Introduction

Transitioning from a learner to a professional in the tech world requires more than just passion; it requires the right environment and tools. For Mbithe Jessica, a lady in tech and a STEM initiative motivator, the Codehack Accelerator program was the catalyst that helped her bridge the gap between curiosity and career-ready skills [00:00].

​Expanding Horizons Beyond Cyber Security

While Jessica was already making strides in a cyber security analyst track through “Cyber Shujaa,” her heart was also set on development. The Codehack program caught her eye because it offered a diverse range of tracks including Cyber Security, Figma, Mobile Development, and Software Testing. Jessica decided to dive into mobile development to complement her existing security skills, driven by a desire to become a well-rounded developer 

​Mastering Design and Development

One of the most transformative parts of the program for Jessica was discovering her design skills. Using Figma, she learned to craft professional mobile layouts and landing pages The real test came with the “Akili Mtu Wangu” project. By designing the app and then coding it in Flutter, Jessica and her team gained a deep understanding of how real-world applications are built, from the initial concept to the deployment phase 

​Real-World Impact and Freelancing Success

The skills Jessica gained didn’t just stay in the classroom; they immediately translated into real-world opportunities. She successfully landed a gig designing a marketing banner for a local “Mama Mboga. This project allowed her to:​Help a local business owner market her vegetables effectively.Manage client feedback and expectations.​Earn income to help sort out personal bills 

​Versatility in Action: Building the Digital Face of Mumtaz

Six months after completing the CodeHack Women in Tech Accelerator at Pwani Teknowgalz, Jessicahhas transformed her self-taught foundations into a multifaceted career.​Linda’s growth over the past half-year has been characterized by her ability to blend technical development with digital strategy. Today, she holds a pivotal role at Mumtaz, a car-selling company located near Toyota Kenya, where she manages the entirety of their digital presence.

​Web Development: Utilizing her skills in WordPress, she built and currently manages the company’s website, ensuring their inventory of vehicles is always up-to-date and accessible to customers.
​Social Media Strategy: Jessicahas taken full ownership of the company’s social media management and marketing. By creating engaging content and managing digital campaigns, she is directly driving the brand’s visibility.
​Full-Stack Creative: From the UI/UX skills she sharpened during the accelerator to her current marketing efforts, she has become a one-stop-shop for the company’s digital needs.

​Overcoming the “Self-Doubt” Hurdle

​Perhaps the most significant impact of the program wasn’t the code, but the confidence. Jessicah openly reflects on the challenge of self-doubt that many women face in tech. By shifting her mindset and deciding to “start one step at a time,” she moved from feeling unprepared to becoming a vital asset t​Transitioning from a classroom to the professional world requires more than just technical knowledge; it requires the courage to start. For Jessicah,  that journey began with a desire to go beyond the basics of her BBIT degree and dive into the practical “real-world” skills needed to build applications that actually run in the marketplace.This newfound confidence has led to financial independence, allowing her to secure her spot in the tech world and prove that her skills have a high market value.

Jessica reflecting on her experience at the CodeHack Accelerator and her initial steps into mobile development]

​A Future Without Limits
​Jessicah’s journey is far from over. While she is currently mastering the world of web development and digital marketing for the automotive industry, she has her sights set on the next frontier. With a strong foundation in mobile development and data science, she is already planning her shift from Web2 to Web3, with the ultimate goal of becoming a blockchain developer.