TLDR: Marine Corps Veteran Zach Blackburn went from no coding experience to Software Engineer at Affirm in less than a year through coding bootcamp and an apprenticeship. His journey shows how tech apprenticeships give Veterans the structure, mentorship, and real-world experience needed to make a successful military-to-tech transition. Today, Zach is thriving in his role, proving that with the right training, Veterans can land and succeed in software engineering careers.

“You don’t belong here, and someone’s going to find out.” Imposter Syndrome echoed in Zach Blackburn’s head during his first few months as a professional software engineer at Affirm. 

Before coding bootcamp, Zach—a Marine Corps Veteran from rural Kentucky—had absolutely no coding experience. Now, he was surrounded by elite university grads, shipping code in a high-speed tech environment, and he felt like a fraud.

How had he gone from never writing a line of code to becoming a software engineer in less than a year?

The short answer: hard work and an apprenticeship program.

Why Veterans Should Consider Tech Apprenticeships

Before Code Platoon, Zach didn’t even know tech apprenticeships existed. He thought he’d end up in a government contracting job after bootcamp. But when he landed an apprenticeship with Affirm’s Qualifications Engineering team, everything changed.

“The biggest benefit was my apprenticeship was built for candidates with non-traditional backgrounds, including Veterans like me. We bring skills traditional university graduates don’t have,” Zach says.

Building Confidence in a Tech Apprenticeship

Once he started at Affirm, Zach hit the ground running. His team knew what to expect from an apprentice. They supported him through the transition and helped him build both his technical skills and his confidence.

But transitioning to tech still wasn’t easy. Imposter syndrome followed him into every meeting.

“I worked with some incredibly talented people, almost too smart. I didn’t feel like I had earned my place in the room most days,” he says.

Over time, that changed. The apprenticeship provided Zach with the space to learn the tech stack and the company culture. His team encouraged questions and even gave him a major project to own and present.

That project, and the support of his team behind him, shifted his mindset.

“I started to feel like I actually knew what I was doing,” he says.

Becoming a Full-Time Software Engineer

During the six-month apprenticeship, Zach was already working like a Software Engineer 1. He was just paid hourly as he adjusted to the new role.

“I got to see how code is deployed in a production environment, how pull requests work in a high-speed company, and how tools I had never heard of in my life work. It was an invaluable learning experience,” Zach says.

By the end of six months, Zach had proved himself and earned a full-time offer, along with every other apprentice in his cohort.

Now, Zach is thriving in a career that lets him provide for his growing family while continuing to level up his skills.

“I love software engineering, and I never had benefits like this in the military,” Zach says. “Now, with a toddler at home, I can provide for my family while working remotely on a great salary.”

Using AI in Software Engineering

Zach didn’t stop learning after landing the job. One of his most valuable resources now is AI. At Affirm, Zach uses tools like Cursor and Gemini every day.

“Cursor helps me clean my code, write functions, and understand what’s going on under the hood. Gemini is great for reading documentation and rewriting it for review by senior engineers.”

But Zach is quick to point out: AI isn’t magic, and it won’t replace foundational coding skills.

“If you’re starting out in tech, you’re not using AI right if you’re just plugging in a question and copying the answer. AI tools will only confuse you more if you don’t understand what you’re building,” he says. “Focus on learning the basics first, then use AI to break down problems, spot patterns, and explore better solutions.”

“I think interviewers will start asking, ‘How do you use AI to be more productive?’ It’s not about avoiding AI or relying on it; AI shouldn’t do your thinking, but it can help you think faster once you know the basics.”

Ready to Make the Leap?

If you’re wondering whether you belong in tech, take it from Zach: you don’t need a computer science degree. You need structure, support, and a path forward. Code Platoon offers all three.

Join a community of Veterans and military spouses who are building new futures one line of code at a time.

Explore Code Platoon’s AI-powered technical training programs. »

Zach’s journey is just one of many inspiring military-to-tech stories we feature on the Service to Software podcast. Want to hear the full conversation? Check out his episode to learn how he built confidence, leveraged apprenticeships, and found his place in tech.

Listen or watch here. »

TLDR: If you’re curious about a coding bootcamp but not sure you want to be a software developer, you’re in luck. Coding skills can open doors to careers in data, product design, tech leadership, and more. This guide shares six exciting tech roles and real stories from Veterans and military spouses who’ve made the leap to them.

When you think about the jobs people get after a coding bootcamp, “software engineer” is probably what comes to mind. But what if you aren’t sure that building software full-time is going to be your thing? Don’t worry, you aren’t alone!

I’ve seen Veterans and military spouses get non-developer jobs that combine their technical training with the problem-solving, leadership, creativity, and strategy built from their military backgrounds. Whether you’re more analytical, people-focused, or a big picture thinker, we can help set you up for success in a wide range of tech careers. Below are six in-demand careers you may not have considered but can definitely pursue after coding bootcamp:

1. Data Engineer

Data Engineers are like detectives. They sift through data to spot trends, make forecasts, and help organizations make smarter decisions, whether that’s in healthcare, finance, retail, or beyond. If you enjoy puzzles and figuring out patterns, data engineering could be your ideal career.

“During bootcamp, I was better at working on the back end of my projects, which is how I became a data engineer. In my role, I work with the product teams to find out what data and connections they need to work better, and then I build the solutions for them. I like what I’ve been able to do so far, and I want to keep doing it as long as I can.” 

Jon, Navy Veteran and Data Engineer at ExxonMobil

2. Optimization Specialist

Optimization Specialists make tech work better. That might mean improving a website’s performance or cutting costs across a company’s tech stack. This role blends coding, data, and strategic thinking, making it perfect for a coding bootcamp grad who likes to tweak and fine-tune their programs until they run as efficiently as possible.

“I used to work in business, and I’ve always been passionate about making a meaningful impact. At Amazon Web Services (AWS), I help customers get more value out of their cloud solutions. My background and technical skills help me bridge the gap between strategy and execution, whether I’m helping someone save money, building scalable solutions, or supporting our teams.”

Crystal, military spouse and Cost Optimization & Acceleration Specialist at AWS

3. Technical Team Lead/Manager

If you’ve been in leadership roles during your military career, this career path might feel like home. Technical Team Leads guide software teams, mentor junior developers, help solve problems, and make sure projects move forward. This is a great fit for a bootcamp grad who enjoys working with people just as much as writing code—just know you’ll need some software engineering experience to get up the career ladder to this position.

“First, I worked on a ‘bug smash team,’ where I spent a lot of time researching and reviewing metrics. I began overseeing subcontractors because I became the subject matter expert, and then I became the Team Lead… I help manage my team’s priorities with our software product, lead Agile ceremonies, and work with stakeholders to create the future of our technologies.” 

James, Army National Guard Veteran and Product and Technical Team Lead at Procore Technologies

4. QA Engineer

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineers or Analysts are the last line of defense before a product goes live. They test software, find bugs, and help ensure a smooth user experience. If you’re someone who takes pride in catching mistakes and solving tough problems, this role is a great way to blend coding knowledge from bootcamp with a focus on finding and fixing mistakes.

“At Zermount, I lead Quality Assurance efforts by creating vulnerability test plans, finding software defects, and creating automated testing to improve our software’s reliability and performance. This work significantly contributes to the overall security and efficiency of the organization.”

Abou, Army Veteran and Zero Trust Compliance/Quality Assurance Engineer at Zermount, Inc.

5. Product Manager

Product Managers (PMs) figure out what needs to be built and why, then figure out how to make it happen. They talk to users, define goals, set priorities, and guide teams of developers, designers, and stakeholders to build products that solve real problems. Even though PMs don’t code, the technical foundation from a coding bootcamp will help you understand how things work under the hood and communicate clearly with company stakeholders and product users.

“Transitioning from nursing to tech, I wanted to improve everyday technology. Code Platoon introduced me to product management, which resonates more with my skills and interests than software engineering. At Pinterest, I blend problem-solving with collaboration and empathy, qualities I genuinely enjoy exercising in my daily life. I love working with diverse teams to tackle product challenges and create user-friendly solutions.”

Natalie, military spouse and Apprentice Product Manager at Pinterest

6. Solutions Architect

While Product Managers guide what gets built, Solutions Architects create the technical systems to make it happen. They design the structure of complex products, implement the right tools and technologies for the job, and make sure everything works smoothly together. If you enjoy strategic thinking but still want to stay close to the technical side, this role could be a perfect match.

“I chose Solutions work because it’s a perfect marriage of software development and business. Solving complex business problems that have real-world impact is a gratifying experience. Code Platoon helped me understand foundational tech skills, and I’ve learned there’s so much more to tech than raw code.”

Will, Navy Veteran and Solutions Architect at AWS

Take the First Step on Your Path to Tech

There’s no single path to success in tech. You can learn how to code, but it’s just as important to get guidance on where those skills can take you. Whether you’re drawn to leadership, design, analytics, or optimization, Code Platoon’s programs and Career Services can help you turn your technical training into an impactful new career that aligns with your favorite aspects of tech.

At Code Platoon, our mission has always been clear: help Veterans, Servicemembers, and military family members launch new careers in tech with as little out-of-pocket cost as possible.

As a nonprofit, everything we do is driven by our mission, including how we handle tuition. That’s why we’re excited to share a big update: we’ve simplified our scholarship program into one clear message—“Pay What You Can.”

Why the Change?

In the past, we offered multiple scholarships with different criteria and funding levels. While those programs helped many students, we realized they could also cause confusion. We kept hearing the same questions: “Am I eligible?” “How much support can I actually get?”

So we decided to make it simpler—and fairer.

With Pay What You Can, every accepted student is eligible for a scholarship. There’s no need to prove financial hardship or fit into a specific scholarship category. Once you’re in, we’ll ask you one simple question: “How much can you reasonably contribute to your tuition?”

That’s it. No minimum payment. No gimmicks. No hidden fees. Just a conversation.

Whatever you can’t cover, our scholarship will fill the gap. And once you’re awarded a scholarship, you’ll have up to a full year to make your contribution, so finances don’t get in the way of your future.

What about VA Benefits?

If you’re eligible for VA benefits like the GI Bill® or VR&E, those can fully cover your tuition at Code Platoon. Our full-time and part-time programs—including remote options—are approved for both. If you choose not to use VA benefits or aren’t eligible, our scholarship model is here to make sure you still have a clear, affordable path.

How is this Possible?

Our scholarships are made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, foundations, and corporate partners who believe in what you bring to the tech world. They know Veterans and military families have the drive, discipline, and problem-solving skills that today’s tech companies need—and they’re investing in your success.

The Goal: More Access. Less Confusion.

This new model gives every student more clarity and confidence as they plan for Code Platoon. It’s easier to understand what kind of financial support is available and how to move forward. It’s all about meeting you where you are and removing the barriers between you and a meaningful new career in tech.

If you’re thinking about applying, do it. You don’t need all the answers right now. Just choose the program that fits your goals, and submit your application. Once you’re accepted, we’ll work with you to finalize your scholarship or VA benefit path and get you moving forward.

It’s that easy.

Many people are considering jobs in the tech industry, and rather than pursuing traditional computer science degrees, they’re enrolling in coding bootcamps to get there. Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated path into tech careers, but they aren’t for everyone. Before you apply, ask yourself and your coding bootcamp these six questions to determine if a program is the right fit.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Coding Bootcamp

1. Can You Commit to an Accelerated Learning Experience?

Coding bootcamps are intense. In a full-time program, you’ll spend 10–12 hours a day, five days a week, learning full-stack software engineering at a pace similar to military training. It’s a fast, immersive experience that requires focus, discipline, and determination.

What if you can’t put life on hold?

If you have work, family, or other commitments, a part-time bootcamp might be the better fit. Evening & Weekend Bootcamps cover the same in-demand skills but on a longer timeline. This allows you to balance your responsibilities with transitioning to a tech career.

2. Can You Push Through Challenges?

Immersive coding bootcamps provide you with a learn-by-doing approach in a collaborative environment. You’ll spend hours coding complex projects that simulate real-world work experience. Because of this hands-on approach, some coding bootcamps have demonstrated placement rates comparable to top four-year colleges.

The key to success in a coding bootcamp isn’t talent—it’s resilience. If you’re determined to problem-solve and keep learning, you’ll thrive. If you’re willing to embrace the challenge, ask questions, and keep iterating, you’ll find that every challenge makes you a stronger developer.

3. Do You Work Well with Others?

Tech is a team-driven industry. While movies might show coders working alone in dark rooms, the reality is most software engineers collaborate daily.

At a coding bootcamp, you’ll work on real-world coding challenges with your classmates. You’ll pair program, debug projects, and build real-world software projects like you would in the workplace.

If you enjoy solving problems and working with others, you’ll fit right into a coding bootcamp and the tech industry.

4. Does the Bootcamp Offer Career Services?

The best coding bootcamps don’t just teach you to code. They help you land a job.

When comparing programs, look for:
✔ Strong job placement rates
✔ Apprenticeship or employer partners committed to hiring bootcamp grads
✔ Resume workshops, interview prep, and mentorship from tech professionals

A coding bootcamp is an investment in your future. Make sure the program you choose comes with a strong return.

5. Does the Curriculum Align with Industry Needs?

To land a high-paying tech job, you need real-world skills that employers want. A strong Full-stack Software Engineering bootcamp curriculum should teach:

• Front-end development: Building great user experiences with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.js.
• Back-end development: Storing and managing data with Python, SQL, and databases like PostgreSQL.
• Agile workflows: Working in sprints and iterating like real software teams.
• AI and Prompt Engineering: Leveraging AI tools for debugging, automating, and optimizing your work.

Make sure your bootcamp prepares you for the future of tech, not just today’s trends.

6. Does the Bootcamp Set You Up for Success?

Not all bootcamps are created equal. Some programs enroll anyone, whether they’re ready or not. A quality coding bootcamp ensures you’re prepared before you start. Look for a bootcamp that offers pre-work or a prep course. A bootcamp that genuinely cares about your success will help you build a strong foundation before your first day.

Are You Ready for Coding Bootcamp?

Choosing a coding bootcamp is a big decision, and finding the right fit takes careful consideration. A great program will challenge you, prepare you with real-world coding skills, and provide the support and structure needed to help you succeed. 

Take time to research your options, connect with graduates and staff, and make sure the program you choose aligns with your goals, learning style, and career aspirations. No matter where you are in your coding journey, by asking the right questions, you can find a bootcamp that truly supports your transition into a rewarding career in tech.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Manager at Code Platoon. In this role, she brings skills developed from previous positions in higher education and educational technology. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.