How a simple idea of automating a simple task changed the course of my life forever.

16 January 2023

Before starting at Pragmatic Digital, I was a part of a small team of social media consultants for a travel company in Leeds. My daily duties were to assist customers with their queries, take complaints, and report updates from the depots, which were scattered across the country. My job involved a lot of repetition, and as time went by, I figured there had got to be an easier way that I could do this.

I began to look for software/applications that I could download. which would allow me to input data and set specific conditions, then have it return a specifically formatted version that I required. I downloaded several applications, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Several days later, by complete coincidence, or maybe Twitter’s algorithm, I came across an article by freeCodeCamp. This article discussed the importance of programming and that everybody, regardless of the profession, should have some knowledge of programming, as any tasks they repeat should probably be automated by a script that they can create.

After reading an article, I devoted an entire night to researching automation using Python. I soon realised that I would have to invest a significant amount of time in acquiring the skills needed for automating tasks in my current job. I enrolled in a “100 Days of Python” course on Udemy and became engrossed in the material. As I progressed through the course, my understanding of the technology industry expanded, and I came to the realisation that learning to code was not just for my current role but a career change.

My girlfriend Lizzie, who has been very supportive of my journey in transitioning into tech, had sent me a link which was Software Development training by Coders Guild, which offered an 8-week course of a series of lessons which offered a qualification in software development at the end. This was perfect for me, as I could work around my current role and when the kids were in bed. The more I learnt about the tech world, the more I realised that this wasn’t something I could do casually. I would need to fully commit myself and my time.

I became fully immersed in anything software development related. I became an active member in Reddit forums, reading up on new technologies, signed up to freeCodeCamp, signed up for several Udemy courses and signed up for Codecademy’s full stack developer course. Spending every night until the early hours learning as much as I could.

Around 5/6 months into my quest to become a developer. I started to look for roles as a trainee/apprentice Software/Web Developer. This would allow me to learn on the job and also off the job. I received a phone call from Jenny at Coders Guild, letting me know Pragmatic Digital were hiring an apprentice web developer, and the rest was history.

I have been at Pragmatic Digital for six months now, and I can honestly say this was the best decision I have made. I often had self-doubts, imposter syndrome, and a constant voice in my head telling me I was too old or not technically minded enough to make this change. I’m glad I ignored that voice. I now get paid to do a job I love, and I am surrounded by a plethora of intelligent developers, who I learn from daily.”

Oliver Grice

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