The Face of Success

Austen Perelman-Hall   Application Developer, Asurint

2016 We Can Code IT graduate

Bachelor’s degree, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Marketing & Communications)

In just three months, the change in my outlook and happiness is amazing.

In college, I learned a lot of marketing theory but not practical skills. I got hired in sales and customer service for a large national bank and was miserable. My skills were underutilized and I kept applying for jobs where I needed tech skills.

My dad is a software developer and I remember talking to him about my struggles.  I liked stats in college, so he suggested I pursue big data analysis.  I spent two years trying to figure this out. After a really helpful Intro to Info Science course, I looked into coding bootcamps. I went to the We Can Code IT informational meeting — and I was sold!

We Can Code IT teaches the latest development platforms that companies want and I could graduate in only three months.  They also value women and diversity in tech and that was important to me. Our instructor was exceptional and really patient. I was surrounded by intelligent, motivated people who inspired me.

I used their Career Services from day one. We identified companies we wanted to work with, what languages they develop in, and more.  They made professional resumes for us, showed us how to make the most of LinkedIn, and provided month-long intensive job search training after graduation.

I was hired by a medium-sized tech company after a contact vouched for my qualifications as a bootcamp grad — the first they’ve ever hired.

We Can Code IT was a big investment but worth it.  As a customer service associate I was making $23K.  Now, my highest job offer was $60K plus a $2,500 signing bonus.

I didn’t just learn tech skills, but life skills to help me build a career over time.