7 Things I learned in my journey from coding bootcamp to Senior Developer

My journey in the tech world is quite unique. I graduated from university before the IBM PC was introduced, and I earned my MBA before there was a world wide web. After an early retirement, I decided I wanted to attend a coding bootcamp. Now I’m a senior developer. Let me share 7 things I learned on my journey.

Table of Contents

• #1 — Learn Git
• #2 — Imposter syndrome is real
• #3 — Master your IDE
• #4 — Company culture
• #5 — Take control of your career
• #6 — Networking
• #7 — Never stop learning

#1 — Learn Git

If you are a programmer, you will be using a version control system. Git is the leading VCS used by companies. Usage of a VCS is a daily activity you will experience as a programmer.

You will work as part of a programming team. Each member of the team will be responsible for completing their coding assignment. Then everybody’s code will be combined together to produce the final solution.

Every programmer needs to know how to submit their code and resolve conflicts when your code is merged. If you don’t know how to use Git, you need to learn today.

#2 — Imposter syndrome is real

Exactly 30 days after I graduated from my coding bootcamp, I started work at CNN on a contract-to-hire position. During my first three months, I had thoughts that I would be fired because I felt I did not know what I was doing.

After three months, I was converted from contract to a full-time employee. It was an odd coincidence that a friend whom I recommended for a position on my team, started as a direct hire that same day. We went through orientation together as full-time employees.

Three months later my friend confided in me that she felt that she would be fired because she felt she did not know what she was doing. I could not help but laugh because I had felt the same way.

Feeling like an imposter is something that everyone feels at some point in their career. The absolute worst…