Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes the path to our dream career takes us on an unconventional route. This certainly rings true for me as I reflect on my journey from a budding photographer to a senior software engineer. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of passion. Join me as I share the pivotal moments that shaped my career and led me to where I am today.
It all began when I enrolled in the commercial photography program at Seattle Central. I was captivated by the art of capturing cars through the lens, and I aspired to turn this passion into a fulfilling career.
However, there was one hurdle—I didn't want to leave my state to pursue opportunities in automotive photography. Little did I know that this limitation would ultimately lead me on a completely different path.
After graduating from the photography program, I found myself just 12 credits shy of obtaining my AA degree. Nevertheless, I was determined to carve out a niche for myself in the world of photography. I landed a job at a local auto shop where I could indulge my passion for capturing cars while also managing their social media presence. It was a perfect blend of my skills and interests.
Unfortunately, the auto shop faced financial difficulties and had to close its doors. Undeterred, I quickly secured a similar position at another shop. This time, I not only took photos and managed social media but also had the opportunity to build and maintain their website. This expanded my skill set and fueled my desire to explore the world beyond photography.
As fate would have it, the second shop met a similar fate as the first. However, this setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I channeled my determination and landed a job at a pediatric office, initially managing their social media accounts. But I had bigger aspirations in mind—I wanted to venture into web development.
Recognizing the potential in me, the pediatric office contemplated hiring someone for web development. Seizing the opportunity, I proposed attending a coding bootcamp to acquire the necessary skills. To my delight, they agreed to support my ambition and sponsored my enrollment in the first two out of three classes. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, they were unable to fund the final class.
Undeterred, I was determined to continue my journey into web development. I saved up diligently and managed to secure a scholarship for the remaining class. The coding bootcamp was a transformative experience, and I emerged with newfound knowledge and skills in software development.
With my bootcamp graduation under my belt, I embarked on the challenging task of securing my first software development engineering (SDE) role. I dedicated countless hours to studying for technical interviews, honing my coding skills, and familiarizing myself with industry best practices. To expand my reach, I reached out to recruiters for assistance in finding suitable opportunities.
Persistence paid off, and I landed my first SDE position at Concur. This marked a significant milestone in my career, affirming that my unconventional journey was on the right track. Driven by a hunger for growth, I dedicated myself to continuous learning and professional development. Within a span of two years, I achieved the position of SDE II, further solidifying my capabilities as a software engineer.
Eager to explore new horizons, I recently transitioned to Procore, an innovative company in the construction technology sector. In just two years at Procore, I proudly earned the title of Senior Software Engineer, a testament to the progress I made and the impact I was able to create.
My career journey, though unconventional, has been an incredible testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and embracing unexpected opportunities. It taught me that our dreams may take us on unexpected paths, and success lies in our ability to navigate these twists and turns with determination and an open mind.
As I look back on my transformation from a photography enthusiast to a seasoned software engineer, I am grateful for the challenges I faced along the way. Each obstacle propelled me forward, enabling me to discover new passions and skills. My story is a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones we never anticipated, and it's the choices we make at each juncture that shape our destinies.
So, if you find yourself at a crossroads or embarking on an unorthodox career path, embrace it. Embrace the unknown, pursue your passions relentlessly, and trust that the dots will connect in the end. Because it's in the pursuit of our dreams that we truly find ourselves and realize our full potential.
About Devin Cunningham
Devin Cunningham is a Senior Software Engineer who specializes in building full-stack applications. In his free time, Devin enjoys tending to his houseplants, hanging out with this Old English Bulldogge, and staying active through regular workouts. To learn more about Devin, visit his website.
