When Roger Hu first enrolled in a CodePath course, he was skeptical. CodePath was still in its early days, and he had already spent the past five years working in the industry and learning web development. Roger admitted he wasn’t sure if such a grassroots organization could effectively execute a course titled “Mobile Development For Professional Engineers.”
“Oftentimes these classes are fairly superficial in teaching you what you need to know,” Roger said. “They teach you the syntax but usually not the deeper level concepts like what it is to build an app and provide industry-level expertise. But this course was for professional engineers, so I didn’t know what to expect.”
Needless to say, Roger – an Engineering Manager at Square who now teaches Android Development at CodePath – was incredibly impressed by what the course offered, specifically highlighting CodePath’s slightly intensive requirements and community collaboration.
Tell us a little bit about your background. How did you first become interested in computer science?
Growing up, my dad was adamant about not buying us an Atari, so the only way we could access any games would be on the computer. As technology advanced with the introduction of graphic and audio cards, my interest in computer science grew. But, my initial curiosity was driven by a simple question: ‘How can I gain access to video games?’
When did you start to realize this was something more meaningful?
Computers at the time had only about 640 kilobytes of memory, so we’d have to tweak several configurations to get these games working. Gaining this exposure led me to understand these concepts more in-depth. Because these were the pre-internet days, my brother and I enrolled in a computer class in the 7th grade to learn more. This was my first experience trying to understand how software was built. My lightbulb moment came when we learned how to build add-ons to existing software. We once built an add-on to the Bulletin Board system that allowed people to view Giphs. That was when I first started to play with the concept of computer science.
How did you get involved in CodePath?
At the time, I had spent about five years working at what is now Hearsay Systems and learning web development. With the introduction of Android, it felt like a good time to try something new, so I joined CodePath in 2013. I was skeptical at first. CodePath wasn't the non-profit it is today. Two of CodePath's co-founders, Nathan and Tim, were still trying to figure out what they wanted to accomplish; they first offered mobile development classes for professional engineers in the evenings, so I enrolled without knowing what to expect.
What inspired you to continue as an Android Development Instructor at CodePath?
It was a gradual and natural evolution from learning mobile development at CodePath to working at CodePath as an Android Development Instructor. While taking a CodePath course, I was paired with two engineers for a final project. I quickly realized that working closely with other engineers introduced me to new perspectives I would not have encountered otherwise. The ability to collaborate with other professional engineers was such a valuable experience for me. I had such a great experience that I wanted to pay it forward and make sure someone’s next experience was even better than mine. Before becoming an Android Development Instructor, I became a teacher’s assistant to help other students in the next cohort. While working as a teacher’s assistant at CodePath, I ended up helping one student on his final project because he did not have a partner. Then from there, my colleague [suggested] I work with Android Studio, which had just come out. I began organizing meetups to help train other people on Android development, and eventually, Nathan asked me to run the CodePath course that Airbnb sponsored in 2015.
What aspects of the tech industry do you believe still need change?
One part of the tech industry that hasn’t changed is the interview process - it has always been challenging. Something that I find exciting about CodePath is that they are trying to take a different approach to the issue. They include more project-based learning in their courses and provide more in-depth coverage of what tech concepts students can learn. They pair their students with professionals in the industry to provide mentorship and guidance for students. The hiring process in this industry can be limiting and is a problem I don’t think has been solved yet. CodePath wants tech education to be accessible to all college campuses, and this is important because breaking into the industry depends on the quality of instruction you have been provided.
Tell me more about how CodePath is ushering in this change.
CodePath ties together computer science theory and hands-on practice and does it in a way that provides support and mentorship from people who have already been in the industry for a while. The professional exposure students have depends on what college they are enrolled in. CodePath has done well at focusing its support on students at underresourced colleges and universities. By providing students who are already motivated with a higher bar of accountability, quality instructions, and consistent mentorship, CodePath can transform the computer science curriculum effectively and inclusively.
What is unique about CodePath’s approach to learning, and how does it differ from other tech programs you’re familiar with?
They set a high bar for accountability. Students will either go through the program and excel or sit themselves out. So what CodePath did was foster a culture in the classroom that motivates students to keep pushing themselves. I’ve seen that in other classes, but the idea that the students voluntarily joined these courses changed the learning dynamic. CodePath students want to be there.
What would you say to someone hesitant about trying out CodePath for the first time?
I was skeptical when I first joined CodePath as a student! But I’ve become such an avid supporter over the last ten years because it’s a non-profit and the reason I’m working at Square Block today. I’ve watched the co-founders struggle to get to where they are, and it’s unusual for people like them to have taken this path, especially during the early tech boom of 2008. They’ve carved different paths for themselves, and it is something I have a strong admiration for. Ten years later, I have landed where I’m at with gratitude and thanks to CodePath.