Alumni Spotlight Series: A Career-Changing Journey from Mover to Software Developer
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 post is the first in a new 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 Shaun Carr, a 2022 graduate from Tech Elevator’s Philadelphia campus and asked him about his journey with Tech Elevator. Keep reading to see how he transformed from Musician and Mover to a full-time Software Developer.
Before: Feeling Dissatisfied in the Moving Industry
Before Tech Elevator, Shaun Carr was a musician and a professional mover with over 20 years of experience in the customer service industry. Shaun realized that the rewards of his job weren’t worth the risk to his body and physical health so he decided, after speaking with a Tech Elevator alumnus, to make a career change into tech.
During: Blown Away by the Instructor and Classmate Support
Shaun attended Tech Elevator’s Philadelphia campus starting in January of 2022 after speaking to one of his friends (also a Tech Elevator alumnus) who encouraged him to go through the admissions process.
Shaun said: “I assume everyone’s experience is their own, but for me I was overwhelmed with the workload for the first week. I asked myself what have I gotten myself into? Those fears were melting away by week 3. I was blown away by the support of my classmates. My Teacher Richard Seeds was passionate about coding and I felt like he was always available to get into the weeds with whomever needed the help. The Pathway Program does a great job at preparing you for the interview process. It gave me all the tools I needed to land my new role.”
After: A Software Developer with Ambition to Keep Learning
Today, Shaun is a Software Engineer Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. He was hired through their Emerging Talent Software Engineer Program that was created for entrants with non-traditional education backgrounds.
“Previously I was a professional mover, which was great for staying in shape, but it was really hard on the body and there wasn’t much room for growth as an employee. Now, as a Software Engineer, not only is what I’m doing extremely fulfilling, but it feels like the sky’s the limit for my opportunities to grow,” said Shaun.
Shaun’s goals for the future are to keep learning and growing. He stated that the program taught him how to teach himself and he plans to build upon that bedrock of knowledge. Shaun plans on continuing to train and work towards different tech and software development certificates along with attending more coding events and hackathons.
Advice for Those Considering Tech Elevator
Shaun says: “Apply! Look at your self-worth and decide you can do it because you can! I turned 35 this year. When COVID-19 hit, I was asking myself if I’d ever be able to afford a house and if I’d ever have a full-time job that I could be passionate about. Tech Elevator truly helped me land the biggest opportunity of my life. If you can dedicate your mind and your time, you will leave Tech Elevator with a new career on the horizon and I know for me a greater sense of self-worth.”
Ready to Kickstart Your Own Career Transformation?
Your new future is waiting. 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 Aptitude Test to get started.
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