25 December 2023
How Jessica Kalip’s quest for fulfillment led her to leave her consulting job and embark on a coding boot camp in Bali, ultimately landing her a software engineering role at a tech startup in Berlin.
In a society that often places high expectations on certain career paths, Jessica Kalip found herself feeling unfulfilled and burned out as a strategy consultant. Seeking a change that would allow her to see tangible outcomes and work remotely, she took a leap of faith and enrolled in a coding boot camp in Bali. Kalip’s journey from consultant to coder highlights the growing trend of career transformations in the tech industry and the challenges and rewards that come with it.
The First Brush with Coding
After spending half a year as a strategy consultant, Kalip managed to convince her boss to let her work remotely from Bali. It was during her time on the island that she noticed many people coding in coworking spaces. Intrigued by the idea of working remotely and learning hard skills, she decided to enroll in a coding boot camp.
Coding in Bali
Kalip quit her job and paid $7,000 in school fees to enroll in Le Wagon’s coding boot camp in Bali. The nine-week intensive program immersed her in coding classes that took place on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. The small class size and the picturesque environment made the experience feel like a holiday. Kalip and her classmates enjoyed classes on the top floor of a hotel facing the ocean.
Job Hunting During the Pandemic
After completing the boot camp, Kalip took the time to further enhance her programming skills and computer science fundamentals. Aware of the challenges of job hunting during the pandemic, she set a goal of applying to at least 10 positions a day. After two months of persistence, she landed a software engineering role at a tech startup based in Berlin, starting remotely due to visa arrangements.
Permanent Imposter Syndrome
As a junior software engineer, Kalip initially felt like the baby of the team. However, she received immense support from her colleagues and mentors, who took the time to guide her through technical concepts. Over the course of two years, she gained more responsibilities and opportunities to drive her own projects. Kalip emphasizes that imposter syndrome is a constant presence in the tech industry, and aspiring career switchers should embrace the fact that no one knows everything about the ever-evolving field.
Conclusion:
Jessica Kalip’s journey from consultant to coder showcases the growing popularity of career transformations in the tech industry. Her decision to pursue coding led her to a fulfilling role at a tech startup in Berlin, with the added bonus of being able to work remotely. Kalip’s story serves as an inspiration for those seeking a change and highlights the importance of perseverance, support, and acceptance of imposter syndrome in navigating a new career path. As the tech industry continues to evolve, opportunities for career transformations will only continue to grow.
