I was a construction foreman for 12 years before discovering coding. Started with Python tutorials during lunch breaks on the job site. What hooked me was the problem-solving aspect - it reminded me of planning complex builds.

I enrolled in a bootcamp while still working construction. The 16-week program was intense, but my project management skills from construction helped me stay organized and meet deadlines.

During the bootcamp, I built a project management app for construction teams. This showed employers I understood both the technical and business sides of software development.

The transition was faster than expected. My first interview was actually with a construction tech company that needed someone who understood both industries.

On the interview

Bootcamp career services connected me directly with hiring manager. Had 2 interviews: technical skills assessment and project walkthrough.