Hear from inspiring developers about how they found meaningful and fulfilling work that that also pays them well. On the #StoriesByScrimba Podcast, you'll hear motivational advice and job-hunting strategies from developers who've been exactly where you are now. We talk to developers about their challenges, learnings, and switching industries in the hopes of inspiring YOU. This is the podcast that provides the inspiration, tools, and roadmaps to move from where you are to work that matters to you and uniquely fits your strengths and talents.
Talent Alone Is Not Enough: How Theo Changed Careers at 49 and Landed a Paid Web Dev Apprenticeship
🎙 About the episode
Meet Theo Ntogiakos 🇬🇧! Theo has just switched careers at the age of 49! Recently, he landed a paid apprenticeship and is currently attending a coding bootcamp. But before that, he learned on Scrimba - he joined a coding challenge in February and became an active member of our community. Although he always did something with computers, he used to think he could never become a front-end developer. Well, he was wrong! And that's why he's here.
In this episode, Theo shares details about a path that led him here, as well as his approach to learning. You'll find out what's it like to attend a bootcamp and how it compares to Scrimba's learning platform, as well as what kinds of opportunities to keep an eye out for if you're a new developer and live in the UK. Theo also talks about motivation, self-doubt, and whether he could've shifted gears earlier. He and Alex also discuss the importance of wanting to become a developer for the right reasons.
🔗 Connect with Theo
⏰ Timestamps
- Theo's journey into web development (it's a long and winding path!) (01:33)
- Theo's coding background (it includes Pascal!) (02:48)
- Why Theo wanted to change careers (05:29)
- On self-doubt (06:13)
- Was it challenging to change careers later in life? Plus, the perks of a coding apprenticeship (06:41)
- How Theo landed a paid apprenticeship after only six months of learning to code... and discovered Scrimba along the way (08:42)
- Scrimba's coding challenges (11:02)
- UK developer bootcamps (11:56)
- How to get an apprenticeship as a web developer in the United Kingdom (14:27)
- Is salary enough of a reason for a career change? (19:23)
- What do employers want to see in a candidate? (21:33)
- Slow and steady wins the race (25:17)
- How does Scrimba compare to a boot camp? (27:49)
- If you're a self-taught developer, do this! (29:10)
- Theo's deep dive into Scrimba (30:51)
- Let's talk pricing: how much does Scrimba cost compared to a coding bootcamp? And what are the differences between the two? (32:18)
🧰 Resources Mentioned
- YT Video: Where to Find Developer Job Openings When You Have No Experience
- The Front-End Career Path
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