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Melinda MacKenzie
Melinda MacKenzie

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My biggest take aways as a brand new full stack software developer

HI! If you're reading this, it means that I have officially reached the end of my year(ish) long journey as a student at Flatiron school's software engineering program.

insert big sigh of relief here

I stepped into this field with absolutely no background whatsoever in tech or computers. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology, which has absolutely no direct overlap with any form of software tech. My knowledge for computers and software was only as about as extensive as my ability to navigate Facebook and Instagram (which I'm pretty proficient at ;) ).

Upon completion of this program, I have learned not only many many technical skills, but many things about myself and my work ethic, discipline, and what really actually motivates me.

First of all- I will NEVER look at another web page or mobile application the same. I will forever now be analyzing all the work that went into building these things and their complex functionality. As a user, it's so easy not to think of what went into the creation of the particular website or app that you are using. That's the point, right? building something so flawless that a user never HAS to think about what's going on behind the scenes. Now that I have been fully submerged in the other side of things, I have come to understand the hard work and planning that goes into the development of these applications and for lack of a better word, am amazed.

Secondly, I have learned that imposter syndrome is SO real and it must be acknowledged as such, or the success rates of these programs probably wouldn't even be half of what they are currently. My mindset coming into this program was an "I can do anything", "No background in tech? No problem". The amount of times that I questioned my decision within the first month or so of the program is unquantifiable. As soon as I would finally start to grasp a new concept, I was knocked right back down by the next one. Many times, I questioned if I was really able to do this. Was it some dream that I just couldn't achieve? Psychology brains surely don't think this way- and now I see it. I had been told that imposter syndrome would creep in from time to time, but mine didn't creep- it barged in. It took a lot of positive self-talk, some tears of frustration, and lots of reaching out for support to realize that as hard as it may be, I could do it. This psychology brain of mine could make a shift. After passing each phase, I would gain a new sense of confidence and enter the next phase with an unwavering feeling of motivation and drive. Would I lose momentum gradually throughout the phase until I reached a point of nearly total defeat? Yes. Did I work through it every time? Yes. If you're questioning if you're cut out for this, the answer is yes. You can do it.

Third, if I could tell any one who is standing in the shoes that I was a year ago I would say, fake it til you make it. I know this doesn't sound like the best advice but for me, it really made all the difference. You don't know the exact answer? Give me your best shot and I'm sure you'll wind up on the right path eventually. Talk out loud as if you know what you are talking about, speak through your code, build things with confidence. The more you do this, the more you will realize that you will make it. Eventually the fake becomes your reality!

All this being said, remember that I am a full stack developer, not seasoned, but very fresh in my journey and have much to learn so if you choose to take my advice, take it lightly. Let it encourage you to really go after it, and don't let anyone- including yourself, tell you that it's not possible!

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