How I Went from Civil Engineer to Web Developer Using freeCodeCamp to Learn to Code

Five years ago, I never would have imagined I‘d be working as a web developer today. At that time, I was a senior civil engineer, managing road construction projects in Angola. I had spent years building my engineering career, but I couldn‘t shake the feeling that it was no longer the right path for me.

I was working long hours, spending months at a time away from my family, and dealing with the stress of an unstable industry and economy. Deep down, I knew I needed a change. But the idea of pivoting into a completely new field, especially one as seemingly complex as computer programming, was daunting to say the least.

It was around this time that I first started dabbling in coding as a hobby. I had always been interested in computers and decided to try my hand at building a small website to help manage my construction projects. However, I quickly realized that my limited knowledge of HTML and CSS from years ago was not nearly enough.

I started looking into online resources to really learn web development from the ground up. That‘s when I discovered freeCodeCamp. From the moment I began exploring the curriculum and community, I was hooked. Here was a way I could learn the skills I needed to change careers, at my own pace, and without going into debt from expensive bootcamps or university courses.

Challenges of Learning to Code

Learning to code is hard. Programming concepts can feel abstract and confusing, especially for beginners. Imposter syndrome and frustration are common hurdles. According to Stack Overflow‘s 2020 Developer Survey, the biggest challenges developers face when learning new technology are:

1. Not enough time to learn (64%)
2. Difficulty staying motivated to learn (59%)
3. Difficulty figuring out what to learn next (49%)

This is where freeCodeCamp excels. The curriculum is thoughtfully structured, gradually introducing new concepts and providing plenty of hands-on coding practice. The projects are designed to be challenging but achievable, giving learners a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

I made the decision to fully dedicate myself to learning web development through freeCodeCamp. Every evening after work, and every weekend, I would chip away at the modules and projects. There were many challenges and moments of frustration, but I was determined to see it through.

Building In-Demand Skills

Slowly but surely, it all started to click. I began with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, building increasingly complex front-end applications. I still remember the thrill of seeing my first JavaScript program execute successfully, even if it was just a simple algorithm.

From there, I moved on to back-end development with Node.js, APIs, and databases like MongoDB. I learned React and dipped my toes into more advanced concepts like data structures, algorithms, and system design. By the end of the curriculum, I had built full-stack applications, contributed to open source projects, and developed a solid portfolio to showcase my new skills.

The MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) I learned through freeCodeCamp is one of the most in-demand skill sets in the industry. According to Indeed, the average salary for a MERN stack developer in the United States is $108,175 per year. And with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 13% growth in web development jobs between 2020 and 2030, the long-term career prospects are strong.

After about 8 intense months of study and practice, I finally felt ready to start applying for developer jobs. I still remember the excitement and disbelief when I got the offer for my first position as a full-stack web developer. In what felt like the blink of an eye, I had gone from building roads to building web apps, solving complex problems with code and working in an industry that embraces continuous learning and advancement.

From Civil Engineering to Web Development

Now, two years into my web development career, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I‘ve ever made. Not only am I infinitely more excited and fulfilled by my work, but I‘ve been able to provide a better life for my family without needing to travel and be away from them for extended periods.

The contrast between my life as a civil engineer and as a web developer is stark. As an engineer, projects could drag on for years, with little room for creativity or innovation. The work was largely dictated by external factors like government contracts and material availability. I often felt like a small cog in a large, slow-moving machine.

As a web developer, I‘m able to see the direct impact of my work much more quickly. I can take an idea and bring it to life in a matter of days or weeks. There‘s a constant stream of new technologies and best practices to learn, keeping the work engaging and mentally stimulating. I‘m also able to collaborate with a tight-knit team, bouncing ideas off one another and continuously improving our skills.

But beyond just day-to-day tasks, web development has provided me with more flexibility, autonomy, and long-term growth potential. I‘m able to work remotely, which has been a game-changer for my family life. The field tends to be more meritocratic – your skills and the quality of your work matter more than years of experience or formal education. And with the constantly evolving nature of technology, I know I‘ll never face a dead-end in my career growth.

One of my favorite things about being a developer is the community and culture of knowledge sharing. From my first days on freeCodeCamp, I was amazed by how willing experienced coders were to help guide newbies like myself. This spirit of collaboration and continuous learning is alive and well in the professional world too.

Advice for Aspiring Developers

For anyone considering following in my footsteps and using freeCodeCamp to switch careers, here is my advice:

1. Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time to code every day, even if it‘s just for 30 minutes. Small, consistent efforts add up over time.

2. Don‘t be afraid to ask for help. The freeCodeCamp community is incredibly supportive. Whether you‘re stuck on a challenge or just need some encouragement, reach out on the forum or connect with other campers in your city.

3. Build projects you‘re interested in. Passion is a powerful motivator. Choose project topics that genuinely excite you and don‘t be afraid to venture off the prescribed path.

4. Embrace the struggle. Learning to code is hard. You will get stuck and you will get frustrated. This is normal and means you‘re pushing yourself. Treat each bug and failed attempt as a learning opportunity.

5. Never stop learning. The field of web development changes rapidly. Make continuous learning a core part of your identity as a developer. Follow industry blogs, experiment with new technologies, and always be looking for ways to improve your craft.

6. Apply before you feel ready. Many new developers fall into the trap of waiting until they feel "good enough" to start applying for jobs. The truth is, you‘ll never feel 100% ready. Start applying when you‘re about 80% there and let the interview process be a learning opportunity too.

Taking on a major career change is not easy. It requires dedication, hard work, and a leap of faith. But with the right resources and mindset, it‘s more than possible. freeCodeCamp provided me with the tools and path I needed to successfully transition from civil engineering to web development. I went from feeling trapped in a stagnating career to having in-demand skills that provide flexibility, fulfillment, and fantastic growth potential.

If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to dive into freeCodeCamp and give coding a chance. It just might change your life as it did mine. The amazing community will be there to support you every step of the way. Who knows where you might be in a year‘s time? The world of web development is waiting for you.