Don’t Struggle Alone | Graduate Spotlight

During her time as a freelance creative / professional services consultant, Tracy Depp of Full-time Web Development Cohort 46 developed a love for web content and managing websites using a CMS. “Oftentimes, I came into positions where the websites were old and outdated, so I was tasked with learning basic HTML and CSS skills as well as eventually moving websites to a newer platform,” she explains. After 10 years of developing and maintaining websites using content management systems, Tracy decided to learn the "how and why" behind websites and applications she was using daily and landed at NSS. 

Software development allows me to grow my knowledge as I continue to do something I have grown to love.

What was your favorite capstone project and why?

“My back-end capstone, Alina’s Closet, is my favorite capstone because I stretched myself in all areas. The data was more complicated than I expected and I’d never worked with images in any of my projects so I learned a lot of new things while working on it. I also had to take time to do more styling with CSS than I had on other projects because I knew I couldn’t have an app that involved fashion and shopping that didn’t look halfway decent. I hate fashion and shopping but I love organization and as a single mom saving time is important so that’s what pushed me to do it. And it’s named after my daughter.”

What advice would you give to current or incoming NSS Web Development students?

“Ask for help in a timely fashion. Don’t struggle alone.”

What roadblocks did you encounter along the way?

“I struggled with reprogramming my brain from 20 years of academic learning (reading and memorizing) information versus learning by doing (just coding and breaking things) and looking for answers along the way. As well as juggling school, work and being a single mom.”

HIRE TRACY

Tracy is now on the search for her first job in web development! “My personal and professional mission has always been to help revitalize small businesses, non-profits, and associations by telling their stories to increase impact and finding ways to provide extraordinary services and solutions with limited resources,” she shares. “I hope to continue my mission in some way on my new journey!”

Listen to Tracy's podcast to hear about her NSS experience and capstone projects. Connect with Tracy by visiting her LinkedIn profile.

Meet more of the graduates from Web Development Cohort 46 by visiting their class website!