In this month’s feature, we sat down with one of our alumni, Brandon Peh, as he shares his journey from a completely unrelated field into tech.
Before we begin, we wanted to share a quick update on our campus community. Rocket Academy is officially a partner of Trent Global College, and we are proud to hold our software development bootcamps right here on campus. It has been incredible seeing students from all walks of life come through the doors to build something entirely new, and Brandon’s story is a great example of what is possible when you take that leap.
Could you introduce yourself and share what you’re doing now in tech?
Brandon: Hello! I’m Brandon Peh, and I’m currently working as a software developer. A couple of years ago I was working as a delivery driver, so it has been quite a journey to get here. I am super grateful to be where I am today, and I am still learning new things every single day.
How did Rocket’s teaching help you understand coding and software development?
Brandon: Rocket made things click for me. Learning full-stack development felt overwhelming at first, especially coming in without a technical background. However, the structured lessons made everything feel manageable. You build stuff, you break stuff, and then you figure out why it broke. That hands-on approach is what really made the concepts stick for me.
How did Rocket prepare you for the tech industry and to find your first role?
Brandon: The part-time bootcamp took about 8 months to complete and really shaped me as a developer. By the end of the course, I had built actual projects that I could present in interviews. Having that proof of work gave me a lot of confidence when going into job interviews.
For someone who doesn’t know how to code yet but is curious about tech, what would you say to them?
Brandon: Just start. Seriously. I was a delivery driver with zero coding background. Curiosity is enough to get you going. It is not so much about being “good at tech” but about being willing to figure things out even when it gets confusing. And trust me, it gets less confusing the more you stick with it.
What made Rocket the right choice for you compared to other ways of learning?
Brandon: Honestly? The community. I still remember our project presentations, with everyone sharing the unique ideas behind their websites, what they tried, and what worked. It was not competitive; it was collaborative. Being in an environment where everyone was rooting for each other made a huge difference when things got tough.
Tell us about a tech project you worked on during the bootcamp. What challenges did you face?
Brandon: During the full stack portion of the course, we had to build a complete web application from scratch. We had to manage database storage, set up backend API logic, and connect it to a smooth frontend interface for users.
The main challenge was figuring out how to manage both sides of the application at once. Setting up backend data structures requires a completely different mindset than designing clean UI layouts on the frontend. Balancing the two under tight project deadlines forced me to stay organized, prioritize core features, and debug problems systematically when things broke.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of working in a tech environment?
Brandon: The biggest benefit is getting to solve real problems and build tools from scratch alongside talented people. You are constantly challenged to learn, which keeps the work engaging.
The primary drawback is the amount of screen time. Working in tech means staring at code for long stretches of the day. To manage that, I make sure to step away from the screen for quick breaks and completely unwind after work hours.
Where do you see your IT career going in the next 5 years?
Brandon: Over the next five years, I want to deepen my software engineering foundation and keep building applications with modern tech stacks. As I gain more experience, I also hope to guide newer developers who are starting their own transition into tech.
What advice would you give to those considering higher education or a career switch?
Brandon: Switching careers is a big step, and it takes real commitment. You will run into moments where code does not work and you feel stuck. Surround yourself with peers who share similar goals so you can support each other through the challenging phases. Do not hesitate to ask questions or collaborate, because having that support network makes the learning process so much easier.
We are delighted to be a part of Brandon’s journey here at Trent Global College, and we hope his story inspires anyone considering taking the first step toward a new career.
Ready to start your own journey? Take the first step with Rocket today. Find out more about our software development bootcamps and technology courses here.