Can a Non-Technical Background Lead to a Tech Career? Alevtina’s Hyperskill Journey

From Teaching Languages to Writing Code

Alevtina, 38, spent most of her professional life teaching foreign languages at universities, schools, and privately. She never imagined herself becoming a programmer until she considered learning a programming language—Java through Hyperskill's Java Developer course—as a personal challenge instead of another spoken language.

Initially skeptical, she approached programming as just another language-learning experience. Her curiosity eventually led her to Hyperskill, a platform recommended by experienced programmers.

Why Hyperskill Worked for Her

Balancing study, work, and parenting was difficult at first. But Hyperskill's structured, step-by-step learning method helped her manage these challenges. Unlike more traditional platforms, Hyperskill's approach allowed her to learn by working on real, practical projects incrementally. Seeing tangible results along the way helped maintain her motivation.

"Hyperskill’s personalized approach let me learn at my own pace," she says. "It adapted to my knowledge level, prevented burnout, and I could choose projects aligned with my interests."

The Value of Project-Based Learning

Projects such as developing classic games—'Tic-Tac-Toe', 'Bulls and Cows', and 'Minesweeper'—proved to be highly beneficial for Alevtina. They not only made learning enjoyable but also strengthened practical programming skills she now regularly applies as a Full-stack developer.

"These projects helped me improve my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities," she explains. "Learning to break tasks into smaller steps and debugging issues myself significantly boosted my confidence."

Building a Portfolio and Finding a Job

One key aspect that helped Alevtina secure her first tech job was her portfolio, largely built from Hyperskill projects. Employers appreciated seeing practical examples of her coding abilities.

"Having real projects I could showcase was crucial," Alevtina shares. "It made a difference when applying for jobs."

Genuine Advice for Beginners

Alevtina offers honest advice to anyone considering programming:

• Just start – the first step is often the hardest.
• Consistency matters – regular practice is key.
• Explore your interests – find the tech field you genuinely enjoy.
• Avoid comparison – learn at your own comfortable pace.
• Ask questions – don't hesitate to seek help from the community.
• Work on real projects – they build your skills and confidence.
• Push past fear – doing things despite being afraid helps you grow.

A Realistic Path to Tech

Alevtina’s genuine story demonstrates that anyone with determination can succeed in tech. Her journey shows that with patience, practice, and a good resource, transitioning to a tech career is achievable.

If you're curious about programming, Alevtina's experience might be just the encouragement you need to start exploring it yourself.