What a Senior Curriculum Development Manager at Code.org wishes they had known before entering the Computer Science industry
Amy, a senior curriculum development manager at Code.org, wishes someone had explained that "the jobs of the future don't exist today," as their current role, and even the organization, didn't exist during their undergraduate years; this realization helped them navigate career uncertainty and ultimately create a path in a field that was then nascent and evolving.
Career Exploration, Career Development, Technology, Overcoming Challenges, Motivational Stories
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amy Berkhoudt Woodman
Sr. Curriculum Development Manager
Code.org
Point Loma Nazarene University - 2009
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor - MA in Education Policy & Leadership
Creative Writing, Journalism
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. The jobs of the future don't exist today; many current roles are newly created and constantly evolving.
2. A career path isn't always linear; it's okay to explore different roles and companies while figuring out your ideal job.
3. Don't be afraid to create your own path and make up a job that didn't exist before; you can build your career around your passions and interests that you discover over time.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I wish somebody had told me that the jobs of the future don't exist today. When I was younger, this job didn't exist.
My organization literally didn't exist when I was an undergrad. Neither did the idea of bringing computer science to all students.
When I was first starting out, computer science was still extremely stereotypical, and only a certain number of people had access to it. Nobody really understood what it was exactly. Facebook had barely even been started.
I continued on in my career, doing the things I liked. That led me to the job that I currently have today.
But the entire time, I was second-guessing myself. I was like, "Is this the right next move? Is this a company that I want to be working for? Is this the role? Is this the group?"
I didn't realize that I was working towards something that didn't currently exist, and then I got to make that up. So, I think that's what I wish somebody told me.