Martyna Zulpaite is a great example of how courage and knowledge can open new career opportunities. After completing Front-End development courses, Martyna started her journey as a freelance web developer. Today, she works as a marketing specialist at Reiz Tech, an international IT company. What’s interesting is that even in the marketing field, her programming knowledge has proven to be extremely valuable. It helps her better understand the tech world and contribute more effectively to the company’s success.
Let’s talk to Martyna about her experience, the challenges she faced, and her advice for those looking to switch careers.
What was your work experience before studying at CodeAcademy?
I studied marketing and worked in sales and customer service.
Why did you choose to study at CodeAcademy?
At the time, CodeAcademy seemed like a simple but solid choice. Compared to other programs on the market, it offered clear course structures with well-defined content, making it easy to evaluate its usefulness. The price also seemed reasonable for the amount of material provided. I also appreciated the flexible payment and learning options. Plus, while this isn’t directly related to the course content, CodeAcademy’s visual identity caught my attention and gave the impression of a well-established and trustworthy training institution.
What were your initial goals when you decided to study at CodeAcademy?
Before starting the course, I already had some programming knowledge from school (C++). However, my goal wasn’t to become a full-time developer—I wanted to explore whether programming could be a viable career path for me and determine if it was something that truly inspired and interested me.
Studying at CodeAcademy gave me a deeper understanding of the tech industry, and I realized that while I didn’t want programming to be my entire job, I wanted it to be a part of my work. Now, working in marketing at an IT company, I can confidently say that my curiosity about the tech field has paid off. I feel more connected to the industry, stay up to date with technological trends, and can contribute more effectively to my company’s success.
How did you stay motivated during difficult moments—both while studying and job hunting?
During the course, my biggest source of motivation was the instructor, who shared real-world industry experience and made programming engaging, rather than just a series of repetitive exercises. The enthusiasm of my fellow students also helped—I felt like we were in a friendly competition, pushing each other to improve. This collaborative learning environment allowed me to gain insights not just from the instructor but also from my peers.When job hunting, I realized that a Front-End developer doesn’t always need to apply for a strictly Front-End position. For example, in my current marketing role, I am responsible for website creation, management, and ongoing optimization, meaning I use my programming skills almost daily.
What did you do to land your first job?
I started by working on individual projects, asking friends and acquaintances if they needed a website. This helped me build a portfolio while also earning some income.Later, when I began applying for jobs in digital marketing, my programming skills became the standout factor that set me apart from other candidates and increased my chances of getting hired.
What advice would you give to those looking to switch careers?
Be brave and embrace change! Let go of the belief that you must choose the perfect career path from the very beginning. Also, understand that being a programmer doesn’t necessarily mean sitting behind a computer coding 9-to-5—there are many ways to apply technical knowledge creatively. Finally, keep learning and adapting. Technology is constantly evolving, so flexibility is a key advantage in today’s job market.
