Diving into the Sprint: Stories from future coders at kood/Jõhvi

12.02.2025

Every year, hundreds of motivated individuals step into the Selection Sprint at kood/Jõhvi, ready to push their limits, solve complex problems, and take their first steps toward a career in tech. The sprint is intense, challenging, and not for the faint-hearted, but those who embrace the journey come out with newfound knowledge, friendships, and a deeper understanding of their own capabilities. We spoke with three sprinters – Dmitrii, Priit, and Sergiu – to hear about their experiences, motivations, and advice for future applicants.

A Leap into the unknown: From diesel engines to code

Meet Dmitrii, a 40-year-old heavy diesel mechanic with nearly a decade of experience who has always been drawn to technology. Despite considering a move into IT for over ten years, he never took the leap until now. Encouraged by a friend who successfully completed the programme, Dmitrii decided it was time to challenge himself.

“It’s one of the best experiences of my life! It’s hard, fun, and stressful all at once. I came in with zero coding experience, and it’s difficult, but also rewarding. The facilities in Jõhvi exceeded my expectations – everything is clean, modern, and filled with like-minded, driven people.”

His advice for future sprinters? “Learn some coding basics beforehand – it helps! And don’t hesitate to take the plunge.”

Returning to tech: A journey back to the digital world

For Priit, almost 44, the Selection Sprint was an opportunity to return to his IT roots after years in the entertainment industry. Having originally worked his way up the IT ladder to a database administrator role, Priit later pivoted to creative visual and lighting projects for music events and festivals. When his wife suggested he try something new during the quiet months of the entertainment industry, he found himself packing his bags for Jõhvi.

“It’s as hard as I was warned it would be,” Priit admits. “But I’ve learned a lot – not just about programming, but also about myself and the process of learning.”

His key takeaway? “‘Eat, sleep, code, repeat’ works only if you take each of those steps seriously. Never attempt to ace an exam after only two hours of sleep!”

The bigger picture: Understanding tech from the inside

Sergiu, 39, has lived in Moldova, Italy, and now Estonia, where he works in e-Governance solutions. His journey toward kood/Jõhvi started years ago when he first heard about the programme. Over time, he realised that to truly understand and promote complex digital systems, he needed firsthand experience in the field.

“The sprint has been an incredible experience – intense, challenging, and rewarding. I’ve met fascinating people, made new friends, and solidified my motivation to pursue a career in tech,” says Sergiu.

His advice for future sprinters? “Stay focused and enjoy the process. The exhaustion is temporary, but the knowledge, friendships, and experiences you gain will last a lifetime.”

Is the Sprint Worth It?

The Selection Sprint at kood/Jõhvi is designed to challenge applicants, pushing them to think critically, collaborate, and immerse themselves in the world of programming. It’s not easy, but as Dmitrii, Priit, and Sergiu prove, it’s an experience that can open doors and transform careers.

So, if you’re considering applying, take the leap! Prepare, embrace the challenge, and see where the journey takes you.

Interested in becoming the next kood/Jõhvi success story? Apply now and start your own journey into tech: study.kood.tech