Alumni Story: From Professional Hockey to Software Development

Tech Elevator graduate Jack Telford is now a Full Stack Developer at RDI Corporation, where he works on complex projects and leans on his mentor’s support and encouragement.

In a recent interview, Jack discussed his journey to software development after four years as a professional hockey player, his experience working with a mentor, and shared advice for others interested in the coding bootcamp experience.

What drew you to software engineering?

My father was a software engineer for the Air Force, and growing up, he would give me and my cousin technical challenges—solving simple katas for rewards like a fishing pole or a hockey stick. So I had a foundation in it.

My cousin pursued computer science and became a software engineer at Paycor, but I took a different path, playing professional hockey in Europe for four years. When I returned, I became a private estate manager, overseeing operations for high-tech homes. Over time, I integrated advanced AI systems into the estates, automating everything from heated floors to security.

For one house, I worked with a retired software developer from Kroger to modify home automation systems, learning JavaScript and Java in the process. One day, he asked, “Why aren’t you a software developer?” I assumed I’d need a degree, but he introduced me to the idea of coding bootcamps.

I reached out to my cousin, who mentioned that many Paycor employees had come from Tech Elevator. My father is now a principal software architect at FedEx, and he also confirmed that Tech Elevator grads were on his team. That convinced me. I passed the aptitude test, enrolled, and reconnected with the programming skills I had learned as a kid. Ultimately, my family’s background in software engineering, my hands-on tech experience, and the practicality of a bootcamp made Tech Elevator the right choice for me.

Where are you working now, and what’s it like?

I work for RDI, which is known for its contact center operations but also develops software solutions, particularly within Orchard Core, one of the largest open-source frameworks for ASP.NET and C#.

I ultimately chose RDI because I valued mentorship. My mentor, a senior developer, guided me through a seven-month learning process where I had to learn Orchard Core, YesSQL, and C#. My early projects were small, like dynamically generating JavaScript IDs and optimizing SQL queries, and my first major assignment was developing a custom applicant testing platform to replace expensive third-party software.

To do this, I integrated an open-source desktop simulator with Orchard Core, allowing companies to create customized assessments. The system lets applicants perform simulated tasks like sending emails or browsing the web, tracking their performance dynamically. This project, which I continue to expand, saves the company costs while offering solutions for our clients.

Now, I’m focused on improving the reporting structure within the system, refactoring older code, and ensuring everything remains scalable and dynamic. Our small development team builds solutions that serve multiple companies, not just RDI, which is why our work falls under “Cloud Solutions.”

You mentioned your mentor. How do you two work together?

My mentor has a simple philosophy: it takes as long as it takes to get it right.

We have standups three times a week, and when I’m working on something particularly challenging, he encourages me to troubleshoot independently before asking for help. His approach is intentional because he wants me to solve the problem on my own, find a way to work around it temporarily, or step away and return with a fresh perspective.

When I was struggling with querying report data, he advised me to set it aside and focus on building the custom titles and drivers first. Then, if I was still stuck, we’d do a code review, and he’d step in. There have been many times when we’ll be reviewing code, and he’ll immediately recognize where I’m stuck. Instead of forcing a solution, he’ll say, “Let’s pause here and come back to it later.”

This mentorship aligns with what my father taught me: you don’t just want a lead or a manager, you want someone who’s invested in teaching you. When I was hired, I promised Mike I’d stay for five years to learn from him before considering moving on. In an industry where job-hopping is common, both he and our product owner assured me I’d be valued here. That trust and long-term investment mean a lot, and I’m genuinely happy where I am. Having a mentor who really cares about you is incredible.

Does anything from your hockey career transfer to your software development career?  

Absolutely. Teamwork is the biggest lesson I carried over from my hockey career into tech. In hockey, you learn to respect people from all backgrounds. I played with teammates from France, Germany, and other countries where we didn’t share a language, but that didn’t stop us from building camaraderie. Sometimes, communication was as simple as sharing a laugh over a beer. Those soft skills – adapting and finding ways to connect – are just as valuable in tech as they were in hockey.

Determination is another key lesson. In hockey, you have to push yourself to win, to improve, and to find solutions under pressure. That mindset directly applies to problem-solving in tech. There’s always more than one way to approach a challenge. One method might be the “right” way, but another might be more efficient. I’m always determined to explore, analyze what works, and iterate until I find the best solution.

Beyond that, my experience living and playing abroad gave me a deep appreciation for communication and adaptability. As a professional hockey player, you don’t always get to choose where you go – you land in places where you might not speak the language. That happened to me. But I made it work. My wife still laughs at how easily I strike up conversations when we travel, whether it’s negotiating for the freshest seafood in Mexico or connecting with people from different cultures. Language barriers don’t stop me, and I think that openness to learning and adapting has made me a stronger team player in every aspect of my career.

Do you have any advice for someone considering a coding bootcamp?

If you’re thinking about a coding bootcamp, my first piece of advice is to make sure you actually enjoy problem-solving. Take a short, free, or low-cost coding course online. See if you like debugging, troubleshooting, and working through challenges.

Second, ask yourself if you’re truly ready to commit to learning in a way you may not have in years. As adults, we get used to doing what we know, and many of us haven’t had to learn something completely new in a long time. A coding bootcamp forces you to relearn how to learn. The first two weeks, in particular, are the hardest because you’re trying to adjust to an entirely different way of thinking.

Third, you need to be all in. If you’re not willing to dedicate yourself fully to the schedule and time needed to study, you’re probably wasting your time and money.

For those considering different bootcamps, I can confidently say Tech Elevator stands out. The level of support is unmatched. Even after graduating, I’m still connected with instructors who run demos that I love participating in. The community doesn’t end when the bootcamp does. They continue to help, guide, and connect you with opportunities throughout your career. A lot of bootcamps don’t offer soft skills training, interview prep, or career support after you graduate. Tech Elevator does. They bring in companies for interviews, teach you how to handle technical questions, and provide career guidance well beyond your final project.

If you’re going to do this, go all in. Be ready to work harder than you ever have, push through frustration, and embrace the challenge. If you do, the reward is absolutely worth it.

Interested in starting your software development career?

Learn more about our coding bootcamps, including full-time and part-time options. If you’re ready to learn, get your application started today!