In a bustling office at Absa, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, Kate Malale pores over complex data sets, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she analyses potential risks and opportunities. 

Just a few years ago, this scene would have seemed impossible to Kate, who had no formal background in coding. Yet today, she confidently navigates the intricate world of DevOps as a Specialist Solution Analyst.

Kate’s remarkable transformation from a tech novice to a key player in a major corporation’s dev team is not the result of a traditional university degree. Instead, her journey began with enrolling in an online bootcamp, challenging the conventional notions of what it takes to build a successful career in the fast-paced tech industry.

“The traditional educational model is no longer the only path to success,” notes Mvelo Hlophe, CEO of Zaio, an online learning platform. This is particularly true in the fast-paced world of technology, where skills and practical knowledge often outweigh formal degrees.

The power of alternative education platforms

Kate’s journey exemplifies this shift. Recognising the value of hands-on experience and efficient learning, she enrolled in Zaio’s full-stack web development bootcamp.

“I chose Zaio because I wanted more hands-on experience and I wanted to complete a course in a time-efficient way while applying my knowledge to real-world projects,” she explains. 

The flexibility of the online platform proved crucial, allowing her to balance her studies with other commitments, often studying late at night or in between other responsibilities.

The bootcamp provided Kate with more than just technical skills. “Zaio gave me a lot of support throughout the course, both from my mentors and teammates,” she shares. 

This combination of community support and expert guidance laid a solid foundation for her future in tech.

Kate emphasises the holistic nature of her learning experience: “The course not only taught me tech skills, but it also taught me soft skills which I believe are essential for interviewing and working together as a team.” 

In the tech industry, this comprehensive approach to education is gaining increasing value, acknowledging the importance of collaboration and communication alongside coding abilities.

From bootcamp to career launch

Zaio’s impact extended beyond the virtual classroom. The platform set up an interview for Kate with Naspers, leading to her first role as an intern Data Analyst.

“If it wasn’t for the bootcamp, I never would’ve gotten the internship and gained the experience I needed to land my current role at Absa,” Kate reflects.

Today, Kate works as a Specialist Solution Analyst at the banking group, where she’s part of the DevOps team. 

Her role involves analysing and organising data to identify potential risks and opportunities, as well as collaborating closely with her team throughout the design and delivery stages.

Contrary to what many might expect, Kate found the transition from bootcamp to a professional role surprisingly smooth.

 “The transition from ‘bootcamp to boardroom’ was interestingly not as difficult as expected. Honestly, it wasn’t a challenge at all,” she recalls. “We covered everything we needed to make it in a new tech role.”

This seamless transition underscores the effectiveness of Zaio’s approach to tech education. As Hlophe explains, “We ensure our curriculum remains relevant by continuously updating it with the latest and most in-demand tech roles.”

The importance of continuous learning

Kate’s bootcamp experience instilled a mindset of continuous learning and skill development. “Tech is very fast-paced. New technologies are constantly emerging and the platform’s emphasis on continuous learning encouraged me to continue to learn about new tools and how to apply them,” she says.

This commitment to ongoing education is clear in Kate’s current pursuits. She is now furthering her education in Data Science, affirming, “I will always keep upskilling and learning.”

For those considering a similar path, Kate offers encouraging advice: “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. With an online course, you can gain practical experience that can fast-track your tech career. Zaio even organises an interview after you complete your course. All you need to do is work hard.”

What employers look for in tech candidates

“Employers today care less about where you got your education and more about what you can do,” says Hlophe, referring to the shifting preferences of top employers in the tech industry. “It’s all about practical skills and how well you can apply those in real-world situations.”

Employers are predominantly interested in a candidate’s ability to solve problems and deliver value. “If you can solve problems and deliver value, that speaks louder than any traditional degree,” he notes.

According to Hlophe, employers in the tech industry prioritise practical skills and problem-solving abilities. “The first thing employers ask is, ‘Can this person do the job?’ They want to know if you can code, solve actual problems, and collaborate effectively with a team.”

He adds that while technical skills are essential, what truly sets candidates apart are their portfolios, experience with relevant technologies, and ability to communicate effectively. “Employers are hiring problem solvers, not just coders.”

The future of tech education

The success of platforms like Zaio and stories like Kate’s point to a broader shift in education. “Online education offers flexibility and affordability that traditional systems can’t compete with. People realise they don’t need a four-year degree to break into tech. They need skills, experience, and a platform that gives them real-world exposure,” he adds.

For those contemplating a shift into tech, Kate’s advice is clear: take the leap, invest in your learning and trust the process. After all, as Kate herself has shown, the road from bootcamp to boardroom might be more achievable than you think.