Making a career switch is never easy, and transitioning from being a physiotherapist in the NHS to a software developer felt both exciting and daunting. Remote work, coding, and the concept of a bootcamp were completely new to me, so when I joined Northcoders, I was filled with a mix of anticipation and nerves. But now, after seven weeks, I can confidently say this journey has been transformative, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Week 1: A Warm Welcome

From the moment I joined Northcoders, I felt welcomed into a supportive and encouraging community. The first day was intentionally structured to ease us into the fast-paced bootcamp life, beginning with an introductory lecture followed by solo 'sprints'—a hands-on exercise that helped me familiarize myself with the rhythm of the course. Although it was a bit overwhelming at first, it was incredibly enjoyable, and I quickly found my stride.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned early on was that it's okay not to grasp everything immediately. The bootcamp is intense, and you're constantly introduced to new concepts. But our tutors reassured us that even experienced developers frequently reference documentation. I felt comforted knowing that I wasn’t expected to memorize everything right away. Instead, it’s about learning to solve problems and applying concepts effectively.

Weeks 2 - 4: Mastering JavaScript Fundamentals

The next three weeks focused on mastering the fundamentals of JavaScript, a crucial building block for both back-end and front-end development. It was during this phase that I really started to build the foundation of my technical skills. We delved into the core principles of JavaScript, including callback functions, object-oriented programming, recursion, and more.

At first, I was nervous – there was so much to learn, and it felt like a lot to absorb all at once. But when we hit review day at the end of the block, I was amazed at how much I had learned in such a short period. Looking back, I could see that what initially seemed intimidating was now within my grasp. It was incredibly empowering to see my progress and it boosted my confidence.

Weeks 4 - 7: Mastering Back-End Development

After the JavaScript fundamentals, we dove into back-end development. We spent two weeks focusing on Node.js and PostgreSQL, diving deep into creating functional, database-driven applications. The learning curve was steep, but the hands-on approach helped me grasp the new concepts quickly.

By the end of this section, we were tasked with building our own APIs—an exciting opportunity to consolidate everything we had learned so far. I couldn’t believe how much I had grown in such a short time. Concepts that had once felt insurmountable began to click, and the overwhelming challenge of back-end development started to feel like a realistic and achievable goal. Reflecting on the journey, I was proud of how far I had come.

Pair Programming: A Surprisingly Enjoyable Experience

Pair programming was something that many of us, including myself, were initially apprehensive about. I was accustomed to working with patients and collaborating in a team due to my previous job as a physio, but collaborating over video calls was an entirely new experience. At first, I wasn’t sure how I would adapt, but I quickly realised how valuable pair programming really is.

Working closely with a partner allows for idea-sharing, problem-solving from different perspectives, and continual learning from each other. There were moments when we worked solo, and I found myself missing the collaboration. It became clear to me that soft skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are just as important as technical abilities in this field.

Unmatched Support from Tutors

The support from the tutors at Northcoders has been one of the standout aspects of this experience. They’re not just highly knowledgeable, but also approachable, patient, and genuinely invested in our success. They've created an environment where it's okay to struggle, and they encourage us to reflect on our progress regularly. This has been a powerful motivator, especially when things get tough. Knowing there’s a team behind you, rooting for you, makes all the difference.

Looking Ahead: The Next 6 Weeks

As I approach the final six weeks of the bootcamp, I’m excited about what’s next! We will be delving deeper into front-end development and starting team-based projects. It’s thrilling to think about how much further I can go and how I’ll be able to apply everything I’ve learned to real-world applications. My ultimate goal is to secure a role in software development, and thanks to Northcoders, that dream feels closer than ever.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about switching to a career in tech but feel uncertain, take it from me, it's worth the leap! Northcoders has created an environment where anyone, regardless of background, can thrive. The first seven weeks have been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue this journey. I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds.