New Paths in Tech: Career Changers Thrive at kood/Jõhvi

Switching careers can feel like an uphill battle, especially when stepping into an industry as fast-paced and demanding as tech. But for many, kood/Jõhvi has turned that challenge into an exciting opportunity. This innovative programme doesn’t just teach coding – it transforms how students approach learning, problem-solving, and collaboration, making it the perfect launchpad for those seeking a fresh start.

Whether you’re a teacher discovering the joys of programming or an artist transitioning to data analysis, kood/Jõhvi offers the flexibility and practical experience to build a new professional identity. With graduates landing roles at both smaller and larger IT companies, the programme proves that a career change into tech isn’t just possible – it can be a resounding success.

Career Changers’ Success Stories

kood/Jõhvi attracts students from diverse backgrounds, with ages ranging from 19 to 66, the average being 28. Alumni have shared their journeys, demonstrating the program’s impact on their lives and careers.

For Siim Kiskonen, a former professional cyclist, the transition was life-changing. After an injury forced him to reassess his career, he joined kood/Jõhvi with zero programming experience. “I had no idea what loops or variables were, but the Selection Sprint convinced me programming is what I want to do next,” he shared. Now a graduate, Siim is thriving in the tech industry and grateful for the new chapter in his life.

Olesia Karin, a graduate who now works as a full-stack developer, reflected on overcoming doubts and challenges. “At one fine moment, you realize you think too much. Stop reflecting. Take and do. The most important skill I acquired here is the right approach to problem-solving,” she explained. Her journey showcases the resilience and determination many kood/Jõhvi students embody.

For Elina Otchenko, the journey was deeply personal. Fleeing war, she sought refuge and a new direction through kood/Jõhvi. “I wasn’t sure why I needed programming skills, but I took the leap. Today, I see how everything happens for a reason,” she shared. Now a skilled UX/UI designer with programming expertise, Elina approaches design with greater depth and purpose.

Employers’ Perspectives

Employers are equally enthusiastic about the unique skills kood/Jõhvi graduates bring to their teams.

Martti Praks, Head of AI Development at LHV, commends their independence and adaptability: “Their practical and goal-oriented problem-solving approach makes them quick to adapt and valuable team members. These are critical skills for building AI-based solutions.”

Agur Jõgi, CTO of Pipedrive, highlights the value of diverse teams: “Diverse teams with varying backgrounds and experiences foster both innovation and collaboration. At Pipedrive, several team members have a kood/Jõhvi background, and what stands out is their independence and eagerness to dive into projects immediately. In addition to theoretical knowledge, they already have considerable experience with teamwork and typical development projects, allowing them to integrate into Pipedrive’s daily workflow quite seamlessly.”

Peeter Kirss, Team Lead at SMIT, shared his experience with a graduate, saying: “She joined our team at the beginning of the year as an intern and now works as a junior developer. She is a quick learner and picks up new topics and skills very rapidly. As part of our recruitment process for developer internships and jobs, in addition to reviewing CVs, we also evaluate test assignments. I believe the practical experience gained at kood/Jõhvi played a significant role in successfully completing the test assignment.”

kood/Jõhvi’s success in facilitating career changes and producing work-ready graduates is evident in the positive feedback from both alumni and employers. As the programme continues to grow and expand, it’s clear that kood/Jõhvi is not just educating students – it’s transforming careers and meeting the evolving needs of the IT industry.

With support from over 40 partners, including Swedbank, LHV, SEB, Wise, Pipedrive, and Bolt, kood/Jõhvi’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. As Lauri Haav, CEO of kood/Jõhvi, put it: “In just three years, we’ve established ourselves as a reliable training ground for software developers.”

As Estonia’s tech industry continues to grow, programmes like kood/Jõhvi ensure it will be supported by talented professionals eager to innovate and excel.

Want to become a part of kood/Jõhvi’s success story? Take the leap – apply now and see where it can take you: study.kood.tech