6 - CODE FIRST GIRLS

15/07/20 

        One week ago, I had my first session of a virtual 'Introduction to Web Development' course run by Code First Girls, and for anyone undecided about taking the course, read on. 

    Code First Girls is an organization whose mission is to teach as many young women to code as they can. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Code First Girls decided to run 8-week virtual courses over the summer for students and new graduates. The three main courses offered introductions to Python, Web Development or Data Science. 

    As part of my Astrophysics degree, I had already had some experience of Python coding language, so I was left to decide between web development and data science. To me, the idea of building your own website seemed super intriguing, so I enrolled, not entirely sure what to expect.

    

    Within 3 days of applying, I received an email back confirming my place on the course and was supplied with tonnes of information and resources to accompany each of the eight sessions and how to prepare for the start of the course. I was also added to a group channel for my course. In my course, there were just over 40 members and in the days leading up to the first session, the instructors and many of the pupils took the time to introduce themselves (virtually) to the group. 

    What surprised me is how many of the course members were not from a STEM background, with participants having backgrounds in everything from English to Psychology. I believe that the appeal of Code First Girl's courses is that anyone with the drive to learn something new would find the courses accessible, no matter how experienced they are with coding. 

    On the evening of the first session, I joined my course google hangout room and was met by the instructors, three approachable girls who are all keen to give everyone the best learning experience possible. The sessions are conducted in a way that you can 'code along' with the instructors, which makes them highly interactive and makes the coding easier to pick up. The session was broken up into mini activities of increasing complexity which you can access after the session. I also found that my instructors were happy to answer your questions throughout the week between sessions which is an added bonus. 

   

    If you are interested in upskilling or have any interest in STEM whatsoever I would definitely recommend taking on a Code First Girls course. They are extremely beginner-friendly, low commitment and a chance to meet other girls with similar interests. Check out their website here: https://codefirstgirls.org.uk/