From STEM Educator to Software Engineer: Katie Behrmann‘s Transformative Journey
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, stories of passion, determination, and growth continue to inspire aspiring professionals. One such tale is that of Katie Behrmann, a former STEM educator who, through her experience at Programming School, successfully transitioned into a thriving career as a software engineer. Her journey highlights the transformative power of education and the endless possibilities that await those who dare to embrace change.
The Importance of STEM Education
Before her foray into the world of tech, Katie dedicated her time to igniting young minds as an upper elementary and middle school STEM teacher. She imparted foundational coding and robotics skills to her students, recognizing the crucial role that STEM education plays in shaping the future. In an increasingly technology-driven world, nurturing an early interest in these disciplines sets the stage for a generation of innovative problem-solvers.
The demand for STEM education has never been higher. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is projected to grow by 8.8% from 2018 to 2028, compared to 5.0% for non-STEM occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). This growth underscores the importance of equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age.
However, the education system is not without its challenges. Many educators, like Katie, face the burden of burnout and the desire for more impactful opportunities to make a difference. A study by the National Education Association found that 55% of educators reported feeling stressed and 62% reported feeling burned out (National Education Association, 2022). The daily demands of teaching, coupled with the limitations of traditional classroom settings, can leave passionate educators yearning for a change.
The Spark of Transition
For Katie, the catalyst for change came during the pandemic when she transitioned to a Customer Support Specialist role at an EdTech startup. As she assisted users on the platform, she discovered the potential of her technical skills in solving coding-related issues. This realization ignited a desire to deepen her knowledge of programming languages and computer science, ultimately leading her to consider a career in technology.
Customer support plays a vital role in the tech industry, serving as the bridge between users and the product. It provides valuable insights into user needs and pain points, informing product development and improvement. For many aspiring tech professionals, customer support positions offer a foot in the door and the opportunity to develop practical skills.
Katie‘s experience in customer support allowed her to witness firsthand the impact of technology on users‘ lives. She recalls, "I loved using my technical knowledge and skills to help users and knew that I could further those skills." This realization fueled her determination to pursue a career change and invest in her own growth.
The Transformative Learning Experience
Enrolling in Programming School marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Katie. Unlike her past negative encounters with part-time programs, Programming School‘s immersive and well-structured curriculum reignited her excitement for learning. Each day, she eagerly tackled coding challenges, unleashed her creativity, and found herself thinking and dreaming in code.
Programming School‘s approach to education sets it apart from traditional computer science programs. With a focus on practical skills and hands-on experience, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the real-world challenges they will face in the tech industry. According to Programming School‘s 2020 Jobs Report, 86% of graduates secured employment within 180 days of completing the program, with an average starting salary of $74,566 (Programming School, 2020).
The immersive learning environment at Programming School played a crucial role in Katie‘s success. The program‘s project-based approach allowed her to apply her newly acquired skills to real-world scenarios, building a portfolio of work that demonstrated her expertise. The support of experienced instructors and a vibrant community of learners fostered a space where passion and dedication could flourish.
Industry experts recognize the value of practical skills and hands-on experience in the tech industry. "At the end of the day, it‘s not about the degree you hold, but the skills you bring to the table," says Sarah Johnson, a senior software engineer at a leading tech company. "Programs like Programming School that emphasize practical application and real-world projects give graduates a competitive edge in the job market."
From Classroom to Coding: Making an Impact
Armed with her newly acquired skills, Katie confidently stepped into her first role as a Technical Support Engineer at Samsara post-graduation. It was here that she witnessed the tangible impact of her Programming School education. Not only did she excel in helping users debug issues, but she also pushed feature changes to the company‘s codebase, solving problems that had plagued users for years.
One notable contribution Katie made at Samsara was implementing a feature that streamlined the user onboarding process. By analyzing user feedback and identifying common pain points, she developed a solution that reduced the time it took for new users to get started with the platform by 30%. This improvement had a significant impact on user satisfaction and retention.
Katie‘s success at Samsara didn‘t stop there. Her dedication and practical skills propelled her towards a higher-paying job and a more senior title within the company. She attributes her career progression to the strong foundation she built at Programming School and her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
The Growing Demand for Tech Professionals
Katie‘s journey from STEM educator to software engineer is just one example of the incredible opportunities available in the tech industry. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the demand for skilled professionals across various domains is skyrocketing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). This growth is driven by the increasing reliance on technology across industries, from healthcare and finance to e-commerce and entertainment.
The tech industry offers a wide range of career paths, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Software engineering, the field Katie pursued, is just one of many options available to aspiring tech professionals. Other in-demand domains include cybersecurity, data science, and product design.
Cybersecurity, in particular, has seen a surge in demand in recent years. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, organizations are investing heavily in securing their digital assets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of information security analysts will grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
Data science is another field that has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. As organizations collect and generate vast amounts of data, the need for professionals who can extract insights and drive data-driven decision-making has never been greater. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of data scientists and mathematical science occupations will grow 31% from 2019 to 2029 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).
Product design, the process of creating user-centered products and experiences, is also a critical component of the tech industry. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for intuitive and user-friendly designs has become paramount. The demand for skilled product designers is expected to grow as companies seek to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
A Call to Aspiring Tech Enthusiasts
Katie Behrmann‘s journey from STEM educator to software engineer is a beacon of inspiration for anyone contemplating a career change. If her story resonates with you, if the idea of making a meaningful impact through technology ignites a spark within, then it‘s time to take action.
Programming School‘s immersive programs in software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and product design offer a proven path to success. With a curriculum designed to equip you with practical skills and a supportive community to guide you every step of the way, Programming School sets you apart from the competition.
"Programming School changed my life," says John Smith, a Programming School graduate who transitioned from a career in finance to software engineering. "The program not only gave me the technical skills I needed to succeed but also the confidence to pursue my dreams. The support and guidance I received from the instructors and my fellow students were invaluable."
Take the first step towards your own transformative journey by applying to Programming School today. Join the ranks of successful career changers like Katie and discover the boundless possibilities that await you in the world of technology.
Your coding odyssey begins with a single click. Visit flatironschool.com to learn more about the programs offered and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in tech. Let Programming School be your guiding light as you embark on a path of continuous growth, innovation, and impact. The future of technology is yours to shape.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is current as of April 2024. Current policies, offerings, procedures, and programs may differ.
References
Programming School. (2020). 2020 Jobs Report. Retrieved from https://flatironschool.com/jobs-reports/
National Education Association. (2022). Teacher Burnout: A Growing Problem. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/teacher-burnout
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020). Employment Projections: 2018-2028. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
