Nikki Gabor is a Udacity student and a member of SkiCAMP — an organic software development group within the U.S. Air Force that embraces DevSecOps methodologies and practices to remove software development roadblocks and transition to cloud native technologies.
Like many Udacity students, Nikki’s turning her non-traditional background into an opportunity. While she’s currently a Configuration Manager at SkiCAMP, her ultimate goal is to become a developer in the U.S. Air Force.
Nikki explains, “I really like Udacity and and feel like having a Nanodegree badge would be helpful to allow me to be considered as a viable member of a development team or project.”
Her unique experience has led her to take a novel approach to learning, “I had been learning HTML and CSS in a couple different places, and the Udacity program just really cemented everything for me, says Nikki.
Learn more about Nikki’s Udacity learning journey as she paves her way to a career in web development.
Q: What inspired you to start learning with Udacity? How did you end up in your Nanodegree program?
NG: There was an email that went out asking for beta testers. So I applied to be a beta tester and I took a couple tests. I must have answered correctly on the tests because I got into the Full Stack Web Developer Nanodegree program, which was pretty intense.
I spoke with some of the staff at Udacity and let them know that it was a little too intense for me. They allowed me to start from the beginning in the Intro to Programming Nanodegree program.
Q: Can you give me an example of a time that you’ve been able to apply your new programming skills in your current role?
NG: Yes. So right now, I’m learning HTML and CSS and I’m going into Python. We have a web page for our team and I’m planning to use those skills to keep the page updated and add new content. So it’s been really helpful.
Q: What has been the highlight of your Udacity learning journey?
NG: Well, today, I turned in my first project. I’m actually quite excited about it because it’s the first real project that I’ve ever done.
I created a card using HTML and CSS. And I wrote all the CSS myself, and I’m pretty excited about that accomplishment.
Q: Would you consider yourself a lifelong learner? Has taking the Intro to Programming Nanodegree changed your perspective on learning at all?
NG: I would consider myself a lifelong learner. I’m not a traditional student, I have a family and all my kids are grown up. I’m in college right now because I didn’t get my degree early on, so I’m trying to get that now and it takes a long time.
I’m really excited about the Nanodegree degree program because I feel like it’s a way to show your skills before you actually get your degree in some situations.
I’ve been learning HTML and CSS in a couple different places. I learned it in my college class. The Udacity program just really cemented everything for me. There were things that I couldn’t quite figure out before, and then going through the Intro to Programming class filled in all the gaps for me. I feel like my understanding is better.
I like the layered learning approach where you’re learning from more than one resource. I think that that changed my perspective and that’s been really helpful.
Q: What’s next for you? Are you looking for a promotion? A new role?
NG: Well, I’m hoping to be a developer in the Air Force. That’s my main goal. I would like to be a developer, in any capacity, because I really love it and I think there’s a huge need for it.
Q: What advice would you give those who are considering taking a Nanodegree, but haven’t taken the leap quite yet?
NG: When I first started, I wasn’t quite ready for the commitment. For the Intro to Programming Nanodegree, I have set time to study using the calendar tool.
I have found it to be incredibly useful because when you’re able to schedule the time, you’re kind of committing to it. Plus you get reminders. It’s a fantastic tool.
I would use the calendar tool and just have a routine. If you have questions, reach out to the peer mentors and use the chat — it’s incredibly helpful if you get stuck.
I think everyone wants to help each other. I’ve noticed that people are willing to help you if you’re stuck. They’ll give you some tips, and it just gives you a nudge in the right direction.
I really appreciate the opportunity to be part of the group and utilize Udacity. I think it’s great. It’s helping me and it’s really exciting to learn these new concepts.
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