Mariana | Mexico

Difficult Personal Circumstances

Mariana is a 28-year-old resident of Guadalajara, the second-largest city in Mexico. She is the oldest of five siblings. After her parents went through a difficult divorce, the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings and supporting her father fell on Mariana who at the time was also juggling studies and work. “We couldn’t count on my mother anymore, so I did what I had to do to be there for my family.”

Despite the challenges at home, she graduated as a Nutritionist in 2019. She was taking her first steps toward what she believed would be her long-term career when the pandemic turned her world upside down. Her work, which was focused on clinical and sports nutrition, relied on physical interactions, and so, there was no possibility of remote work in her field. “Those were tough years for me. I was feeling despondent and couldn’t stop worrying about my future.”

Discovering a New Career Path

Her partner, who works remotely as an engineer, suggested she should look into coding. And, while searching for coding courses online, she came across Generation Mexico’s Java Full Stack Developer program. “I was both excited and terrified to take on this opportunity outside my comfort zone. I considered giving up, but I knew I needed to challenge myself.”

After graduation, Mariana continued to improve her skills as a Developer, hoping that she will get a job in the field. She also attended a couple of bootcamps and participated in the mentorship program offered by Generation Mexico to address her impostor syndrome. 

Finding a Job as a Web Developer

Three months passed and IDR University, one of Generation Mexico’s implementation partners for tech programs locally, was searching for a new instructor for their upcoming cohorts. Her mentor encouraged her to apply, insisting she was qualified for the position. She overcame her impostor syndrome and prepared thoroughly for all the interviews and cases she had to go through. She received the job offer on December 23, 2022; a special Christmas present.

It’s been over a year since Mariana started her job as a Web Developer Instructor. “This job is a privilege, and I am so grateful for this opportunity! I work from home; I feel heard, valued, and respected. I learn from colleagues I admire and I have the chance to give back to Generation.”

Mariana’s Message to Prospective Applicants

For those who are hesitant to apply for Generation programs due to their fear of the unknown, Mariana had a word of encouragement: “Fear was constantly present throughout my journey. However, despite the fear, I dared to leave a professional path that was no longer fulfilling. I couldn’t find decent jobs in that field (i.e. nutrition), and the salaries were very low. I won’t sugarcoat it; it won’t be easy, but I promise you won’t regret it. This experience changed my life!”