Learn about the CodeClan team – their career journey so far, their passions and interests, as well as their day to day work life.
Meet Karla, our Career Coach at CodeClan. We recently had a chat with her about why she wanted to work at CodeClan, her advice for those looking to change their career, and what she gets up to in her free time…
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Tell us a bit about your role and why you wanted to join the CodeClan team
I’m Head of the Careers team here at CodeClan. I work hard to support our students and recent graduates prepare to take their next steps into their new careers. It’s an intensive course and a huge decision to retrain so we make sure that the students get the support they need to make the transition as smooth and successful as possible.
It’s my role to build and deliver a careers programme that encourages our students to have the confidence to know what they are worth and to go ask for it! We do this through offering 1:1 coaching sessions, delivering a range of workshops developed to build their confidence, skills and knowledge of the industry.
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What did you do before joining CodeClan?
I’ve worked as a career professional for over 7 years. My background is Psychology and I realised from a young age that I loved to give advice and support people which led me into training as a career counsellor. Before I joined CodeClan I worked for Skills Development Scotland which is where I heard about what CodeClan do and loved the idea of contributing to addressing the digital skills gap in Scotland.
I believe in giving people a chance to train in a role that is well paid, well valued and treats their staff with respect. Due to it being a short bootcamp it is more accessible than university for some.
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What’s your favourite part of the job?
One of my favourite parts of this role is getting to know incredibly interesting people from all walks of life. I am inspired by the enthusiasm, drive and determination that I see in our students and the rest of the CodeClan team.
The environment truly embodies the culture of lifelong learning and growth, something that I believe everyone should try to live by.
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What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of studying at CodeClan?
You won’t regret it. It is an intensive course, it will be frustrating and difficult at times but the culture, the people you will meet and the opportunities available to you will exceed your expectations. I ride the wave of emotions with the students and I will never tire of the ‘glow’ they get when I catch up with them a few months after graduation.
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What is the best advice for someone starting a career in tech?
If you don’t think you are smart enough then you are wrong. Tech has grown so much since the 60s. It no longer requires a very rigid set of skills to be able to understand complex information. There is a role in tech for literally everyone. Almost every employer I speak to will highlight passion for tech and eagerness to learn as the most vital traits they look for in new candidates.
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What do you get up to in your free time?
I have a natural talent in helping people and often find myself being the dedicated ‘counsellor’ for my friends and family. When I am not ‘working’ you will find me recharging at the gym, on dog walks, reading books, or discovering new places. I am a massive foodie and enjoy fine wine. I worked in a cocktail bar for years and have picked up some excellent cocktail making skills.
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Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I am creative but don’t ask me to draw! My creativity comes out in my fashion sense, interior design, I love upcycling furniture. Come to me for out of the box ideas!
