Meet Nada, a tech-savvy creative with a passion for design and programming. With a background in computer communications engineering, Nada forged a career in freelance UX/UI design. Last year, Nada participated in the She Codes Too six-month bootcamp. The bootcamp not only focused on teaching front-end development skills but also on career development and other soft skills necessary for a career in tech. Nada's experience with our bootcamp improved her programming skills, seamlessly blending her design expertise with her newfound coding prowess. After graduating from the bootcamp in October 2023, with the support of She Codes Too, she successfully secured a position as a front-end developer at IQ Dev House, a tech company based in Baghdad. Read more about Nada's story below.
Q: Tell Us a little about yourself
I'm Nada, and I've a few passions: designing, crafting and, well, ducks! I've a background in computer communications engineering. Before joining SCT, I was a freelance UX/UI designer. My work was all about creating interfaces that people could easily use. But the more I got into design, the more curious I became about the technical side of things. That's when I remembered how much I had enjoyed programming, especially in C++, during my studies. It was so satisfying to see my ideas come to life through code. I loved the problem-solving aspect and the creative process of writing code. It was like solving a puzzle, and I enjoyed every minute. Joining SCT was a big step for me. It allowed me to combine my love of design with my passion for programming. Now I can bring my ideas to life through design and development, and I couldn't be happier!
Q: What was your experience like with She Codes Too?
During my time at SCT, I had a fulfilling experience with many benefits and enjoyable moments. The instructors at SCT were exceptional and created an environment that fostered friendships and provided a safe space for expression and stress management. They not only taught but also built meaningful relationships with us. One of the highlights of my experience was the variety of projects we worked on. One memorable project was creating a meme generator, which was not only a fun and engaging learning experience, but also allowed us to showcase our creativity. Saturday became my favorite day of the week because it was the day of the weekly SCT onsite classes. These sessions provided the opportunity to interact with my peers and instructors and develop a sense of community and support. Overall, interactive teaching, mentorship, and interesting projects were invaluable to my time at SCT. The supportive environment combined with the opportunity to work on various projects helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Q: Tell us about your best memory with She Codes Too
One of my fondest memories with She Codes Too is when our instructors surprised us by celebrating Eid together. It was a much-needed break from our React studies, and the gesture showed how much they cared about our well-being and sense of community. Another highlight for me was completing the capstone project. It was incredibly satisfying to see my progress in just a few months and achieve something meaningful. These experiences not only show the supportive environment of She Codes Too but also highlight the personal growth and achievements that are possible through the program.
Q: What are some of the challenges you encountered along your coding journey, and how did you debug your way through them?
During my time with She Codes Too, one of the biggest challenges was mastering React. Understanding its intricacies and working with it effectively was quite daunting at first. However, thanks to the support and guidance of our trainers, I was able to overcome these challenges. They were always by my side, answering my questions and giving me valuable insights. Their encouragement and advice helped me stay motivated and reminded me that mastering React takes time and practice. By dedicating myself to the learning process and utilizing the resources available to me, I gradually gained confidence and mastery of React. Ultimately, overcoming this challenge showed me the importance of perseverance and the value of a supportive learning community like She Codes Too.
Q: How has She Codes Too contributed to your career or positively impacted your life?
She Codes Too has had a significant impact on my professional career journey and personal growth. The program provided me with important skills that were instrumental in building my portfolio, presenting projects, and securing internships and jobs. Through networking opportunities and a supportive community, I connected with industry professionals and mentors, which furthered my professional development. Today, I feel very comfortable in my current position, and I attribute much of my success to the skills, confidence and network I gained through She Codes Too.
Q: What’s next for you?
My next plan is to become a full-stack developer and acquire the necessary skills to help others discover their passion for design and programming and ultimately contribute to a better future for themselves
Q: Can you share any tips or advices for She Codes Too student?
Never underestimate yourself. Work hard, stay curious, show initiative, and remain strong and self-confident. Avoid comparing yourself to others, because each of us has a unique journey and path to success. Focus on your growth and progress and look forward to becoming the best version of yourself.
Connect with Nada on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Profile