My Journey to Airbnb — Helena Zarazua
- Helena Zarazua thought she wasn't technical enough to be an engineer, but she applied for a software engineering bootcamp in San Francisco.
- She felt reassured at Airbnb to hear from people with non-traditional backgrounds in engineering.
- Helena joined the second cohort of Airbnb's Connect program, a software engineering apprenticeship.
- The goal of the Connect program is to have participants stay with the company as full-time engineers.
- Even during remote work, the Connect program encouraged collaboration and support among participants.
- Helena has learned both hard and soft skills during her time at Airbnb, including mobile development.
- Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and being your own advocate are key for success.
- Helena has openly communicated her mental health needs with her team, which has shaped her experience for the better.
- The community from both the Connect program and Airbnb as a whole has been instrumental in Helena's learning and growth.