By the end of her four years at UNC Chapel Hill, Mary Merritt had earned not one but two degrees: a BS in mathematics and a BA in music. Having also (remarkably) minored in computer science, she decided to forge a career in software engineering. Luckily, she knew exactly where to start.

“Revature was one of the first jobs I applied for,” Mary says, “and once I was accepted, I was very excited to begin.” Her training centered around two popular technologies: the Java coding language and the microservices app architecture. The rigorous curriculum was designed to ensure that associates were well-equipped for the demands of the tech industry.

Despite the intensity of the training, Mary enjoyed her time at Revature—a fact for which she credits her trainer, whom she describes as “fantastic” and “always very helpful.” The supportive environment fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among her cohort. Mary formed close bonds with her fellow associates, and their culture of mutual support and teamwork proved to be excellent preparation for the seamless collaboration required in professional development teams.

Mary's hard work paid off when she was placed on a project for a Fortune 500 IT firm. This role involved developing, implementing, and testing web applications in Java using the Angular development platform. The project not only allowed her to apply the skills she had learned but also offered her invaluable real-world experience in a high-stakes environment. Like many Revature alums, Mary's performance impressed her employers, leading to a permanent job offer.

Today, Mary continues to work at the Fortune 500 IT firm, thriving in a role that she finds both challenging and rewarding. The job provides her with “many opportunities for personal growth and development,” allowing her to continually expand her skill set and advance her career. She is grateful for the foundation that Revature provided, which enabled her to transition seamlessly from academia to the tech industry.

Reflecting on her journey, Mary highly recommends Revature to anyone in a similar position. “With no prior experience and little software knowledge,” she says, “I didn’t know how I would ever be able to start a career as a developer. Because of Revature, I was able to receive the training I needed to get my foot in the door and start a successful career.”

Mary's story is a testament to the effectiveness of Revature's training program and the opportunities it provides for aspiring tech professionals. Her journey from a dual-degree graduate with a passion for music and math to a successful software engineer highlights the transformative power of dedication, high-quality training, and a supportive learning environment.