Operation LevelUp is an 18-week Software Engineering Immersive program offered exclusively to active-duty military stationed at Fort Hood. In partnership with the Soldier For Life – Transition Assistance Program at Fort Hood, Galvanize trains soldiers in their last six months of active duty service to prepare for a career in Software Engineering upon their transition to civilian life. Here are a few of the incredible alumni who graduated in our third cohort:
Laura Evans
Why did you choose to become a software engineer?
“I chose to become a Software Engineer because I wanted to learn to solve problems in a more creative and freeing way. I was successful in the Army for 13 years and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my country but I realized that I wanted to do more.
I found my next passion within the tech industry because it offers a lot of flexibility, it’s challenging every day, and it celebrates creative critical thinking. Today, I’m devoted to bringing technology to as many diverse groups of people as possible and use the skills that I’ve learned to solve problems for businesses and people of all walks of life.”
What was your experience like at the program?
“Every day at Galvanize was new, different, challenging and exciting! The experience really taught me that I could learn and create anything. As the first woman to graduate from the program I can hope to inspire other women, military spouses, veterans and minorities to come into the tech space and also be successful.”
What was your favorite project?
Our Blue Ocean project. It brought us all together to create a functioning application focused around fitness, which is important to all of us.
Tell us a little about the skills you’ve developed during the program.
I can create full-stack applications using JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, ReactJS, Redux, and I’m currently practicing by creating an application with Java and Spring! For the back-end I use Node.JS, Express, MySQL, MongoDB, and using RESTful APIs. Testing, development and deployment I use Mocha, Chai, JEST, AWS(S3, EC2, BeanStalk), Docker, Heroku, GitHub, npm, WebPack, and Babel.
Ray Dunning
Q: Why did you choose to become a software engineer?
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, on the beach. I joined the Army at 23 after working as a sales manager for many years. I have always wanted to work in the tech industry, and I finally had the chance while I was transiting out of the Army. After 4 months and many hours, I learned full-stack engineering with JavaScript. I found my new passion and the career I want to pursue.
What was your experience like at the program?
This program was by far the most difficult course that I have ever been through. Which made it one of the most satisfying days when we graduated.
What was your favorite project?
I’m very proud of our fitness application!
Tell us a little about the skills you’ve developed during the program.
Some of my skills include Javascript ES5 and ES6, HTML, CSS, React, Jquery, Node.js, Express, SQL database, MongoDB, Mongoose, Atlas, Restful API Development, Mocha, Chai, GIT, NPM, Webpack, Babel, and Agile Methodology
Francisco Leyva
Why did you choose to become a software engineer?
I was looking for excitement in my work. After almost 8 years of service, I felt like I had done my part and was ready to move on to the next chapter in my life.
What was your experience like at the program?
The program provided me with the realization that, with technology, the future is in our hands.
What was your favorite project?
The project that I am most proud of was our LevelUp Fitness application. It is a fitness and meal plan application where users can plan, track, and set their workouts and find healthy meals.
Tell us a little about the skills you’ve developed during the program.
I’ve learned JavaScript, Node.js, MySql, Express, JQuery, React, HTML and CSS.
Joshua Halsey
Why did you choose to become a software engineer?
I am a software engineer and 20 year Army veteran that holds a TS/SCI security clearance. I am transitioning out of the Army, because after discussions with my family, we decided that it was time for me to be home on a more permanent basis.
I decided to get into software engineering because I really enjoy building things and I was looking for something that would challenge me more than I have been in years.
What was your experience like at the program?
At first, I didn’t feel smart enough to be learning to code. Galvanize showed me I could do much more than I thought I could. I’m excited to keep working with amazing people.
What was your favorite project?
For my final project, I created HelpfulSale.com for a small realty business in Florida and it’s been the most challenging and rewarding experience as a Software Engineer.
Tell us a little about the skills you’ve developed during the program.
My skills include JavaScript, Node.js, MySql, Express, JQuery, React, HTML and CSS.
For more information about Galvanize’s LevelUp program, please click here.
