Coding Bootcamp Alumni Q&A: Daniele Marsico, IT Specialist 

We recently caught up with Tech Elevator graduate Daniele Marsico to talk about his passion for software engineering, his decision to train in a coding bootcamp, and his new role as an IT Support Specialist at the Texas Racing Commission.

Read a Q&A with Daniele below!

What drew you to software engineering?

My passion for technology has always been a driving force in my life. Growing up, I immersed myself in various aspects of tech, from hard

ware to software. I enjoyed assembling computers, experimenting with 3D printing, soldering PCBs, and engaging in software-related projects. One of my most memorable experiences was recreating gaming servers, which required me to learn coding, reverse engineering, and work with databases. This pursuit allowed me to create a private gaming environment for myself and my friends, enhancing our gaming experience.

As I gained more experience and worked multiple jobs, I realized that my true calling was in tech. I decided to fully commit to my dream and enrolled in Tech Elevator’s coding bootcamp. This program has been an incredible journey, providing me with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in software engineering.

Why did you choose Tech Elevator?

When I decided to enroll in a coding bootcamp, I did extensive research online to compare different programs. Tech Elevator was already on my shortlist of picks due to its strong reputation and curriculum.

However, what truly solidified my decision was the firsthand experience of my friends who had graduated from Tech Elevator. They spoke highly of the program’s structure, the quality of instruction, and the supportive learning environment. They emphasized how Tech Elevator provided them with the necessary skills and knowledge to transition successfully into software engineering roles.

Hearing about their positive experiences and seeing them thrive in their new careers as software engineers gave me the confidence to choose Tech Elevator. I knew that if they could achieve their goals through the program, I could too.

Their testimonials were the cherry on top, confirming that Tech Elevator was the right choice for me.

What’s your current role like? What kinds of projects are you working on? 

My current role as an IT Support Specialist V with the Texas Racing Commission (TXRC) is a diverse and challenging position. TXRC is a state agency responsible for regulating horseracing throughout Texas.

Due to the agency’s relatively small size of around 60 employees, I wear multiple hats and work on various fronts simultaneously. This includes managing network infrastructure like switches and firewalls, maintaining and patching on-premises servers, and deploying applications on work phones.

Additionally, I am involved in the development of our internal licensing application using C# and .NET. I manage IT assets through Intune and other MDM software and set up IT assets on racetracks for other departments. Troubleshooting and providing desktop support to employees experiencing technical issues with their laptops or workphones are also part of my responsibilities.

What do you like about your role? What challenges have you faced so far?

The diverse nature of my role allows me to continually learn and expand my technical skills. While it can be demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding to be able to contribute to the agency’s operations in such a comprehensive manner.

The most challenging part has been understanding the codebase of our internal application, which unfortunately was developed by contractors and left uncompleted and with not many comments. This is still a work in progress for me, as I try to read the code, understand what is going on the back end, and fix bugs being reported or implement new features.

How was the job search for you? 

My job search process was a challenging journey that spanned nearly a year. I invested countless hours working on projects, studying, and preparing for interviews. During this time, I sent out over a thousand applications through various platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.

Despite my efforts, I faced a series of rejections and disappointments. There were several interviews that went exceptionally well, but unfortunately, they did not materialize into job offers. I also came close to receiving a few offers, including one that I ultimately declined due to various factors.

However, I remained persistent and determined throughout the process. I continued to work hard, improve my skills, and stay focused on my goal of securing a job in the tech industry. Finally, after months of perseverance, I received my first job offer in tech. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the value of never giving up on one’s dreams.

You’ve had professional experience in a few fields, including as a tiler. Is there anything from that career experience that you’ve been able to use in your new career in IT?

When I was working as a tiler, I had to plan and execute complex patterns and layouts.

Similarly, in software engineering, planning is crucial to the success of a project. It involves analyzing the requirements, identifying the necessary components and their interactions, and outlining the steps needed to achieve the desired outcome.

A well-thought-out plan helps to ensure that the project is completed efficiently and effectively. It also minimizes the risk of encountering unexpected challenges or bugs.

A poorly planned software project can lead to discouragement and even abandonment. That’s why taking the time to create a detailed and realistic plan is essential for any software engineering project and my previous experience helped me a lot in this regard.

Do you have any advice for incoming students about to start Day 1 of the bootcamp?

Just be committed, follow the great instructors, and most importantly prepare to work on job searching as soon as possible!

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

• Connect with people in the industry. Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences. Get involved in open-source projects.
• Study more. Take online courses, read books, and watch tutorials. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for interviews.
• Build a project that you can talk about during interviews. This is a great way to show your passion for software engineering and your ability to work independently.
• Enjoy the program! You’ll meet many wonderful people with the same goals and it’s always nice to make new friends and support each other along the journey.

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