Katrina Po
A TechLeap Case Study
Katrina's Path: From Customer Service Rep to Software Engineer
“Working with Aderson give me the direction I needed to break into tech. I learned how to work with others, got real-world experience with agile, and received awesome mentorship. I gained skills I couldn't get on my own, built confidence, and even landed a job offer. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting to get into tech.”
Background
Before becoming a software engineering, Katrina worked as a Customer Service Representative. As a newcomer to the TechLeap, she struggled to break into the tech industry, feeling lost and uncertain about where to direct her efforts. Her biggest challenge was balancing the need to enhance her coding skills with the demands of applying for jobs.
Challenges
Katrina's main challenge was a lack of direction. She didn't know how to effectively spend her time or how to develop the necessary skills to land her first developer role. She also felt isolated in her journey, lacking a community of like-minded individuals to share experiences and learn from.
Solution
Katrina joined TechLeap to gain direction and become part of a supportive community. It provided her with a structured approach to learning and career development. Key components included:
Mentorship and Guidance:
Regular one-on-one sessions with a mentor helped Katrina understand the areas she needed to focus on.Project Collaboration:
Working on projects with other members taught Katrina the essential skill of collaboration, which she couldn't have learned on her own.Community Support:
She got connected to people who were on the same journey, allowing them to share their experiences and support each other.
Experience
Katrina's experience exceeded her expectations. The mentorship was genuine, honest, and provided invaluable tips and advice. The positive and safe environment made it easy for her to connect and work through challenges.
Results
Since joining TechLeap, Katrina achieved several significant milestones:
Job Offer:
She successfully secured a job offer, which was her primary goal.Skill Development:
She learned to use tools and methodologies like agile practices, Git, and GitHub, which were new to her.Increased Confidence:
Katrina gained the confidence to discuss technology and collaborate effectively with others.Ongoing Support:
Even after getting a job, Katrina maintains relationships with her peers, continuing to support each other's professional journeys.
Conclusion
Katrina's transformation from a lost and uncertain job seeker to a confident software engineer highlights the power of structured guidance and community support. Initially struggling to find direction and feeling isolated, Katrina's journey with TechLeap provided her with the mentorship, collaborative projects, and a supportive network she needed to thrive.
Through this experience, she not only developed the technical skills required for her new role but also gained the confidence to navigate the tech industry. Katrina's success is a clear example of how the right support system can turn uncertainty into a successful career transition.