Mar 31, 2026
From Mechanic to Front-End Developer
Dimitri
Freelance project
FIRST JOB IN TECH
Germany
COUNTRY
Mechanic at an automotive company
CURRENT OCCUPATION
I’ve always been into machines and mechanical work, but I’ve also been drawn to computers and the digital world. I work full time as a mechanic, but my goal is to move into front-end development.
My interest in programming started early. In a school programming course, we built simple tools for everyday use, like a calculator or a to-do app. After that, I lost touch with coding for a while. But about a year ago I caught up with an old friend who works as a full stack developer. He told me his work is challenging and never boring. I realized I miss that feeling in my current job.
Before Mimo Dev, I tried freeCodeCamp and used the Mimo app. But I wanted to learn alongside others and have someone I could ask for help. I also work a tough shift schedule, so I needed something flexible. Mimo Dev fit that perfectly.
“Mimo Dev was perfect for me, because I could learn when I had the time and I had a contact person who could help me.”
The most fun part was working in a group with other students. Teamwork mattered. We solved problems together and presented a working product at the end.
During the program, I focused fully on learning. After it ended, I applied to around 20–25 roles. Most were quick rejections. About five companies invited me to interviews, but remote work wasn’t possible and relocating wasn’t an option. I had two technical interviews. One was for a Shopify front-end environment called Liquid, and I couldn’t adapt fast enough. The other went well, but they chose another candidate.
I didn’t stop. I found my first freelance assignment through my network. It’s a new website for a facility management company near my town. I’m planning, designing, coding, and publishing it. It’s my first real project for a portfolio, and the experience matters just as much.
Mimo Dev helped me learn how to collaborate, write code in different languages, and approach problems from different angles. My biggest milestones were the team project and my first React application. It even changed how I work in general. I’m more patient when I’m stuck.
dream job in tech
"It makes me feel like I’m still contributing to a better future for myself and my son."
My goal is simple, to keep learning, keep improving, and create a path into a remote job where I can use these skills long-term.
