From Shadow to Code: My Journey in Tech

Jules MUKADI — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:33:23 +0000

This is a submission for the WeCoded Challenge: Echoes of Experience

I wasn't supposed to be here.

At least, that's what I was made to feel. When I first said I wanted to be a developer, people laughed at me. "You didn't go to a prestigious school," "You need connections to succeed in this field," "Tech isn't for everyone."

But I had a used computer, a bank internet connection, and a determination that no one could extinguish.

The Beginnings: Self-Taught
I didn't have access to mentors at first. My first teacher was YouTube; my first exercises were lines of code I copied and pasted without understanding why they worked. The nights were long, sometimes frustrating, but every little bug I solved was a victory.

Then I discovered open-source communities and forums. I learned that tech was an ecosystem where we could progress by helping each other. So I started contributing, asking questions (even the stupidest ones), and answering when I could. Little by little, I found my place.

The first challenge: Proving my worth
Finding a first job or even an internship was an insurmountable barrier. No computer science degree? No one even looks at you. No experience? No one answers you.

So I changed my strategy. I built personal projects, published my code on GitHub, and shared my progress on LinkedIn. It was a living portfolio, tangible proof that I knew how to code.

One day, a recruiter contacted me. "We've seen what you do, are you interested in taking a technical test?"

It was my moment.

Successes and the desire to give back
I landed my first job. Then another. I learned, I grew. But above all, I understood one thing: many talented people remain in the shadows due to a lack of opportunities, not a lack of skills.

Today, I take the time to mentor beginners. I try to be the person I wish I had met at the beginning.

Reflections for a more inclusive sector
Tech has the power to change lives, but it needs to become more inclusive. Here are some ideas:
✅ Recruit differently: Don't judge solely on degrees, but on actual skills.
✅ Encourage minorities: Caring environments make all the difference.
✅ Demystify apprenticeships: Tech isn't reserved for an elite few; it belongs to those who are ready to learn.

My journey isn't unique. There are thousands of hidden talents waiting to be given a chance.

DEV Community: Jules MUKADI

From Shadow to Code: My Journey in Tech