Whether you’re trying to break into a new field, prepare for the job search, or level up in your current role, it helps to know that you’re not alone in your journey to build your skills. That’s why we’re sharing stories from learners like you: to motivate and inspire others in their learning endeavors.
Jerry Gbemudu recently earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science and works part-time as a data analyst with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City. He helps optimize asset workflows across the subway division and other teams using a variety of data processing tools. But his aspirations extend beyond his current role. Jerry is determined to land a full-time software engineering position, and he’s using CodeSignal Learn to make that dream a reality.
What did you learn in school, and how are you building on that now with Learn?
“In college, I started with cloud engineering. After I came here to the United States, I saw that I can’t just have only cloud technology as a skill—[there are] other job requirements. So I’ve tried to broaden my knowledge by not only staying on cloud. I’m currently on a data structures and algorithms track [in CodeSignal Learn], learning various cloud computing tools and data engineering tools.
So although I studied computer science in college, it’s not what I’m doing right now. I’m a continuous learner. The skills and actual learning of being a data engineer or data scientist, I learned by myself—and that’s what I’m implementing [in my] work right now. I’ve learned Python and use Python to analyze data and for data cleaning, but data analysis is not what I learned in school. It’s what I learned by myself.”
What has it been like using Learn?
“When I started using CodeSignal [Learn] and Cosmo, learning just became easier for me. CodeSignal starts with a simple video, then you enter advanced problems to solve with Cosmo by [your] side. CodeSignal breaks down [the question] and can ask the question in simpler terms. I’ll say, ‘Break down this question for me like I’m like a 2 year old.’ This lets me picture it because if I can picture it, right, I will know what I’m doing.
I love the fact that I can do what I’m doing by [Cosmo’s] side. So as I’m seeing the question, I’m asking questions too. I pause anytime I’m lost and I ask, ‘okay, why are we doing this?’ Then Cosmo tells me why we’re doing this—like, ‘this is why we’re using this syntax.’ It’s telling me in real time when and where I should use a certain kind of approach. This is one of the things that’s helping me in my learning journey.”
What motivates you to keep learning?
“I’ve been doing [CodeSignal Learn] for 60 days now, back to back. I solve at least one problem a day, but don’t stop one problem. I keep on going because CodeSignal breaks it down for you. It gives you harder questions, but which you can still at least solve. And this is what I couldn’t do before.”
What are your career goals and learning goals?
“Right now I’m looking to be more of a software engineer. And my data engineering skillset is still there for me. So right now in the job market, I see most posts that are looking for both software engineer and also data engineer skillsets together. I feel like I’m almost getting to that full-time role because Cosmo [in CodeSignal Learn] has helped me a lot. I just need to keep learning to get those software engineering skills. With what I’ve learned so far, I can see Java code, for example, and I know what is happening. When talking to my peers about code, I know what I’m doing now. Next, I’ll be completing the system design [CodeSignal Learn] series with C++.”
What advice do you have for other recent grads like you?
“Keep coming back to learning, no matter how hard it is for you. Even if it’s just coding 10 or 20 minutes a day, or [solving] one question. If it’s hard for you and you don’t understand what’s happening, revisit that question or revisit that video [lesson] and make sure you understand it. Take it step by step. Try to make sure that you understand at least a small part from the code. Then you work your way down. Take a deep breath. Just take a step by step approach, and you’ll be fine.”
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The post How a recent grad bridges the gap from school to career with CodeSignal Learn appeared first on CodeSignal.