How A Kickboxing Instructor Launched A New Career As A Full-Stack Developer

Max Wong is equal parts full-stack developer and kickboxer.

After working as a kickboxing instructor for a few years, the Vancouverite graduated from our Web Development Bootcamp in November 2019 and now works at Four Nine Digital, a full-service digital agency in Gastown. He landed his job at Four Nine Digital the month after earning his Bootcamp diploma.

It wasn't until a few years after attending Simon Fraser University majoring in computer science that Max got his start in the tech industry. Today, he works closely with TELUS Digital, an arm of the telecommunications company focused on innovative, data-driven, customer centric digital experiences.

We caught up with Max to talk about the languages he’s currently working with, how he got into kickboxing, and his advice for aspiring developers.

Where do you currently work?

I work at Four Nine Digital as a full-stack developer. I am outsourced to TELUS Digital assisting their teams on an e-commerce web application.

My role includes refactoring a monolithic backend API into microservices, handling deployments of various APIs, as well as writing E2E and integration tests with Cypress.

What was your path to becoming a developer?

2014-2017: Computer Science Major at SFU

2017-2018: Network Administrator at Glentel Inc.

2017-2019: Active MMA and Jiu-Jitsu Competitor

2018-2019: Kickboxing Instructor and Youth MMA Coach at UFC Gym Coquitlam

Aug. 2019-Nov. 2019: Web Development Bootcamp at Lighthouse Labs

Tell us about your experience as a bootcamp-trained individual in the industry

I love the fact that I’m surrounded by many intelligent and competent individuals who strive to improve on their skill sets every day, both at Lighthouse Labs and in the industry. This motivates me greatly to be better than I was yesterday.

How did you first hear of Lighthouse Labs?

I discovered Lighthouse Labs through the recommendation of my girlfriend, who is also an alumni. I chose Lighthouse for its reputation and excellent career services support.

The Career Services Effect

Tell me about your experience as a Bootcamp-trained developer

I love the fact that I am surrounded by many intelligent and competent individuals who strive to improve on their skill sets every day, both at Lighthouse Labs and in the industry. This motivates me greatly to be better than I was yesterday.

What’s the work culture like at Four Nine Digital?

Nurturing, collaborative, and flexible. Every Friday we are allowed to self-learn as well as attend a meeting called “Code Share & Tell” during which we solve problems and learn together as a team.

Are you working on any side projects?

Yes, I’m building a brand around myself and my Youtube channel named Muay Thai High. Currently, I'm developing my portfolio website and working on a goal-setting application.

What technologies are you currently working with?

For the front-end I work with React, Redux, React Testing Library, Jest, and Cypress. For back-end and deployment, I work with Express, Redis, Docker, Jenkins, and Openshift.

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What advice would you give to aspiring developers?

I would say being able to get up to speed quickly and show your value and worth can set you apart. So, my advice would be to practice and improve on your ability to read other people’s code.

How did you get into kickboxing?

I have been kickboxing for about six years. I initially started because I was overweight and wanted a different form of exercise.

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Which skills will you learn next?

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