My Coding Journey: Milestones Along the Way

Fall 2022 marked a turning point in my coding journey. I was excited about a perfect sound design job—just 5 minutes from home, focused on audio production, creating plugins, and working for a well-known tech company. Everything aligned with my passion, and I felt it was "the one." But when I received a rejection email stating they chose another applicant due to my lack of scripting experience, it hit hard. While disappointing, it also lit a fire in me.

Shortly after, I discussed my setback with a friend, who suggested attending a coding bootcamp based on their positive experience. My partner also encouraged me to take the leap, and after some reflection, I decided to pursue it. This led to Milestone #1: being accepted into the General Assembly SEI bootcamp and completing it in June 2023.

After graduating, I had to navigate the challenging job search as a new software engineer. It was a tough period, but stepping back to build a more personal portfolio and projects made a difference. I developed an app called Theory Thing, designed for musicians to practice and reference major and minor chords in a fun, interactive way. This became Milestone #2. Not only was it personally fulfilling, but it also became a standout talking point during interviews. Many interviewers highlighted this project, which helped me stand out from other applicants.

A few months later, I landed an apprenticeship through Develop Carolina, joining Booz Allen Hamilton alongside six other talented cohort members. I was relieved, but as the first day approached, my nerves grew. I knew the work would get tougher and more challenging. My nerves peaked during our first sprint—Milestone #3—where I felt like I was listening to an alien language during stand-ups and demos. But three weeks in, I can say I’m still a bit lost, but the path ahead is starting to clear up. It feels like the once-dense jungle is slowly giving way to a more defined trail.

This journey is anything but straightforward, but I’m learning to embrace discomfort and take things one day at a time. Growth isn’t linear—it takes weird twists and turns—but the important thing is to keep moving forward. Even slow progress is still progress.