Alumni Spotlight Series: A Career-Changing Journey from Real Estate to Software Development
With more than 3,000 graduates from our remote and physical bootcamps across the country, there are so many incredible alumni stories to share. 
This is a continuation of the Tech Elevator Alumni Spotlight series highlighting some of the exceptional career-changing journeys of our graduates. We hope that these stories will inspire and empower more individuals to make the change they’ve been dreaming about.
For this post, we sat down with Arwen Eger, a 2021 graduate from Tech Elevator’s Pittsburgh Campus to ask her about her journey to software development. Keep reading to see how she transformed from a Real Estate Asset Specialist to a full-time Software Developer.
Before: Craving Stability In a Career
Before Tech Elevator, Arwen worked as a Real Estate Asset Specialist in Pittsburgh. She felt that her career wasn’t tapping into her interests and abilities–specifically analytical thinking and relationship building. After discovering Tech Elevator and doing some research, Arwen decided that this was an opportunity she needed to pursue.
She said: “I am a teacher and a learner at heart–I can’t think of another field where there is a comparable stream of fresh and exciting ideas and innovation. There’s always going to be something new to discover and novel ideas to get excited about.”
During: “Intense and Challenging, Yet Inspiring”
Arwen attended Tech Elevator’s Pittsburgh Campus starting in January of 2021 and found the program to be, “intense and challenging, yet inspiring.”
Arwen had no prior coding experience before Tech Elevator and felt intimidated at the start of her journey, but that quickly changed after noticing all of the support from not only the instructional staff, but her classmates as well.
“From the very first class, my instructor, Walt, allayed my fears. He was patient, thorough and he and the other instructors along with Tech Elevator staff members were always available for support. They went above and beyond to provide guidance and insight at every step of the process. In that intensive 14-week program, I was surprised by the amount I was able to learn and delighted by the relationships I was fortunate to form! What sets Tech Elevator apart is the people–from the folks whose job it is to ensure we learn the curriculum, to the fellow students and the Pathway Directors who provided priceless guidance–we all acted as tireless advocates for one another!”
After: Facilitating Connections and Meaningful Progress
Today, Arwen is working as an Associate Product Owner for Hitashi Rail. One thing she feels most inspired about in her current role is the opportunity she gets to work with “brilliant, high-caliber individuals” each day to help facilitate connections and meaningful progress.
“I love real estate and will always keep my license, but it’s very rewarding getting to work with teams and form lasting relationships that go beyond a real estate transaction. It’s been particularly satisfying to see ideas brought to light and life through each iteration by the talented teams with whom I have the privilege of interacting.”
Arwen’s goals for the future are to continue honing her skills. She will look for new ways to gain insight, experience and pursue opportunities for further learning along with tackling new challenges.
Arwen’s Advice for Those Considering Tech Elevator
Arwen says: “You do not have to go it alone! Throw yourself into the Pathway Program and lean into the wealth of experience of your instructors and fellow students. Trust the process!
Being part of a cohort is a very special time in your life and the relationships formed there can provide you with lasting satisfaction and meaning. Make the most of your time and opportunity to interact with everyone!
The skills, knowledge and support you will receive will be a game changer to propel you on a path towards enhancing your entire professional and personal life.”
Ready to Kickstart Your Own Career Transformation?
Your new future could be yours in as little as 14 weeks. If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and think being a software developer is the path for you, then take our 25-minute Aptitude Test to get started.
