Candidate Profile: Learn About Bill

Learning How To Learn

billphan-portrait-e1519330658455What path led you to LaunchCode?

I graduated at the end of 2016 from Portland State University studying Graphic Design. My core focus while at university was interaction design, and I had some experience with web development prior to LaunchCode. I had this insatiable passion for technology and code at the time and wanted to take every opportunity I could that involved programming and technology.

During the time of my study, I have freelanced developing basic micro-sites for companies that needed a place to display their products and services. This experience definitely gave me a leg up and some familiarity with code!

I heard about LaunchCode through a classmate of mine from University. They were attending an orientation for programming scheduled for that evening and out of curiosity, I asked for more information. I signed up right away and here I am now. Pure serendipity!

LC101 exceeded my expectations...being able to take an in-person course was tremendously beneficial for me.

How did the reality of the class differ from your expectations?

LC101 exceeded my expectations, actually! I had taken courses online through other popular sites such as CodeAcademy or Udemy, but I found that these resources lacked in-person mentorship and feedback which I felt was crucial in the learning process. So being able to take an in-person course was tremendously beneficial for me and others I'm sure.

A major highlight throughout the course was just the sheer passion of our instructor Al Zimmerman. His knowledge and depth of the subject go so far and he brings so much to the table each and every class. It has always been a joy attending classes just for the lectures that he provides.

A major highlight throughout the course was just the sheer passion of our instructor.

What type of development role are you looking for?

I am actively seeking a front-end development job due to the design aspect of the role. This decision ties directly to what my background in University was, but I am intent on pursuing software development in the future!

Do you feel LaunchCode's course prepared you well for beginning your tech career?

Although I have not landed a job yet, this course provided me with a set of tools that I am sure will help me throughout the course of my career in development. Learning version control, computer science fundamentals, and even just how to network and talk about my work will be valuable skills that I will carry with me to whatever comes next.

What have you learned about yourself by taking this course?

I have learned how to learn, essentially. There were a lot of times where I struggled immensely with a problem set or a bug, but it was consistency and love of the craft that helped me through those hard times.

Be clear and have a goal of your endpoint from the beginning. This will make what you will learn worthwhile.

What would be your advice to someone interested in signing up for LaunchCode's next class?

Approach it with an open mind and most importantly a beginner's mind. That was what helped me the most. Don't be afraid to speak up and don't be afraid to say I don't know. Be consistent and be persistent. Be clear and have a goal of your endpoint from the beginning. This will make what you will learn worthwhile.

 

/// To Hire Bill, or another awesome LaunchCoder, go to

launchcode.org/companes to meet your next great tech hire.