"WOW, to use just one word. The course proved to be excellent at all levels."
A job can easily be replaced. A long-term career involves a deep journey through which you explore your potential and develop skills at increasingly higher levels.
Marinela's goal was also a high-reaching career. While on maternity leave, she decided to return to an even higher professional level, following the Python Programming Course that we offer at IT School.
Her experience at IT School turned out to be extremely constructive, with valuable lessons that she shares in this interview.
Tell us more about yourself. What field did you work in before taking the IT School course, and what position did you hold?
I worked in Marketing as a Brand Manager, accumulating over eight years of experience in Digital Transformation and Project Management.
What motivated you to transition to the IT field?
My motivation came from two main factors: the economic context at the beginning of the pandemic and personal changes. I went on maternity leave right when the pandemic started.
My field of work was heavily affected by COVID restrictions, which pushed me to expand my knowledge in Business Analysis. Staying home with my child and my new role as a mother were strong sources of motivation, and the course and assignments were always a breath of fresh air for me.
Why did you choose the Python course at IT School?
I initially took an SQL - MySQL course on Udemy, and then I wanted to deepen my knowledge of Python, heading towards Business Analysis. I found several online courses, but then I found the IT School course through a Facebook ad. The detailed description convinced me, and I signed up. 😊
Did you have any prior knowledge of the technologies studied throughout the course, or did you do any research beforehand?
Not necessarily. My research mainly focused on Python courses, comparing different offerings in terms of curriculum. However, my educational background also played a role in my choice—I graduated from a high school with an intensive Mathematics and Computer Science profile and later earned a degree in Cybernetics, Statistics, and Economic Informatics at Bucharest University of Economic Studies. So, I had certain expectations regarding the course content.
What was your experience like throughout the course?
WOW, to use just one word. The course proved to be excellent at all levels.
The enrollment process was thorough: an online form followed by an interview, ensuring you received all the details and knew exactly what to expect.
The course structure: Although it was delivered online in real-time, the interaction was great, and I formed friendships both during and after the course. My trainer, Bogdan Ivan, explained everything clearly, with patience and professionalism. The curriculum was well-structured and paced for all levels.
You learn more than you expect: The assignments and final project help solidify your knowledge and prepare a portfolio for job interviews. The trainer provided 24/7 support (way beyond his duties, I believe), and most importantly, he inspired us with his passion for programming and taught us how to learn. 😁
The career orientation sessions are a huge advantage: They truly prepare you for job hunting in IT, offering tips on crafting a standout CV and developing both soft and hard skills.
Did you have any fears or difficult moments during the course? If so, how did you overcome them?
Keeping your motivation high can sometimes be challenging, but it's important to always remind yourself of your goals and stay focused. The difficulty level increases in the second half of the course, and it’s crucial to dedicate time to studying and assignments.
The assignments help reinforce your knowledge and should not be overlooked. The final project integrates everything learned in the course and challenges you to do additional research for optional tasks.
How were the career orientation sessions at IT School?
As I mentioned before—WOW, beyond expectations. The trainer teaches you how to prepare for your first IT job or how to present yourself in an interview if you're switching careers. The sessions cover both soft skills for personal development and key technical skills based on your target position.
The trainer also teaches you how to build your CV. I followed all his advice, and I received highly positive feedback in multiple interviews.
What key lessons did you take away from the trainer?
I learned that you can learn anything—you just need to be persistent and stay focused on your goals.
How long did it take after finishing the course to land a job?
It took about six months. My goal was to secure an IT role before the end of my maternity leave, and I successfully achieved that.
What position do you currently hold, and what does your work involve?
I am a Technical Integration Engineer at Tradeshift. My role involves managing and implementing digital invoice integration projects in the B2B sector, covering all technical aspects of the project: architecture, implementation, and support throughout all phases.
What technologies or skills do you use in your new job?
I work with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), perform EDI mapping using the Babelway Middleware, and use Postman API for testing. I also work with secure transfer protocols like AS2, (S)FTP(S), REST API, email, and more.
Additionally, I work with RegEx, XPath, and various document formats such as CSV, XML, EDIFACT, UBL, X12, PDF, cXML, etc.
What do you enjoy most about your new job/field?
I’m drawn to the complexity of the tasks and the uniqueness of each project, the continuous collaboration with my team, and the flexibility—I work fully remotely.
What new habits have you developed since changing careers?
I have become more proactive and place greater emphasis on teamwork. I have also significantly improved my research skills.
What are your future plans? What new goals have you set for yourself?
I want to transition into a more complex role that combines engineering skills with DevOps expertise.
What advice do you have for those looking to switch careers but don’t know where to start?
I recommend seeking guidance from IT School to identify what suits their skills. Once they find their goal, they should stay focused and not give up! Perseverance is the key to success.
Inspired by Marinela’s success story? Discover the benefits of IT School’s Python Programming Course and see how you can advance your career in just five months! 🚀