From sitting alone to speaking up: my first few months at codebar

Want to try a codebar workshop, but feel nervous about going alone? Does a tech workshop sound a bit daunting? I know the feeling. A few months ago, that was me.

This year, I started going to codebar London as a student, and it has helped me grow so much. I’m writing this blog post for anyone who’d like to try a workshop but isn’t sure where to start. You’ll find tips from my own experience at the end.

codebar is a charity that runs free programming workshops for people who are underrepresented in tech. Workshops are hosted and sponsored by tech companies at their offices.

A bit about me

I moved to London three years ago, and I’m currently looking for a tech job here. I’m also an introvert, and quite shy, so going to events like this on my own wasn’t easy.

Then I started listening to the codebar podcast. I heard stories from people of all backgrounds: women in tech, career changers, and more. It sounded like a supportive, non-judgemental space where I could learn and grow my career. So I signed up!

My first workshop

I checked in at the host company’s building and sat alone on a sofa in the lobby. Then a kind student came over and asked, “Is this your first time?” I nodded with a nervous smile. She explained how the workshop worked and invited me into the room.

Until the workshop began, I followed her around and said hello to people.

I was paired with an engineer from the host company. We worked through a problem I’d brought, then chatted about my career plans and AI. My coach led the conversation, so we talked far more than I expected.

When I left, I felt proud of how much I’d learnt in just one evening. I haven’t missed a workshop since.

What codebar has changed for me

Technical skills

I choose the topic, and a coach works through it with me. Learning from a real person gives you things a tutorial can’t: the unwritten tips and the motivation. The coaches come from different backgrounds and career stages, so I learn from lots of different perspectives.

Thanks to codebar, this year I have:

• finished a side project
• had four CV and mock interview sessions
• solved technical problems with coaches in pair programming sessions

Soft skills

Because I go often, I’ve made friends with regular volunteers, students and coaches. My networking and English skills have both improved. One coach now mentors me regularly on my job search.

That coach suggested I start an accountability group. So at uncodebar, held at Google’s London office, I gave a three-minute lightning talk to find members. I was nervous, so I asked Kimberley Cook, codebar’s Director, to sit next to me. She happily did. She always helps keep the community warm and supportive.

And the talk worked! Five of us now meet every week to cheer each other on through side projects and job hunting. It’s one of the things I’m proudest of this year.

Tips from my experience

1. Shy, or not confident in English? That’s fine.

If you’re introverted, not confident in English, or find networking hard, don’t worry. Regulars will often talk to you first. Just like the student who spoke to me that day, I now ask newcomers, “Is this your first time?”

2. You don’t need to know anything yet

We’re all there to learn, so you don’t need any prior knowledge. Nobody will judge you. If you’re not sure what to ask, try one of these:

• Pick a topic from the codebar tutorials.
• Bring a blocker from a project you’re working on.
• Bring a LeetCode problem, or ask AI to make one at your level.
• Still not sure? Bring just one question, like “What tech jobs are out there, and where do I start?” An experienced coach can take it from there.

When you RSVP, add a note about what you’d like to work on. The organisers will use it to pair you with the right coach.

3. Don’t feel bad about only receiving help

At first, I felt I was only taking. But coaches tell me they learn by teaching, too. It helps them build mentoring and leadership skills, and brush up on their own knowledge.

4. Can’t make it in person? Join online.

codebar also runs online workshops on Discord. They’re worth a try if distance makes it hard to go in person.

How to join as a student

1. Sign up at codebar.io/member/new and click “Sign up as a student”.
2. Choose your chapter, such as London or Virtual UK. codebar runs workshops in many other cities too. You can find the full list on the codebar homepage.
3. When you get a workshop email, RSVP quickly. Spaces fill up fast.
4. Bring your laptop and charger, and check in when you arrive.

See you at your first workshop. If you’re sitting alone on the sofa in the lobby, I’ll come and say hello!