Giovanni | USA
Exploring Career Options
Giovanni worked in various industries before finding Generation (including teaching high school math and finance). But, he wanted to find a job he felt passionate about and could see a long-term future in.
It was during the pandemic that Giovanni stumbled upon coding meetups, where developers congregated to solve challenges and discuss the intricacies of software engineering. This discovery ignited a spark within him, and he knew he wanted to explore a career in this field.
Determined to pursue this newfound passion, Giovanni embarked on a self-guided journey of learning and coding using whatever resources he could find online. However, he soon realized that he needed guidance and support to transition smoothly into the world of software engineering.
Finding Generation
That’s when he learned about Generation. Giovanni took the leap and enrolled in the program. He found it striking that Generation’s curriculum lies not only in technical education, but also in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment among learners. Working alongside his peers, Giovanni learned a lot about teamwork, which would later prove vital in his career as a software engineer.
“When I found out about Generation, I said, ‘This is a great opportunity to have a community’ because up until this point, I had been trying to do everything on my own.”
The encouragement and mentorship he received from Generation’s instructors and fellow learners played an important role in solidifying a new set of skills. Beyond the technical aspects, Generation’s focus on peer support and community-building allowed Giovanni to forge meaningful connections that extended beyond the program, and supported him during his career transition in the pandemic. Giovanni didn’t just gain a skill-set, but also a personal and professional network he continues to rely on and leverage today.
A New Career Begins
Upon graduating from Generation’s program, Giovanni became a teacher’s assistant for Generation’s cybersecurity program, to help others on their journey.
Not long after that, Giovanni secured his first full-time job as a software engineer, a role he finds immensely fulfilling. Embracing his nature as a creative, life-long learner, he enjoys the daily task of solving problems, researching new tools and skills, and the challenging, fast-paced environment of his new role.
“Switching careers can be scary. But, it’s very, very possible,” he told us.