Q: Tell us about yourself! What made you consider a career in tech?

I've worked in pastoral ministry for over 25 years, earning my bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in the field. However, I've long been interested in tech and software development. The idea of transitioning into a full-time development role and using my pastoral ministry skills on the side was appealing to me. I love helping coordinate teams and create projects, and the role of a software engineer seemed like a perfect fit.

Q: Is this your first time learning to code?

No, I previously tried learning through Codecademy. While it initially seemed promising, I struggled when it came to learning JavaScript as there was no one to ask questions or help me through the challenges. The lack of human interaction made the learning process difficult.

Q: Why did you decide to learn coding?

After a good amount of research, I came across Altcademy. I was drawn to the affordability, the structure provided in the learning courses, and most importantly, the prompt human interaction when I needed help. The flexibility of time and logical order of the program also appealed to me.

Q: How are you doing so far in the program?

I am currently dedicating around 20-25 hours per week to learning through Altcademy. I aim to complete the entire program in six months at the latest, maybe even as soon as December if all goes well.

Q: How have you been dealing with challenges in the program?

Whenever I face a challenge, I first attempt to resolve it using Google and other online resources. If I still can't figure it out, I utilize the Q&A section provided by Altcademy. I've found that often someone else has already encountered and asked about the same issue I'm dealing with. I've also asked my mentor, David, a question or two when necessary. I appreciate the prompt responses and the support I receive.

Q: What are your goals and plans after completing the program?

I intend to apply the skills I acquire through the program to transition into a full-time technology role, potentially as a software engineer or even a product manager. I'm especially interested in a position that allows me to lead a team and coordinate the completion of projects. My ideal location would be Austin, Texas, where the tech industry is booming.

Brian Cooper is clearly dedicated to his new journey into the tech world. Switching careers after 25 years is no small feat, and his determination is evident in his commitment to learning and pursuing his goals. With his existing soft skills and growing technical abilities, Brian is well on his way to carving out a successful place for himself in the tech industry.