Selamawit Shibru joined Code the Dream as an intern in October, 2020. In September, she left after getting a job as a Front End Developer at Tata Consulting Group.
What led to your career in software development?
I started developing back home in Ethiopia, where my background is in civil engineering. I got the chance to learn coding during my bachelor’s study. After moving to the US, I joined a non-profit organization in Atlanta named Refcode and worked with them as a volunteer developer and a teaching assistant for students, who take free courses. I got a master’s degree in software development in 2020, just before I got the chance to join Code the Dream for an internship.
What do you like about Code the Dream?
The people working here are from different countries, which creates a multicultural environment and diversity of culture. I like that environment.
How did you find out about Code the Dream and why did you want to join?
I found out about Code the Dream through Refcode. The founder recommended me to Code the Dream. I love volunteering and working in a multicultural environment.
When did you know you wanted to be a software developer?
The first time I fully decided to be a software developer was after I moved to the US and saw that there was a very high demand for developers.
What kinds of work were you doing before Code the Dream?
I worked as a cashier full time for over a year before going back to school and then joining Code the Dream.
Why did you move to the US, and when?
I came here through the Diversity Visa Lottery in 2018.
What has your experience been like at Code the Dream?
For me, Code the Dream is family. We help each other, we share our experiences. Since most of the people are from different countries, it feels like I’m somewhere with my family and friends. Everyone supports us whenever we need help or just have a question during coding. I love working with these people and I’m never scared to ask questions because everyone is so friendly.
What has been your favorite project that you have worked on and why?
I’m working on a Falcon project. The reason I like it is because we started it from scratch and it’s an internal project for Code the Dream.
Why is that project meaningful to you?
We work as a group, but once it’s done, all of our co-workers will be able to see what we have been working on.
What do you want people to know about Code the Dream?
When I moved to the US, everything was different. But you will not be scared to make friends at Code the Dream. Everyone is very friendly. I would recommend people to join to experience the friendships, you don’t even feel like you are away from family here.