduated from Code Fellows as a full-stack JavaScript developer and now works as a software engineer at CBRE. She shares more about her time in class and what has surprised her most about her new role in tech.

Meet Lee: Project Manager Turned UX Engineer

By Sarah Fischer on March 13, 2017

Lee Broxson used a systematic schedule to apply for jobs and start a new career as a UX Engineer. Read on to learn the gameplan that leads to job offers from three different companies, plus his insight on how to land the right job after a coding bootcamp.

Meet Victor: From Military Intelligence to Booz Allen Hamilton

By Sarah Fischer on March 4, 2017

What do military veterans have to say about their time at Code Fellows?

Meet David: Navy Veteran Turned Data Developer

By Sarah Fischer on February 24, 2017

When Navy veteran David Fazio starting looking for long-term career paths that built on the technical training he’d received in the Navy, all signs pointed to software development. He shares how his military experience prepared him for a coding bootcamp, and his advice on acing the job search after graduation.

Meet Selena & Disa: The Mother-Daughter Pair Learning to Code Together

By Sarah Fischer on February 14, 2017

Many of our students come to Code Fellows because of testimonials from friends who excelled in the program. It’s more rare that parents see the success their children experience and decide to enroll themselves—but that’s exactly what happened when Disa saw her daughter, Selena, successfully learn to code.

Meet Stefanie: From Psychology to Microsoft's LEAP Program

By Sarah Fischer on February 10, 2017

Stefanie Hansen was struggling to find a career path that was creative, intellectual, meaningful, and collaborative—until she started learning to code. Read along as she shares about her journey, getting accepted to Microsoft’s LEAP program, advice for aspiring developers, and more.

Meet David: Fleet Manager Turned Software Developer

By Sarah Fischer on December 16, 2016

When David Porter was accepted to Code Fellows, the help of a Diversity Scholarship meant he could pursue his dream of becoming an iOS developer. He shares what he’s liked most about the program and his advice for other students who are breaking into the tech industry.

"Every technical interview I have had in the last two months has led to a job offer" — Code Fellows graduate Yvonne Hayes

By Mitchell Robertson on November 8, 2016

Yvonne Hayes had been living in Mexico, where she and her husband own a bar and grill. They moved to Portland to be nearer to family and so that Yvonne could go to code school.

Why Code? A Veteran's Take on Learning to Code at Code Fellows

By Victor Benavente on October 24, 2016

By now the news is out: Code Fellows is an approved school with the Veterans Association and Washington State, and you can use your GI Bill® to attend this coding bootcamp. So why do it?

Meet Branton: Microsoft Veteran Turned iOS Developer

By Mitchell Robertson on August 18, 2016

After more than 12 years at Microsoft, Branton Boehm was ready to take on a new challenge.

Meet Tara: Developer at Jaguar Land Rover

By Jordana Gustafson on August 5, 2016

If you met Tara Kreft last fall and then ran into her again today, you’d notice two major differences.

Meet Keri: Marketer Turned Front-End Developer

By Sarah Fischer on July 21, 2016

Keri Brady was pursuing a career in marketing when she realized she wanted to expand her technical skill set—and career potential—as she continued to work with fast-growing startups. She shares why she chose Code Fellows and what helped her be successful during and after the program.

Music Meets Code: How a Musician's Background Translates to a Career in Tech

By Lauren Sauser on July 6, 2016

For professionals and hobbyists alike, software has become a necessary component for the recording, mastering, and distribution of music. Code connects artists and audiences in ways unimaginable to the rock stars of yesteryear. The laptop—while lacking the stage presence of an electric guitar—has emerged as the hallmark tool for a new generation of music makers.

Meet Clare: Scientist, Yeast Engineer, and Code Fellows Graduate

By Lauren Sauser on June 16, 2016

Clare Monahan spent half a decade as a protein engineer. As she neared her financial limitations as a scientist without a PhD, she turned her attention to writing code. Clare shares with us about her transition from the lab to the classroom, and then to a new career as a software developer.

Meet Mark: Financial Analyst Turned Front-End Developer

By Sarah Fischer on June 10, 2016

Mark Palfreeman realized he could combine both his creative and analytical side in a career in front-end development after working with data-centric and creative departments early in his career. He shares about the ups and downs during the course and what he’s doing now at Deloitte Digital.

Meet Mike: Starbucks Shift Supervisor Turned Full-Stack Developer

By Sarah Fischer on June 3, 2016

Mike Elliott was teaching himself to code and taking on freelance development projects while working at Starbucks. When he decided he wanted to pursue web development full time, he came to Seattle and enrolled at Code Fellows to put the final polish on his skill set. He shares about his experience and some pro tips for incoming students.

Meet Alexandra: Experienced Software Developer and Code Fellows Graduate

By Sarah Fischer on May 20, 2016

Alexandra Norcross had 15 years of software development experience behind her when she opted for a change. After hearing about Code Fellows from a recent graduate, she decided to switch from developing for desktop and the web to programming iOS apps. She shares her experience during her course and what surprised her most about the program.

Meet Monica: Journalism Major, Front-End Developer, and Code Fellows Graduate

By Sarah Fischer on May 5, 2016

Monica Davidson is a seasoned Code Fellows alumni and software developer who studied front-end development in a Bootcamp (now Code 201) and Development Accelerator (now Code 401). She shares how she used her training at Code Fellows to achieve a life-long dream and how her training as a journalist helped her become a better software developer.

Meet Kasim: Material Engineer, Software Developer, and Code Fellows Graduate

By Lauren Sauser on April 29, 2016

Kasim Siddiqui spoke with us about his return to Seattle, his search for a more purposeful career, and the importance of a supportive spouse. Siddiqui received a scholarship to attend Code Fellows in 2015, and studied full-stack JavaScript.

Meet Ron: Navy Mechanic, Flight Instructor, and Code Fellows Graduate

By Lauren Sauser on April 19, 2016

Ron Floyd, veteran and graduate of Code Fellows Portland, gave us feedback on how he made the career switch, his first year employed as a Web Developer, and how he made the most of his time at Code Fellows.

Meet Emily: JavaScript Developer, Rabbi, and Code Fellows Graduate

By Lauren Sauser on March 22, 2016

Emily Aviva Kapor-Mater earned a certificate in Full-Stack JavaScript Development from Code Fellows in August 2015. She now works as a full-stack developer in Seattle, and enjoys building software that facilitates simple, practical, and socially-positive experiences for users.

Why Dropping Out of College was the Best Decision I Ever Made

By Kate Fleming on June 27, 2015

Can Code Fellows really replace a 4-year degree? Read the story of Kate, a Code Fellows graduate who dropped out of college, enrolled in Foundations I, and hasn’t looked back.

See What Foundations I Students Build

By Sarah Fischer on March 5, 2015

We are continually blown away by the creativity of our Foundations I students. The course was created to help beginners get on the right track from the start of their education—once equipped with the right tools and training, students are able to create so much more than they expected after just four weeks in class. To get a taste of what you will create throughout this night course, take a look at this sample of projects from our students!

Student project harnesses brain power to fly AR Drone

By Sarah Fischer on July 12, 2014

Before graduating from their Development Accelerator, students complete and present a final project. Robert, a JavaScript student, brought in an idea that involved an AR Drone 2.0, Mindflex Duel headsets, and an Internet connection. He teamed up with two other students and a TA to get his project—quite literally—off the ground.

How to Succeed in a Development Accelerator

By Sarah Fischer on February 26, 2014

Last Friday, Code Fellows graduate Alec Matias spoke with our JavaScript class on his experience in the very first Ruby on Rails intensive course that Code Fellows held in early 2013.