Tabitha Lynn Yoerger

Tabitha Lynn Yoerger transitioned from the hospitality industry to the medical industry before finding her place in tech. Influenced by her brother, a data analyst, she decided to bring her interest in programming to fruition. After learning about The Tech Academy, Tabitha found the bootcamp’s C# and .NET program was perfect for her reskilling needs.

Now, Tabitha works as an IT/Software Dev Contractor at Slyde Social Network, a job that fulfills her newfound passion in tech and covers her need for financial stability. She shares, “I feel like I went from a ‘dead-end’ career to a career where I can continue to learn and better myself as a developer.” It’s never too late to begin again. Find out how The Tech Academy brought huge changes to Tabitha’s career path.

Tell us about your background. What were you doing before attending the program?

I worked in hospitality and restaurant management for several years before moving into medical administration. When I moved to Oregon, I started working at a new clinic and planned to earn a degree in radiation therapy. But, I eventually realized that the medical field wasn’t a sustainable choice for me as I wouldn’t be happy in the long run. At the new clinic [where I worked], I configured different software, trained new staff, and helped with minor technical issues. These are things that I enjoyed doing.   

What motivated you to explore a new career or upskill in your existing field, and why did you decide to pick this program?

I was inspired by my older brother, who works as a data analyst, to pursue my interest in computer programming. The fact that you can work pretty much from anywhere and potentially get a good job without earning a bachelor’s degree was really appealing, as well as the variety of jobs in the tech field. The Tech Academy finally became my first choice due to the flexibility of their [C# and .NET] program and how helpful and positive the admissions staff were. 

How did you finance your education, and what were some of your biggest considerations when making this choice?

I took out a private loan to pay for [my] tuition. One of my main concerns was that I needed to work part-time. The Tech Academy’s online learning program was perfect for my situation. 

Another factor that was important to me was the job placement course offered. The Tech Academy’s programs include a job placement course prior to graduation and 90 days of career support afterward. They also host networking and other events every week. 

What did you like about the program? Are there any highlights that stood out to you?

One of my favorite parts was the Introduction to Computer Science course. For someone without a technical background, it was great having an entire course dedicated to [help me] understand challenging concepts. 

But the main highlight for me would be the two-week internship at the end of the bootcamp. [It] allowed us to gain first-hand experience working with a development team and solidify everything we’ve learned. 

How did you fit the program into your schedule?

I attended the full-time course and worked three to four days a week. The flexibility [of the program] made it possible for me to study anytime as long as I put in at least 40 hours a week and stayed on track.

Can you give us any examples of projects that you worked on during the program?

Some of my bigger projects included a mock MVC web app I created for a car insurance company. [The app aims] to help users get quotes and store that information in a database [accessible] to admins. I also created a blackjack game console app that was a lot of fun to make. It incorporated a lot of the programming concepts that I had learned. The final project was during my internship, where our team created an app for a local theater company in Portland. I mainly worked on creating pages for blog posts. 

Do you have any advice for someone considering this program?

My advice is to make sure that you are prepared to dedicate time to the program. You also have to be able to deal with frustrations in a healthy way. Know when to take a break and when to ask for help because you’re bound to get stuck and feel frustrated at some point.  

How did the program support you in finding a job?

The job placement team helped me apply to over 30 jobs before I graduated by giving me feedback on cover letters and my resume. Doing a mock technical interview helped take away some of my apprehensions [about job interviews]. They were also really proactive in informing me about new [job vacancies] and connecting me with hiring managers and recruiters. 

Was the job search process different from what you expected?

It was a lot more challenging and discouraging than I anticipated. It’s hard to land a job in such a competitive field, especially your first job, so it takes a lot of persistence, and you have to keep encouraging yourself. You need to keep learning and working on personal projects to keep your skills sharp. 

How many companies did you interview at? How did you choose which one to work with?

I had three different interviews, which I found challenging. Even for entry-level positions, I was told that I didn’t have enough experience. Then a friend referred me to my current position, and I was able to land an interview with the hiring manager. 

How are the skills you gained from the course useful in your current career?

The programming knowledge, particularly on JavaScript, helped prepare me for my current role. But a handy skill that I’ve gained from the bootcamp is the ability to self-study and find solutions to different problems. I also find it easier to pick up new concepts, and I feel like I have the tools to keep progressing as a developer.   

What do you think is different about your life now versus before the program? 

My stress levels are a lot lower now. I work from home and feel a lot more balanced. Before, I would sometimes feel frustrated or bored with my work because there was no room for progress. I feel like I went from a “dead-end” career to a career where I can continue to learn and better myself as a developer.

What do you find fulfilling about your current line of work?

I love that with software engineering, you have the power to create something meaningful that can help people do their jobs more efficiently.

What do you enjoy about working at your current company, are there any specific perks you enjoy (work hours, pay, time off, etc)?

I get to work remotely with a small but growing team, which is amazing! It has opened up new learning and networking opportunities for me, and I can gain more experience and enhance my skills further. 

Do you have any job search advice for someone considering a career in your field?

One of the things I learned was to treat the job search like a full-time job. Set aside a generous amount of time every day to apply to new jobs, research companies, write unique cover letters and follow up. Also, make sure you have a support system and take care of yourself. Keep your chin up and keep trying!