Thoughts on the Orientation Week

 The orientation week for the ICT Expert training at JAMK is over. Eight days of new, at times even baffling and complex information and course introductions. I’m sure I’m not the only in our group who felt like being thrown out of an airplane above an ocean and told to swim. In the end, most things fell into place and I’m starting next week’s studies with an open mind and an enthusiastic spirit (enthusiastic is one of my favourite words to teach my *EFL students, by the way!)

Things on my mind at the beginning of the orientation week and the outcomes:

Will I be out of place among people who have prior knowledge of coding?

No. I wasn’t the only one without any prior experience. There should be around 10 beginners (me included). But it didn’t even really matter as everyone, even those with plenty of work experience in IT, were very kind and helpful. No one was judgemental.

What if I change my mind and realise software development is not for me after all? What if I regret resigning from my job?

Oh boy, this was on my mind a lot after the first day. However, at no point was I regretting my decision to leave my teaching job in Äänekoski. Travelling up to four hours a day with work days reaching twelve hours or even more was ballistic. And that wasn’t even the worst part. That was to be unemployed for more than six months a year because the autumn/spring terms in adult education centres are so short.

 But what about software development then? Is it the right career choice for me? Luckily, the orientation week didn’t scare me off. I feel even more sure about my choice. IT and coding are super interesting. It feels good to finally be part of a community that creates, innovates, works hard and is there to create the future.

Is this training going to offer me what I need?

Yes and no. I think this course is going to give me the base where to lean on. However, I knew even before the orientation week started that if I ever wished to work in this field, I’d need to work my butt off independently as well. This course alone is not going to be the magic wand for employment. Especially for a noob like me. But I’m determined to make the most of it, little by little, step by step.

If you are a beginner like me, remember: you can do it, too. We can do it!

*English as Foreign Language