We’re thrilled to introduce you to program graduate and now instructor, Matthew Rorvick. For those unfamiliar with design work or programming, transitioning between graphic design and web design may appear like a natural adaptation on the surface. The truth is, aside from typography, layout, and images–there truly aren’t that many crossovers between the two careers. That’s what Matthew is hoping to change.
Like so many of us at the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew was furloughed from his job in 2020. With a degree and a few years of experience in Graphic Design already under his belt, he decided to take the leap and properly learn how to program with Tech Talent South. Now one of our top graduates, Matthew is also assisting our beloved community as a teaching assistant.
We can’t wait to watch Matthew’s career develop as he builds his career bridging the gap between designers and developers.
What were you doing before TTS?
My academic background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. I have some experience in the field but never got to the point where I wanted to be. Once I started to inch my way back into the design field from taking a few years off, I was furloughed from an internship in early 2020. Before and after this internship I had been working in the landscape field and also seasonally at UPS to make ends meet. When I moved across the country, I found TTS to help me further enhance my professional career in the world of web development.
What course(s) did you take with TTS?
I have taken the full-time Java Code Immersion Course. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me to become a beginner full-stack developer. I am now a Teacher’s Assistant for the same course.
How did taking this course remotely impact how you connected with your cohort and instructors?
Taking this course remotely gave me the opportunity to connect with many different individuals in the southern and eastern parts of the country who shared the same interests as me and also wanted to build upon their professional careers. The course also gave me the opportunity to network with people I would have never previously met.
Tell us about your favorite project!
My favorite project was the final project of the class because it allowed me to combine a few of my different interests and skills. The curriculum covered the very basics of HTML and CSS, so completing my online portfolio, I had to take it upon myself to learn more about CSS styling. The blog project was also used in my online portfolio to showcase what I had learned about Java.
How has what you learned at TTS impacted your life?
Taking the time to learn how to program has taught me some very valuable life skills. Programming is one of the hardest things I have ever had to learn. Patience and problem solving are two huge factors. I’ve told myself that if I can master how to write code, I think it will give me the confidence to excel in anything throughout my life.
What has been the biggest challenge in your tech journey?
My biggest challenge has been learning and understanding the logical side of writing back-end code. The front end feels a lot more self-explanatory and intuitive to me, so figuring out how to understand how the back end works has really been a game-changer.
What have you learned about yourself over the past year?
If you want something in life, you cannot simply just wait around and hope for it to happen. A person needs to take control and create success for themself wherever they see fit.
What are your personal and career goals for the future?
I want to integrate my love for design and development into a dream job. I would love to be able to work with both designers and developers to create the best web and mobile applications.
What projects are you working on now?
I am continuing on my journey to learn as much about programming as I can. This includes different educational resources to find the best way to learn.
How has your background been useful in getting you to this point?
I think my background in graphic design has helped me understand how development and design work hand in hand. I have realized how much I would like to use both skills in a future career role.
Any advice for others looking to explore this path?
The great things that will enhance your life won’t necessarily be as easy as you’d hoped. Don’t let this discourage you. If you really want success for yourself, do whatever you can to make it happen, one day at a time.
When you’re not coding, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love riding my motorcycle and being outdoors. I grew up in South Dakota so being on the lake or out in the country makes me feel at peace. I love exploring new places and will continue to travel around the country and around the world for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite quote, mantra, or piece of advice?
Take control of your own life. If you’re not currently happy in your situation, make it a priority to change and create happiness for yourself. I am a strong believer in self-control.
What is something that makes you unique?
I am proud of the life experiences thus far that make me who I am. I believe my outlook on life is fresh and positive and I want to share that with other people who feel or understand the same as I do. I think my uniqueness just simply comes from me living my life in a certain positive manner.
Connect with Matthew on Linkedin!
Interested in hiring Matthew or more folks like him? We’ve got you covered.
