Becoming a Front-End Developer
Cristina Veale
Summer 2015 – Charlotte, NC
What were your goals before learning to code with Tech Talent South?
To become a frontend developer.
What are you up to now?
I’m a front-end UI developer at Cardinal Solutions Group. I work on a range of IT Solutions - from producing web pages to building pattern libraries.
How did you experience with TTS shape your journey?
After six or so months of self-study, I hit a peak with my studies. I needed an extra bit of motivation to truly understand frontend concepts. I enrolled in the Intro to Web Development course with TTS part-time and studied my butt off, as well as networked through various meetups in Charlotte. I found an opening through the TTS job portal for an apprenticeship job with Cardinal Solutions. With the combination of networking and TTS, I was able to land the job with Cardinal Solutions as a UI Developer and have been working here ever since.
What did you find most challenging about the course and what were your big take aways?
As for challenges, tts was a part-time course on Mondays, so the bulk of learning was through consuming a lot of information in a short period of time. Then having to apply that knowledge for the week ahead.
My major takeaways were, meeting a great group of like-minded individuals and the final push into understanding web development concepts. And of course, getting a ballin’ job!
How prepared did you feel starting your new job?
TTS was a great stepping stone into the role I have now. Great networking opportunities. TTS actually connected me to the role I have now.
What are your goals moving forward?
Become a great FED. Then eventually taking a leadership type of position within the tech field. Whether that be a technical PM, tech lead, scrum master, etc. But I definitely see myself in a leadership position one day.
