TrueCoders TrueStory: Jesse Wheeler From Collision Claims to CodingNovember 3rd, 2020
Why did you decide to go into coding?
I have always had some interest in it, but didn’t think I was capable without extreme math skills. I started teaching myself with youtube about a year ago, and then in May I was laid off and essentially replaced by an app. I figured the best way to deal with that was to learn to build apps!
“I was laid off and essentially replaced by an app. I figured the best way to deal with that was to learn to build apps!”
What were you doing before coding?
I was in the collision industry, started with repairing bumpers and most recently was handling all the material damage claims in the state of Utah for an insurance company.
Why did you choose TrueCoders?
After reading all the reviews online everywhere I could, and then talking to a student advisor, I felt really comfortable, and that I could trust TrueCoders to get me where I needed to be to land a job.
What would you say to someone to convince them to go to TrueCoders?
It is worth every second you spend. The teachers, the curriculum, the coursework, are all top-notch. If you do your part, you should have no issue landing a job in this field with what they teach you.
“If you do your part, you should have no issue landing a job in this field with what they teach you.”
What’s your new job?
I am a Junior Software Engineer in Test, or a QA Automation Engineer. I essentially write code to test the software the development team is building.
How did you land your new position?
I applied for quite a few jobs every day, made sure my resume, Linkedin, portfolio site, and projects were all as polished as can be, and studied the interview questions given to me by my teacher. The main thing that landed me this specific job, was they had a language for the testing listed in the job description that I had not heard of, so I did a couple of online tutorials on it to get familiar. When I mentioned that in the interview they were super impressed, and when they made the job offer they let me know that is what sealed the deal even over more technically skilled applicants.
What is the most important piece of advice you’d have for anyone starting out in coding?
It may seem impossible at first, but keep going, don’t quit, and push through. If you are having a hard time, ask questions! Class is just the beginning, do all you can to learn yourself in your spare time. Every second you put towards your coding skills is another leg up on somebody else trying to land a job.
What do you love most about coding?
I absolutely love the problem solving and logic aspect. Finding the most efficient way to do something, and the ability to create things with my mind and a keyboard.
What kind of music do you listen to while you code? Why?
I’m a Southern California raised 90’s kid, so it’s typically some sort of rap/hip-hop, but it changes depending on the day!
“It may seem impossible at first, but keep going, don’t quit, and push through. If you are having a hard time, ask questions!”
TrueCoders is proud of our students’ effort and dedication to invest in their future, and Jesse is a shining example of that industrious spirit.