Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones: Deric's Journey to Building a Coding School for Everyone
Sigma School
29th February 2024
Watch the full “1% Podcast" here.
Like many, Deric felt the constraints of traditional paths.
"During my time in finance, I witnessed firsthand how fintech startups were disrupting traditional banking. I remember sitting in pitch meetings and being blown away by their ideas."
Yet, he carved his own way as a self-taught tech entrepreneur, overcame obstacles and founded Sigma School, a revolutionary platform for affordable, practical coding. Discover his story and get started on your tech journey today.
Deric, initially a finance student, found himself drawn towards the tech industry due to the allure of innovation and opportunity.
"One of the most frustrating parts of working in VC was seeing amazing startup ideas fail because they couldn't find the right technical talent. It made me realize how much power developers hold."
Encountering a tech talent scarcity, he made the bold decision to transition from finance to coding, embarking on a self-taught journey that would shape his future.
"I met a lot of pretty good business people in Malaysia....my strategy was to build myself as a CTO so that I could be one of those guys where business people came and beg me to be their partner. That was a big driving force for me."
This ambition highlights the high demand for skilled tech talent. Deric saw an opportunity to become a valuable asset, positioning himself as a sought-after expert in the tech industry!
Inspired by a popular Korean drama called "Startup," Deric ventured into building a clone of a revolutionary app that aids the visually impaired.
"...so they have an app where they built it's something that helps blind people see using computer vision and AI...I started building a clone of that...I posted on LinkedIn and it blew up!"
This project not only showcased his technical skills but also ignited his passion for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Despite facing setbacks and challenges, including failed projects and financial losses, Deric persevered and learned valuable lessons along the way. From the importance of focus to the need for proper documentation and planning, each obstacle served as a stepping stone towards growth and success.
Turning his experiences and insights into a valuable opportunity, Deric founded Sigma School, a platform dedicated to providing affordable and practical coding education. By offering a unique payment model and focusing on real-world skills, Sigma School aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and industry demands.
Through this journey, Deric exemplifies the power of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.
"...Ming was a figure behind the scenes that gave me the confidence...I realized wow I could do it myself and I knew how to manage developers..."
By embracing challenges, taking risks, and staying committed to his goals, he transformed setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Deric's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and passion. From struggling with self-doubt to founding a successful educational platform, the journey highlights the importance of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of one's dreams.
Discover Adam Halid's inspiring career change story: from mechanical engineer to full-stack developer. Learn how he tripled his salary in the tech industry!
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of tech career transitions in our upcoming episode!
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