Get Back To Coding | Graduate Spotlight

Chris Murphy of Web Development Cohort 51 had always been interested in computers, the internet and how it all worked together. He began his path into tech as a call center help-desk representative. “I started looking into HTML and CSS more as I [was promoted] to Team Lead,” he explains. “I was then added to a newly created team of developers to launch a new ITSM for the company where I worked.” 

Chris had been self-learning how to code with the help of online-self-learning tools such as Codecademy, Udemy, W3schools, and Stack Overflow, but took a break for a while as he moved out of state. “Some friends of mine had attended Nashville Software School (NSS) and it piqued my interest and I wanted to get back into [coding] and so I just applied and I got in!” 

I enjoyed every single bit [of my bootcamp experience]! It’s definitely tough, but worth the hard work and the long nights.

What was your favorite capstone project and what about it made it your favorite? 

“My passion project is Coaster Credits. I ride roller coasters a lot. There's not currently a tracking method for what you have or have not ridden. So, I built one. I'm able to select any theme park in North America. From there, I'm able to select the rides I have ridden. This ticks up my credit counter. I can see how many rides I've accumulated and keep tracking more. I am still holding onto this app from my front-end capstone project, but it is going to be rebuilt. I am laying out the wireframe and design for a CoasterCredits 2.0 built in C# and ReactJS. I'm working on a more robust design that allows for more customization and input on the user's end.”

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

“Trust the process and believe in yourself. You're here to learn and they're here to teach.”

What roadblocks did you encounter along the way?

“My biggest hurdle was believing in myself and my team. During group projects, I would get stuck along the way and wait too long before asking for help. It took a great deal of time away from my learning and completing the projects. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and went directly to my group members. I began to notice I was getting more done and learning more by asking for help sooner.”

HIRE CHRIS

Now that Chris has graduated from Full-time Web Development Cohort 51, he has begun the search for his first job in Web Development! Connect with Chris on his LinkedIn and listen to his podcast below to learn more about his capstone projects and NSS experience! 

Meet more of the graduates from Full-time Web Development Cohort 51 by visiting their class website!