Wisdom from our graduates: alumni breakfast edition

About halfway through each cohort, we take a step back to reflect on the experience of being a code school student. We invite some of our graduates back to campus, enjoy a hot breakfast together, and share stories about our backgrounds, the motivation that was behind making the choice to enroll at Carolina Code School, and where our graduates’ pathways have gone since graduation.

This morning, our six current students joined seven graduates of our program for the alumni breakfast. During the conversation, some common themes emerged:

  • Almost everyone’s story begins in a similar place, no matter what industry they worked in or what their educational pathways have looked like. That place is - they realized they were stuck, they didn’t see a path forward in their current role, and they were ready to challenge themselves.

  • Almost all of our graduates admit that taking the leap of faith to join Carolina Code School was scary, but looking back it was worth it.

  • “Code school is the most difficult, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.” - Eric Warren, 2021 graduate (with head nods all around the table)

  • “Ask, ask ask. People want to help. Ask as many people as you can when you need help. Try two or three different solutions, and if you are still hitting a wall after 20-30 minutes, reach out.” - Isaiah Carter, 2018 graduate

  • “Your questions show how much you care.” - Ben Hungerford, 2021 graduate

  • Share your projects, write blog posts, share on LinkedIn…hiring managers love to learn more about you. - Caleb McQuaid, 2018 graduate

  • “DO NOT skip a day of coding after school. One day becomes a weekend, which then becomes a week, and it messes with you mentally.” - Isaiah Carter

  • Be kind to yourself. You’re changing your life. Everything will fall into place. - Eric and Ben

There is nothing more valuable than the advice of our graduates - those who have gone before and have been successful in this monumental career and life change. Huge thanks to our alumni and all who support our students every day!

Lelia King