We were delighted to be joined by Hollie Duncan of Contento, who joined the Tech Educators community call to give an overview of her experience entering the world of software development after completing a coding bootcamp.
Hollie, what initially inspired you to join a coding bootcamp?
My journey into tech started in an unconventional way. I was working as a freelance branding and web designer while living in Bali. I kept finding myself hiring developers to handle the technical aspects of my projects. Eventually, I realised that learning to code could save me a lot of money and open new opportunities. The final push came when I met someone who had completed a bootcamp in Lisbon and was working remotely as a developer. It sounded like a cool and practical way to learn without the time commitment of a traditional university degree.
Did you have any prior experience with coding before starting the bootcamp?
I had some basic experience with CSS, mainly tweaking things on platforms like Squarespace. I would change the background colour of buttons or make small adjustments to website layouts, but my knowledge was pretty limited. As I started to want more control over my projects, I realised I needed to learn more. This curiosity eventually led me to a bootcamp, where I could dive deeper into coding.
What was the bootcamp experience like for you?
It was intense, probably one of the hardest things I've ever done. The bootcamp I attended was structured with long days— 9 AM to 6 PM in class, plus homework in the evenings and on weekends. There was a ton of information to absorb in a short amount of time, which often felt overwhelming. But the structured environment and the camaraderie with my peers helped me push through. By the end of it, I had not only learned a lot but also proven to myself that I could handle difficult challenges.
How did you land your first developer job after the bootcamp?
Towards the end of the bootcamp, companies came in to offer internships, which was a great way to get my foot in the door. I applied for one and was fortunate enough to get it. This internship provided invaluable experience working within a development team, dealing with real-world codebases, and overcoming the initial terror of making mistakes. The internship also gave me something solid to put on my resume, which helped in the job search process.
What were some of the challenges you faced when looking for your first job?
The job search was tough and took several months. I applied to about 70 jobs and only heard back from three. The rejections, or worse, the silence, were discouraging at times. But I kept going, refining my approach, networking, and staying hopeful. I found that networking was crucial — connecting with people on LinkedIn and reaching out to alumni from my bootcamp really helped.
What soft skills do you think are important for a developer, especially when starting out?
Communication and teamwork are incredibly important. Coding isn’t just about writing lines of code—it’s about solving problems, often in collaboration with others. It’s essential to be able to articulate your thoughts, ask the right questions, and work well with your team. Another key skill is resilience. You’re going to face a lot of frustration, especially when you’re stuck on a problem, but learning how to step back, take a break, and approach the issue from a new angle is vital.
Do you have any advice for someone considering a coding bootcamp?
My advice would be to try a taster session first to see if coding is something you genuinely enjoy. Bootcamps are intense, but if you’re passionate about learning to code, they’re an excellent way to get up to speed quickly. Also, don’t be discouraged by the challenges. Every new developer feels lost at times—it’s part of the process. Keep pushing through, and remember that the skills and experience you gain are well worth the effort.
To try a coding bootcamp taster day of your own, you can sign up for a free Tech Educators taster session here.
About the Author
James has 8 years with Fortune 200 US firm ITW, experience of managing projects in China, USA, and throughout Europe. James has worked with companies such as Tesco, Vauxhall, ITW, Serco, McDonalds. James has experience in supporting start-up and scale up companies such as Readingmate, Gorilla Juice and Harvest London. James completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
