Challenge ACCEPTED! | Graduate Spotlight

Before her journey into software development, Candace Ntembo worked in retail for over 20 years at one of the largest retailers in the country. In several of her roles, Candace worked closely with developers from a client’s perspective and which helped her decide that she’d like to make a career change and learn software development for herself! 

Starting a career change after 20+ years in retail is exciting and challenging, and I am up for a good challenge.

Why did you choose to attend NSS?

“1. Curriculum is focused on what employers want; 2. They stay with you and everyone is invested in you; 3. Flexibility in schedules.” 

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

“My full-stack capstone, Init. I enjoyed completing the back-end using Django. Utilizing SQL, I was able to determine what I could do to help find errors. Once complete, I started on React for the client-side. Although presented with some authorization issues that I created, I was able to get a user friendly application up and running.”

What was your favorite part of your NSS experience?

“The instructors and classmates are all doing the same thing. Everyone has a life too. Job and kids or family and all.”

What roadblocks did you encounter along the way?

“Only roadblocks were the ones I created [for myself].”

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

“Take that step! I worked full time and have three little ones! It is possible!”

HIRE CANDACE

Now that she’s graduated, Candace is eager to join her first team as a software developer!

“[I am excited] to be able to work with teams in complex environments to provide real solutions!” 

Get to know more about Candace and her capstone projects when you listen to her podcast below! Connect with Candace on her LinkedIn Profile. 

Meet more of the graduates from Web Development Cohort E15 by visiting their class website!