Raquel Pantin

Where are you working currently, and what do you do there?

I just accepted an offer with Lockheed Martin as a React Developer on the Aero Web Team (fully remote).

Can you tell us a bit about your education and career background?

I served for six years in the U.S. Army as a Multi-Functional Logistician concentrating mainly on warehouse operations, aerial delivery support, and large-scale transportation. While in the military, I completed my master’s degree in supply chain management. After the military, I decided to stay in the logistics field since it was all I had ever really known in my professional career. I joined Amazon as an Inbound Operations Area Manager for a Fulfillment Center in Miami, Florida.

Why did you choose to study at BrainStation?

I knew that teaching myself how to code was not an option for me because I needed structure and access to experienced instructors. I was looking for a local web development bootcamp that I could attend in-person and came across BrainStation. After attending a Web Development Intro Day at the Miami campus, I was sold on BrainStation and submitted my application right away.

What motivated you to start digital skills training?

Having my son last year really gave me the push I needed to pursue a new career. I remember as I walked out of the building on my last day of work before starting maternity leave, I told myself that I would not be coming back. I wanted a career that was fulfilling and made me feel excited to show up to work everyday. Most importantly, as a first time mom, I wanted a career that respected my work life balance and maximized the time I would get to spend with my family.

My BrainStation experience has completely changed my life. I thought I would forever be stuck in logistics because it was the only professional experience I had. In reality I was miserable and felt trapped in a career field that I no longer enjoyed. BrainStation has given me a brand new skill set and the tools needed to begin my career in tech.

What was the highlight of your learning experience?

I would say the highlight of my learning experience was the daily interactions with both my Educators, TAs and peers. Due to COVID, the in-person bootcamp I had originally signed up for was moved to a virtual bootcamp, and honestly that turned out to be a blessing in disguise! I loved having classmates from different parts of the U.S. and Canada. Everyone was so supportive of one another and it truly was a bittersweet moment when the bootcamp came to an end.

What was your Demo Day experience like? What impact did your final project have in your professional development?

I thoroughly enjoyed Demo Day. I loved having the opportunity to share my capstone project with an audience, as well as see the amazing projects from my peers. The capstone project allowed us to have full creative control which was awesome as I was able to use a database program that was not a part of the BrainStation curriculum, which definitely helped strengthen my skill set.

How has your BrainStation experience impacted your career?

My BrainStation experience has completely changed my life. I thought I would forever be stuck in logistics because it was the only professional experience I had. In reality I was miserable and felt trapped in a career field that I no longer enjoyed. BrainStation has given me a brand new skill set and the tools needed to begin my career in tech. Within a month after graduating from the Web Development bootcamp, I have accepted an offer with an amazing company and am getting ready to start my first day!

What would you say were the most valuable skills you learned? How have you incorporated those skills into your current role?

I would say the most valuable skills I learned are not really skills but more like lessons. I learned that in coding there are multiple ways to achieve the same outcome, “imposter syndrome” is completely normal, Google is your best friend, and don’t be afraid to try new techniques.

What advice would you give to professionals considering a BrainStation bootcamp or course?

To anyone considering a BrainStation bootcamp, my advice is to just go for it! If you have been on the fence about making a career switch, or simply gaining a new skill…take the plunge! BrainStation has an amazing set of experienced instructors and industry-relevant curriculum.