Tim’s Training Journey: Career Change with Revature
June 14th, 2023 — RevatureTim Gattie’s career change story stands out amongst others. With a background in humanities and social sciences, Tim aimed to transform himself and venture into programming. Revature’s Java full-stack training provided the opportunity for Tim to become a sought-after candidate in the job market.
In a recent interview, Tim shared his perspective on choosing Revature. He sheds light on his experiences, the rigorous training process, the significance of teamwork, and the lasting relationships he built during his training journey.
Unlocking Opportunities
As a career changer, Tim recognized the need for a different approach to making himself stand out. Reflecting on his decision to join Revature, Tim shared, “I was looking for something different to make myself more marketable in the job market”.
Tim stood at a crossroads, with two options before him:
- Pursue a master’s degree.
- Embark on a training program and get hired.
The choice was clear for Tim, “It made more sense to take a job where I’m actually getting paid as opposed to a job where I’m paying someone else.” A paid tech training coupled with the opportunity to gain real-world experience. without the burden of additional student debt made Revature the logical choice for Tim.
Revature’s Training Program
Tim emphasized three key qualities that define Revature’s training program: Intensity. Professionalism. Relevance. He described the training as intense yet conducted in a professional atmosphere that is relevant to the demands of a job.
Revature’s training requires a full-time commitment, immersing trainees in an eight-hour workday dedicated to skill-based learning. Tim remarked, “The fact that we are employees, there are employee expectations that come with having a job. This leads to a different atmosphere and, in a lot of ways, a more effective atmosphere for what we’re doing here.”
Revature’s focus on industry relevance was a crucial factor for Tim. While technology rapidly evolves, Revature stays ahead of the curve by aligning its training with the needs of clients. He stated, “Revature’s model of really looking to the clients for exactly what they need gave me skills that are super relevant today. It gave me the ability to continue to upgrade my skills to keep them relevant as time passes.”
Mentorship and Collaboration
During his training, Tim was guided by his trainer and manager, Matt. He commended Matt, who helped him learn to code. He commended Matt’s ability to foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment.
Matt’s approach included inviting questions, setting clear goals, and encouraging debates on programming choices. “Matt really set us up to be able to engage in those types of discussions, as we’re working on a team deployed to one of Revature’s clients.”
Gateway to Real-World Problem Solving
One of the most valuable aspects of Revature’s training, according to Tim, was the opportunity to work on industry-level projects. These projects exposed trainees to real-world challenges, enabling them to develop problem-solving skills. Tim described the experience as “unique and interesting,” highlighting the joy of resolving unexpected programming issues. Revature’s emphasis on practical learning and technology skills ensured that trainees were equipped with what’s needed to thrive in a professional environment.
Building Strong Relationships
Revature’s training program not only instilled technical expertise in Tim but also fostered enduring relationships. Tim revealed that he still maintains regular contact with his fellow trainees, some of whom even attended his wedding. The mutual support established during the intense training period created lasting friendships.
Teamwork and Flexibility
Teamwork forms the backbone of the software development industry, and Revature’s training prepares individuals for collaborative environments. Tim stressed the importance of open-mindedness and accepting diverse perspectives, “Sometimes, I have to accept that my opinion is not the only opinion, and I have to function with the team.”
Revature’s training equips individuals to work effectively in teams, providing valuable experiences in group decision-making and collaboration. Tim also highlighted the learning opportunities inherent in teamwork, emphasizing the ability to rely on and learn from team members.
Memories and Valuable Lessons
While Tim’s training journey was filled with valuable experiences, one particular memory stood out for him. During a stressful period, he and his roommate decided to visit a cat cafe to de-stress. This outing provided an opportunity to reflect on expectations.
Tim shared, “It was a good reality check, understanding the core concepts, being able to implement them, and understanding that I was going to be learning for the rest of my career.” Tim understood that in an ever-evolving field like programming, there would always be new technologies, techniques, and challenges to tackle. By accepting this reality, Tim would need to shift his focus from seeking perfection to embracing continuous learning and growth.
Advice for Aspiring Trainees
Drawing from his own experiences, Tim offered two essential pieces of advice. First, he stressed the importance of commitment, reminding aspiring trainees that Revature’s training program demands full-time dedication. Second, he emphasized the need for clear expectations, urging individuals to align their understanding with the realities of the training experience. By embracing these principles, trainees can overcome challenges and make the most of their time with Revature.
Revature’s comprehensive training program provides individuals like Tim Gattie with the opportunity to get paid to learn software development. By offering intensive training, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving experiences, Revature equips trainees with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.