How to learn full stack development and work a dream remote job

Ben Isenstein, a recent graduate of the Evolve Full Stack Developer program, recently took a full time position with Calgary-based Dev Theory. At 23, he says he’s one of the most inexperienced software developers on the team, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“That is exactly where I want to be. I’m still trying to hone my craft and get a bit more efficient,” says Isenstein, a musician by training and former math tutor.

Isenstein works with Dev Theory’s clients in a fully remote position from Calgary. For the next year, he’s working on one specific project with a Toronto client.

He loves the work and the flexibility it provides, allowing him to pursue his passions of hiking, back country camping and travel.

Now that the pandemic is mostly behind us and the world is opening up again, Ben has big plans for 2023.

“I would love to go to South America - my best friend is Brazilian and I have a huge interest in the Latin culture. That is an interest of mine. Now that we have freedom of movement, I can’t wait to travel again!”

Ben heard about the InceptionU program from his mother, who thought he would be a good fit. It turns out, she was right.

Knowing Ben has a hungry mind, is a conceptual thinker, natural problem solver and excellent communicator, Jaci Lyndon encouraged Ben to apply for the government funded program.

Ben was one of the youngest people in Cohort 7, but enjoyed the course, both the tech and essential skills and working in an agile software team projects.

“I knew what I was getting into. It wasn’t that intimidating for me,” says Ben.

“I think project based learning gets an A+! During the program, we worked in a true agile methodology and that is, effectively, the same now that I’m in a corporate level position, so that was a huge help learning to work that way,” says Isenstein.

A self-directed first project was an important confidence booster, allowing Ben to prove himself as in independent developer. Then, he moved into team projects as the program progressed.

For his final project, Ben and his team build an app called TASKr - you can watch the Demo Day project here.

He found work about 4 months after the program ended. He’s making good money, in a fully remote position, with opportunities to advance and continue learning. To him, the six-month Evolve program was a great investment of time and energy that will continue to pay off as he advances in his career as a software developer.

“The prospect of being career ready in just six months, versus four years, is so appealing to young people like me who have an interest in becoming a developer and kickstarting their career.”

When asked what’s next for him?

“I think I’d like to be working, somewhere near a beach, in 2023,” he says with a smile.

If you are interested in attending our next Open House, please enter your email so you can be notified. If you’d like to learn more about the Full Stack Developer program, please visit our Evolve Programs page.