Introduction
I’m originally from Toulouse, and I made the choice to continue my studies in design in Paris, where I lived in an intergenerational cohabitation for a period of four years. This experience proved to be extremely enriching, offering me much more than I could have imagined in terms of life lessons, sharing knowledge, and experiences.
After obtaining my degree in fashion design, I pursued various experiences in trend offices. These experiences allowed me to develop essential skills like curiosity and organization. However, health issues changed the game, and I made the courageous decision to change my career.
Awakening to the World of the Web
I attended an initial training course in graphic design during which I had a brief introduction to HTML and CSS, although we mainly worked with a CMS, WordPress. It was during this time that my curiosity for development was awakened.
I still remember the first time I managed to display a simple “Hello, World!” on a web page. It was a fascinating experience that marked the beginning of my passion for programming.
At the end of my training, COVID-19 and lockdowns disrupted our lives. It was during this time that I received an email that would change my path. I was offered the opportunity to participate in the ”42 piscine”. You may be wondering what that is?
The 42 piscine is a month-long intensive competition, 24/7. The week was filled with exercises, Fridays were dedicated to evaluations, and weekends were for group projects. The challenge was immense, especially considering I had no prior programming knowledge.
I had to learn how to use a terminal for the first time, manipulate command lines, master Git, understand the C language, shell scripts, functions, and loops. Without a teacher, my best ally was Google. It was an entirely new world for me.
The goal of this experience was to endure from the beginning to the end of the piscine. It was a real mental challenge, but I succeeded. This experience marked a decisive turning point in my career.
The World of the Web is Calling Me
I decided to continue my journey in the world of the web. While looking for a training program, I came across an opportunity to apply for the Web Designer and Developer program offered by Les Descodeuses. This program aims to help women establish themselves in the field of computer programming, a professional sector marked by strong gender inequalities.
To enter this program, we first had to pass technical tests in no-code, followed by a video interview where we had the opportunity to present our motivations. In total, 40 women were selected from 150 for the first stage, which consisted of an intensive two-month no-code boot camp.
After these two months of boot camp, we had to go through another interview to enter the 12-month program, including a 6-month internship as a Web Designer and Developer. Only 16 of us were selected, and that’s when the real adventure began.
Hackathon and Social Engagement
We had the opportunity to work on several group projects within the program. Among these projects, we designed a chatbot in JS, created a back office with a MySQL and PHP database, and participated in a two-day hackathon.
During the hackathon, our mission was to develop a platform for an association, offering them better online visibility. We created a static website using JavaScript and PHP. This experience was full of exciting challenges and strengthened our web development skills.
At the end of the intensive six-month training, there was still one challenge left: a six-month internship in a company. This internship was an opportunity for us to apply the skills we had acquired during the training in a real professional environment. It was also a chance to discover the working world and continue learning from experienced professionals.
Immersion at Fundimmo
I started my internship at Fundimmo, where I joined the tech team. On my very first day, I was faced with technical terms that seemed like hieroglyphics. My initial observation was that training was just one step, and there was a significant gap between the world of learning and the world of work. A striking example of this difference emerged with JavaScript: in training, we had approached it in a relatively basic manner, while in the company, we were immediately immersed in complex projects.
My role at Fundimmo was not limited to a mere internship period. It was a real adventure that allowed me to thrive both professionally and personally. While working on the website redesign project, I had the opportunity to apply new skills during the internship. Working with technologies such as Vue.js, Tailwind CSS, and TypeScript was an enriching experience.
What made my internship even more special was the extraordinary team I had the chance to work with. My colleagues welcomed me with open arms and were always there to answer my questions and help me progress. Their expertise and passion for development were a constant source of inspiration.
This internship made me realize that learning never stops, and there are always new skills to acquire to become a proficient developer. I was fortunate to join a team with pedagogical qualities that guided me throughout this experience.
Conclusion
The story of my conversion from fashion to code is marked by choices, challenges met with determination, and a deep passion for technology. It’s also a reflection of women’s determination to make their mark in the world of programming, an industry where we can shine just as brightly as our male counterparts.
My adventure continues as an alternating front-end developer at Fundimmo, and I’m ready to take on all the exciting challenges the tech world has to offer.
