Blog

Alumni Spotlight: Rae - From Yoga Instructor, Nanny, and Server to CEO, Designer, and Developer

By Mitchell Robertson on August 10, 2022

“Before Code Fellows, I was working 3 jobs, I was stressed, I was tired, and I still was having a hard time making ends meet. I didn’t have a background in computer science or coding, I remember that first day flew by, the instructors and the people in my group just all felt really great to be around. If you do that first 101 class and and the time goes by super fast, then don’t be afraid to take the leap" – Rae Helsel

Alumni Spotlight: Amber - From Videographer to Senior Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on August 3, 2022

“As a military spouse it was hard to get a career going due to the constant need to move. I had taken programming courses before in college, and it was not conducive to my own style of learning. I decided to take a different approach to my learning when I started at Code Fellows to help me succeed and have a different experience this time around.” – Amber Kim

Alumni Spotlight: Michael - From Microbiologist to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on July 27, 2022

“I dropped out and started learning how to code, I decided to pull the trigger and join Code Fellows. Going into coding, I knew that I wanted to start something and work for myself in biology. We bought a home in the last few years now, something we couldn’t do on a biology salary and I can take time off now to try and work on a startup.” – Michael Porter

Alumni Spotlight: Brian - From Assistant Real Estate Manager to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on July 27, 2022

“Everybody learns differently, and Code Fellows really is a great environment for picking it up. Make sure you have a plan of what you’re looking for, at Code Fellows, it’s really easy to make a plan because it’s kind of a one-stop shop!" – Brian Alspach

Alumni Spotlight: Jo - From Attorney to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on July 13, 2022

“I didn’t have a tech background, I’d never written a single line of code, I didn’t know what HTML was, I didn’t know anything. I think being at Code Fellows, having other people in the same boat as me, and then having instructors who had been through it, they were super empathetic. That really helped me.” – Jo Arroyo

Alumni Spotlight: Garfield - From Jamaica Native to Senior Consultant

By Mitchell Robertson on July 6, 2022

“At Code Fellows, I found a community of people that I rely on, even now in my day-to-day job. Now I work from home for one of the largest consulting companies in the world, but I still rely on my community!" – Garfield Grant

Alumni Spotlight: Chris - From Project Manager to Principal UX Engineering Manager

By Mitchell Robertson on June 29, 2022

"I was able to gain a lot of experience in a short amount of time and I think it really helped me find what I enjoy doing. Some decisions are always worth the risk, so whatever your motivation, dip your foot in and see if you think you might enjoy it. Don’t be afraid to take short term, small risks to see if that next step is a launching pad.” – Chris Holt

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah - From Registered Nurse to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on June 22, 2022

“I came in with essentially zero experience, and one thing about Code Fellows that was really cool, was that it decreases the barrier to entry as far as you not having to get a four-year computer science degree. I think that made it a little easier to digest knowing that it was more fast-paced.” – Sarah Creager

Alumni Spotlight: Daniel - From Freelance Musician to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on June 22, 2022

“If you are looking to make any career change, and you’re passionate about whatever that is, soak up as much as you can. You won’t regret it!” – Daniel Zwelling

Alumni Spotlight: Alex - From US Navy Veteran to Full-Stack Developer

By Mitchell Robertson on June 15, 2022

“If you’re looking for a lifestyle, or at least a professional change, it’s definitely there. Just going through the program, I mean for me, I’m a whole new person now” – Alex Peña

Alumni Spotlight: Drew - From Serving Assistant to Software Developer

By Mitchell Robertson on June 8, 2022

“The biggest thing is to be persistent, there are many hurdles and finding the way through eventually will work. Don’t doubt yourself!” – Drew Ferris

Alumni Spotlight: Eve - From Psychotherapist to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on June 1, 2022

“It was definitely a hard journey, but it was really wonderful in a lot of ways. It’s kind of surprising, unexpected, and beautiful all the different ways your skills come into play that you would have never thought just musing about making this change” – Eve Denison

Alumni Spotlight: Jessica - From Graphic Designer to Software Developer

By Mitchell Robertson on May 25, 2022

“You really have to ask yourself, would you dedicate and invest seven months of your life to change your life? If the answer is yes, then absolutely go for it!” – Jessica Parker

Alumni Spotlight: Lydia - From Program Manager to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on May 18, 2022

“The amount that I’ve learned since I joined Code Fellows and post Code Fellows is just insane. So much of software development is commitment, time, and patience. Things will click if you just keep going” – Lydia Minehan-Tubic

Alumni Spotlight: Roscoe - From Boxing Instructor to Software Engineer 2

By Mitchell Robertson on May 11, 2022

“Every week I was fully immersed in some topic that I knew nothing about, and by the end of the week, I knew enough to create something to present. They’re supporting and they’re watching every time you do a presentation. They’re there to clap for you, and that kind of support doesn’t come that often. Code Fellows is one in a million for me!” – Roscoe Bass

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Raven, Server Turned Security Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on April 29, 2022

“You’re never going to grow if you don’t end up taking risks. If you really want to be able to have control over your life and make big improvements, then it’s so worth taking the risk and reaching out!” – Raven Robertson

Alumni Spotlight: Will’s Journey: From Homeless to Software Engineer

By Mitchell Robertson on December 13, 2021

Meet Ulrich Wilfred Motchoffo (Will) – Will is a Code Fellows’ Alum and a resilient learner with an incredible story! Will’s journey into tech was not an easy one, in fact, it was far from it, as he faced challenge after challenge, but his persistence paid off.

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 Senior Software 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, Senior 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 Escape Room Employee 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 Supervisor 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 II

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 Software Engineer

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 Mitchell Robertson 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 Engineer

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 Bevy. 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.

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, 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.

How to Succeed in a Development Accelerator

By Mitchell Robertson 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.