Samsung SW Academy for Youth (SSAFY) fosters young people with various backgrounds whose dreams are to become software experts. Every year, students across Korea join the program to receive a well-rounded curriculum that covers technical knowledge as well as job skills.

Jung and Heejung are SSAFY graduates who did not major in computer science. See how they succeeded in achieving their goal of becoming a developer.

Chasing the dream of a SW developer

Hello, I'm Jung Kim, a graduate from the second batch of Samsung SW Academy for Youth.

I chose business administration as my major with the hope of becoming an accountant. After a few years, however, I became interested in Information and Communication Technology. With that said, the very thought of having to learn something entirely new was overwhelming for me. Plus, I would have to compete with those who have already studied programming for four years.

SSAFY, however, helped me regain confidence. Every time I learned something new or solved problems with my colleagues, I could feel that I was becoming more confident in myself. Also, the first semester was designed for first-time developers like me, which also helped me stay positive. After arduous months of studying, experimenting with different tools, as well as being coached for job interviews, I eventually succeed in getting a job as a front-end developer for one of Korea’s leading IT companies. I want to thank SSAFY for helping me realize my dream.

Sharing the excitement of my success with the team

Hi, I’m Heejung Kim. I’m an electronic engineering major and I also wanted to be a developer.

I joined SSAFY as part of the third batch of students, without any background knowledge on coding. As a complete newcomer to the field, I had to not only learn about the subject but also receive much assistance from the consultants and my fellow team members. However, all the hard work was worth it and it paid off when I got a position as a software developer at a top-tier bank.

Studying was one thing but applying to jobs near the end of the program was almost as difficult. The bitterness and emotional pressure were unavoidable when my applications were rejected, with no chance for an interview. At times like this, words of advice and encouragement from my SSAFY consultant kept me motivated to keep trying. When I finally got the job I’d wanted, the consultant, my team, and I all shed tears of joy together. The year with SSAFY was during a time when I was most desperate in life to achieve a career goal, and I will cherish the moments where we all never gave up and kept on going for the future.