Wondering if a career in web development is for you?
Get inspired by Amy Wah, who worked as an electrical engineer before she decided to make a career change with Juno College's Web Development Bootcamp! She graduated in 2017, and went on to work as a front-end developer and senior software engineer.
Today, Amy works at RBC as a Director within the Omni technology group, leading a group of over 70 developers. We chatted with Amy about how she got into tech, and her advice for every stage of the journey. Get to know her below!
Why Amy Changed Careers with Juno
Why did you decide to make a career change? Why did you choose web development in particular?
Amy: The creative and design aspects of front-end development really interested me, and I've always liked building websites since I was in high school. I also like technical problem-solving, and front-end development gave me the opportunity to be technical and creative.
Front-end development gave me the opportunity to be technical and creative.
Why did you choose a Bootcamp program over other learning options? Why did you choose Juno?
Amy: I went to visit different Bootcamps and talked to alumni from each one. I felt a strong sense of community within the Juno graduates. Also felt that Juno really valued diversity and inclusion — especially after talking to Heather Payne, Juno's CEO and Founder, and finding out that she is a champion of women in development.
Amy's Life as a Developer
What was your first job after graduating from Juno?
Amy: I worked as a Javascript Developer at the Scotiabank Digital Factory. I was on a team responsible for maintaining and building new features for the Canadian marketing site.
What do you do currently?
Amy: I'm currently working at RBC as a Director within the Omni Technology group, where I manage, mentor, and coach managers, tech leads, and senior developers. I also drive the learning of innovative technologies and best practices for over 70 front-end developers, strategize and drive technological solutions across the group, and ensure successful delivery of well-tested front-end and back-end applications. And coding once in a while, when I get the time to do it!
What's an accomplishment you're proud of in your tech journey?
Amy: I'm most proud of championing and developing a diverse and inclusive culture within my group. I think there's a lot to do in the tech industry for diversity and inclusion, and one of the things I’ve done recently is set up a technical mentorship program for women technologists within my group with the help of other amazing volunteers. Also, it's been great speaking at development conferences!
What are you currently learning and/or working on? What are you hoping to learn or accomplish next in your tech journey?
Amy: I still love coding, so I do try to do it when I have some free personal time. I’m currently working on a pet app on the side. In the tech industry, you're constantly learning new things and new technologies that come up. On a professional level, I'm constantly reading and learning more about how to be a better leader.
In the tech industry, you're constantly learning new things and new technologies that come up.
Who is someone you look up to in tech?
Amy: I really look up to Katherine Johnson. Her story is so remarkable: she was an African-American mathematician who was successful and amazing at what she did, despite facing a lot of barriers and challenges due to her race and gender. She has two NASA facilities named in her honour and lived to be 101 years old! The movie Hidden Figures tells her story along with other remarkable women's stories in the STEM field — I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it.
Amy's Advice For Beginners, Students, and Developers
Advice for those looking to break into tech as a beginner?
Amy: Do as much self-learning as you can to learn about what part of tech you are passionate about. There are tons of free resources online. Network and reach out to friends and friends of friends who are in the industry to get a better sense of the pros and cons of working in the tech industry, and what you need to succeed. Go back to school to learn more about an area that you are passionate about.
Do as much self-learning as you can to learn about what part of tech you are passionate about.
Advice for current Bootcamp students?
Amy: Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. The Web Development Bootcamp is quite intense so remember to take time for proper self-care. And reach out to past Bootcamp graduates for advice and support!
Advice for job-seeking developers?
Amy: Definitely network with people in the industry. Reach out to past Bootcamp graduates and find out more about the companies they work at, so you can get a better sense of what companies you would like to work at. Do lots of interviews, and don't get discouraged if you don't get the job after an interview! Think of it as practice and gaining interview experience for the job that you will get.
Advice for developers looking to take the next step in their career?
Amy: Find a good mentor either within your company or outside your company. Talk to your manager about your career goals, and work with them to create opportunities to help you gain the experience and skills to achieve the next step in your career.
Your must-have dev tool/resource?
Amy: I can’t live without Stack Overflow! Without it, we would all be spending time solving the same problems over and over again. Also, free YouTube videos for learning any concept in tech.
Ready to break into tech like Amy?
Our Web Development Bootcamp will help you do it, fast. Download our Bootcamp Package below to learn more: