In January 2020, Kash joined the Answer Development Academy, looking to move away from his finance job and into something he truly loved—coding. Fast forward four years, and he’s now a Senior Developer at Answer, helping others find their path in tech.

Taking the leap

Kash didn’t always work in tech. After university, he ended up in finance, but something didn’t feel right. “I’ve always loved coding,” Kash says. “I fell into finance after University, but I really wanted to do something I always had a passion for.”

Unfortunately, without experience, Kash found it hard to break into tech. That’s when he discovered the Answer Development Academy; a program designed to help people like him get into the industry quickly.

The Academy experience

The Academy isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Kash admits, “It was daunting at first. The program is fast-paced and intense, but it’s a fantastic way to learn".

Not only did Kash pick up the technical skills he needed, but he also gained confidence and learned how to communicate effectively, the key skills for a consultant at Answer.

At Answer, everyone interacts directly with clients, so being able to communicate well is just as important as knowing your field. The Academy’s mix of classroom learning, hands-on projects, and weekly presentations helps participants grow into well-rounded professionals.

Kash says, “Learning how to communicate and present confidently was invaluable to my progression.”

Kash’s journey through the Development Academy followed a clear path designed to build both his technical skills and confidence.

The Academy is divided into three phases:
Phase One: This initial four-week phase focuses on backend development. Here, participants dive into learning languages like C#, .NET, Python, and Java. It’s an intense start, but it lays the foundation for everything that follows.
Phase Two: Next, the focus shifts to frontend development, where Acadamites get hands-on with React. This phase is all about building the skills needed to create user-friendly interfaces.
Phase Three: Finally, Acadamites move onto a real project, where they put everything they’ve learned into practice. This phase is where it all comes together. If they meet all the criteria, they graduate from the Academy and start working on billable projects.

Kash’s experience in these phases was challenging, but it set him up for success, transforming him from an Acadamite into a competent, assured Senior Developer at Answer.

Giving back as a mentor

Today, Kash has come full circle. As a Senior Developer Kash has been mentoring new Academy participants for the past two years. "The real magic of the Academy,” Kash shares, “is seeing people fresh out of university grow into confident, capable professionals who add so much value to Answer.”

The Academy isn’t just about learning to code. It’s about building a supportive environment where people can thrive. Kash graduated just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, which meant adjusting to remote work—a challenge he met head-on. Thanks to the support from his colleagues and the structure of the Academy, Kash not only adapted but excelled.

The power of being employee-owned

One of the unique aspects of working at Answer is that we are an employee-owned company. This means that every team member, from the newest Academy graduate to the most senior member, has a stake in the company’s success. We’re all driven to move forward, innovate, and deliver the best possible results for our clients.

Being employee-owned benefits our clients in a big way. We’re not just working for a paycheck—we’re working to build something we all believe in. This commitment drives us to stay ahead of the curve, using the latest technology and techniques to help our clients reach new heights.
Your success is our success, and we’re dedicated to helping you grow and thrive.

A bright future with answer

Kash’s journey through the Answer Development Academy is a clear example of what’s possible with the right support and determination. The Academy equips you with the skills you need to start your career in tech and gives you the confidence to keep moving forward.

Kash’s story is just one of many at Answer. The Academy is where passion meets opportunity, and where people like Kash find their path in tech.

If you’re looking to change careers or start fresh in a field you’re passionate about, the Answer Development Academy could be the right step for you. As Kash would say, “It’s challenging, but the rewards are worth it.”