The following account was shared by Srikar Kalvakolanu, Software Engineer at Capital One and CodePath Volunteer.
My path to becoming a software engineer wasn’t a traditional one. I spent years in the finance sector before making the leap to tech—a transition that came with a slew of challenges. As someone who didn’t have a four-year computer science degree, I had to rely on the kindness and expertise of others to navigate the confusing world of technical interviews, job hunting, and coding bootcamps.
It was this experience that taught me the importance of mentorship. I saw firsthand how vital it was to have someone guide you, answer your questions, and cheerlead when the going got tough. It’s a big part of why I’m so passionate about volunteering with CodePath today!
CodePath’s mission to make tech education accessible to students from all backgrounds deeply resonated with me. I wanted to pay it forward, sharing the knowledge and insights I had gained to help others overcome the same hurdles I’d faced.
I’ve been fortunate to volunteer with several CodePath programs, including the resume workshops and technical interview prep. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with students, learn about their experiences, and offer advice tailored to their unique challenges.
One of the biggest surprises about volunteering has been the level of engagement shown by the students. Not only are they eager to learn; they ask thoughtful questions, take full advantage of the resources offered, and genuinely want to succeed. You can truly feel their appreciation during the course of each session.
Volunteering with CodePath has been more than just a way to give back. It’s allowed me to hone my own skills, gain new perspectives, and connect with a passionate community of learners and mentors. I’d encourage anyone in the tech industry who’s looking to make a difference to consider volunteering. It’s a truly rewarding experience for yourself and the students you’ll help along the way.