Built Together: Charles Kubiak on Mentorship & Community

TLDR: Marine Veteran and Code Platoon graduate Charles Kubiak is the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. After launching a successful tech career, he’s spent years giving back as a mentor, instructor, and advocate—proving that community is key to long-term success in tech.

When Charles Kubiak left the Marine Corps, he built a successful 15-year career in finance. But over time, he realized he wanted something different, something that challenged him in new ways. That search led him to Code Platoon.

“Code Platoon was the critical launchpad for my career,” Charles said. “It didn’t just give me technical skills. It reignited my ability to learn.”

The bootcamp pushed him to adapt quickly, to embrace problem-solving, and to build confidence in a completely new field. It also connected him to a community of Veterans, military spouses, and mentors who understood the hurdles of career transition. With Code Platoon’s support, Charles earned a six-month apprenticeship at 8th Light, a Chicago-based software consultancy. That opportunity became the springboard for the career he has today, now serving as a Senior Software Crafter and Delivery Lead.

Still, Charles never forgot where it started.

“Each step of my journey—from apprentice to delivery lead—has drawn on lessons from Code Platoon. That’s why I give back. I want current students to build the same foundation that served me so well.”

Giving back has become a defining part of his life. Charles has worn many hats at Code Platoon: Teaching Assistant, mentor to multiple students, instructor for the Intro to Coding LIVE class, and even organizer of the volunteer program. In each role, he works to provide students with the kind of support that shaped his own journey.

Part of that comes from the example of his own mentor, Jeremy, who is still a part of his life today. “Jeremy showed me that mentorship isn’t a knowledge dump,” Charles said. “It’s about the whole person. He checked in on how I was doing, not just what I was coding. That’s the approach I try to take with my mentees.”

Watching his mentees grow into confident developers and land their first roles in tech has been one of his proudest rewards. “When a student goes from self-doubt to that ‘aha’ moment, it’s incredible to witness,” Charles said. “Their victories feel like shared successes—proof that this community is stronger together.”

“‘Built Together’ means you don’t face this alone,” Charles said. “From the moment you start, you’re part of a team—students, staff, and volunteers—all committed to helping you through one of the most challenging and rewarding transitions of your life. And once you’ve found your footing, you get to return and contribute. That cycle is what makes Code Platoon strong.”

Seven years after starting his own journey, Charles continues to reinforce that cycle for the next wave of students. His story is proof that Code Platoon isn’t just about learning to code. It’s about building a community that lifts one another up, year after year.

For his dedication, leadership, and generosity of spirit, Code Platoon named Charles its 2025 Volunteer of the Year.