Okay, so I’ve been digging into this whole “women in tech apprenticeship” thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I wanted to share my experience, from start to finish, in case it helps anyone else out there.
Getting Started
First, I started by just… searching. Seriously, I typed “women in tech apprenticeships” into the search bar and went down the rabbit hole. I found a bunch of different programs and organizations, some geared towards specific fields (like coding or data analysis), others more general.
I spent a good chunk of time just reading through websites, trying to figure out what each program offered, what the requirements were, and – most importantly – if it felt like a good fit for me.
Narrowing it Down
After that initial info dump, I started to get a better sense of what I was actually interested in. I realized I was leaning more towards the software development side of things. So, I refined my searches, adding terms like “software engineering” or “coding bootcamps” to the mix.
- I made a list of programs that caught my eye.
- I compared their timelines, the skills they taught, and any prerequisites.
- I also looked for reviews or testimonials from past participants, just to get a feel for the program’s vibe.
The Application Process
This is where things got real. I picked a few programs that seemed like a good match and started working on my applications. This usually involved writing essays about my interest in tech, my career goals, and why I thought I’d be a good fit for the program.
Some programs also required me to complete some basic coding challenges or online assessments. I’m not gonna lie, this part was a little intimidating at first, but I found some great online resources to help me brush up on my skills.
The Waiting Game (and Interviews!)
After submitting my applications, it was a waiting game. I tried to stay busy and not obsessively check my email, but it was tough! Eventually, I started hearing back from some programs, and I got invited to do a few interviews.
The interviews were mostly about my background, my motivations, and my technical skills (or lack thereof, in some cases!). I tried to be as honest and enthusiastic as possible, and I think that helped.
Making a Decision
After all the interviews, I actually got accepted into a couple of programs! This was a great problem to have, but it also meant I had to make a tough decision. I weighed the pros and cons of each program, considering things like location, curriculum, and mentorship opportunities.
Finally, I chose the program that felt like the best fit for me, and I accepted their offer. It was a huge relief, and I was so excited to get started!
The experience of learning
I started learning by following the apprenticeship.
I took some basic computer courses.
I got stuck with some of the problems.
I asked my mentor for help.
I followed mentor’s suggestion.
And I finally solved the problems.
I kept learning and practicing coding.
It was really cool.
So, that’s my story so far. It’s been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. If you’re thinking about exploring a tech apprenticeship, I say go for it! Just be prepared to put in the work, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
