From Crawling Websites to Building Robots | How Online Part-Time Alumna Delvina Blakaj Upskilled Into a New Career

Posted onFebruary 10, 2021

Pre-Dojo:

Worked on a project crawling websites using Java

Had coding experience, but wanted to expand her skill set & knowledge base

After Dojo:

Works as a Robotic Process Automation Developer

Is confident in her ability to learn new skills and work in different programming fields

Dreams of continuing her work in the AI industry

Program: Online Part-Time Bootcamp

Testimonial:

The Coding Dojo bootcamp is something that each time I think of it, I remember an unforgettable experience and I feel confident about other programming challenges. I also made good friends.

Tell us a little about yourself. Age, hobbies, passions, and what you were doing (professionally) before the bootcamp.

My name is Delvina and I’m 26 years old. My hobbies are computer gaming, writing, electronics, sports, and languages. I like math and programming, which are related for me when it comes to problem solving.

Prior to the bootcamp, I was working on a project that involved crawling different websites using Java.

Beyond the desire of learning to code, why did you decide to enroll in a coding bootcamp?

The idea of bootcamp came out of curiosity, since in college I didn’t have the opportunity to only focus on coding. I heard from other students’ success stories that a bootcamp is a good way to gain experience with coding. And with bootcamp, you are part of a group that has the same interests as you, so you can collaborate with them and learn new things.

What fears or doubts were holding you back from enrolling? How did you get over them?

I did not have fears necessarily, but of course it was something unknown to me and I did not know how it would go.

What sealed the deal on Coding Dojo? Why did you choose us over other programs?

Why I chose Coding Dojo over other programs is because of the Innovation Centre Kosovo scholarship first of all, and the way it was described by people on social networks. Also, the website especially was something that gave me a good first impression of the bootcamp.

What was it like getting ready for the bootcamp? How did you prepare?

Well I had some knowledge for coding before, but how I started was by repeating loops and arrays in Javascript.

Walk us through your first few weeks in the program. What were parts you liked? Parts you struggled with?

The first weeks were a bit of introduction. I really liked the detailed method of explanation from instructors, the way lectures and assignments were structured and of course, I liked the part that there was always the chat platform Mattermost, where if you needed help you could ask for it.

How did you overcome the obstacles or struggles you faced?

If I had struggles understanding the lectures, I repeated the video many times until I understood. For problems in assignments I could ask if any of my colleagues had the same problem, then we’d discuss and solve the problem together. Also in Mattermost I could ask questions, but I did not have many obstacles since lectures and assignments were very informative.

Do you have any fun anecdotes to share about your time in the bootcamp? Make good friends? Fond memories?

The Coding Dojo bootcamp is something that each time I think of it, I remember an unforgettable experience and I feel confident about other programming challenges. I also made good friends.

When your graduation date was approaching, how did you feel about your skills and job prospects?

I was feeling like I was really “part of something” now. I realized that I had created a great connection with coding and that it is very important from whom you learn the skills. I feel confident that I can continue learning new skills and work in different programming fields.

How did the job hunt go? Where did you land a job?

It went well. I found a job to work with RPA for a German company with a branch in Kosovo for a while. But now I am searching again for another job.

What advice do you have for others who are interested in coding bootcamps or who are just starting one?

My advice would be, “Just apply…because it is worth it. And choose Coding Dojo.”

Beyond the coding expertise, did the bootcamp give you anything else?

I think the Coding Dojo bootcamp is a program that offers you a bunch of skills, not only coding. I am more motivated, I have more confidence and l learned to collaborate and communicate more.

What are your goals or dreams for the future, say 5 or 10 years from now?

I want to continue in programming. I would like to be part of a great AI-focused company or a team where I can continue to learn, as well as contribute to the creation of technological products or services, and where my work and the team I work with is appreciated by those who benefit from services or products.

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If you are interested in learning how to code and changing your career trajectory into a career that you love, Coding Dojo bootcamp offers accelerated learning programs that can transform your life. We offer both part-time and full-time online courses, as well as onsite (post COVID-19) programs. We also offer financing options, scholarships, and other tuition assistance programs to help you with financial barriers.

If you want to invest in yourself and your future, there is no better time than the present! If you’re interested, use this link to schedule a 15-minute exploratory session with one of our Admissions representatives today.