Joseph LaCount | Web Designer

I used to work in fulfillment and warehousing, and I held multiple roles from associates to managers, to training people, which wasn’t really fulfilling me in a way. It was a great experience, but it was something that I was really good at doing, not something that made me happy. 

So, I started leaning more and more into doing coding. I’ve always wanted to do more of the styling aspect of website design, but I didn’t know CSS or JavaScript or how to read HTML at all. I knew the bare, bare basic. So when the pandemic happened, I was like…let me take this risk and see what happens.

I didn't feel like I was left on my own. I was always a step away from having additional help and there was a support line. It really felt like there was involvement from Skillcrush to make sure that I succeeded. 

Then, came Skillcrush. Skillcrush being more women-oriented spoke to me for some reason. Compared to everything else, it just felt like it was a calling for me, it felt like something that was more geared towards what I could grasp. We all know it can be off-putting and overwhelming sometimes to do the courses, especially in tech.

Skillcrush’s way of teaching was comforting. From the beginning, the Skillcrush community definitely gave me a sense of welcoming that, especially for me, is very important. Diversity and inclusion is very important to me and I saw a lot of that here and I loved it.

Skillcrush was really instructive. I didn’t feel like I was left on my own. I was always a step away from having additional help and there was a support line. It really felt like there was involvement from Skillcrush to make sure that I succeeded. 

The biggest thing I thought was helpful was the real-time feedback. It really felt genuine. It pushed me to keep going. But I was also able to take my time and get through the coursework. I could go back and reread the material so I didn’t feel rushed.

Now, I’m head web designer with an agency called WJJ Brands. I think from day one, I had to use everything that I learned from my Skillcrush courses. I get to work from home and wherever I really want. It just feels unrestrictive, and I love that I’m helping out people. 

I started working two weeks after I finished bootcamp. I think I’ll be on my way to start a LLC and my own business too. I feel more secure with the skill sets and the certificates I got from Skillcrush. 

Joseph’s portfolio website

My salary before was around $40-45K. Right now, I think I’m probably at $55-60K and that will probably increase within the next couple of months. I would say money was a factor, but I think for me overall, it was the happiness part of it too. (But the salary doesn’t hurt.)

Before, my life was just hectic and really busy, not really having time for myself or just enjoying it. After Skillcrush, it’s just been so much better. I’m happier, and a lot of my stress has just been lifted. I’m smiling more, and I feel better overall.