Małgorzata Brożek
Ambasadorka #JavaJUMP
I hold a Master’s degree in Animal Science, but for the past few years I’ve been working in IT. I spent four years as a Shopify front-end developer in the e-commerce sector, but over time I began to miss real coding and professional growth. That’s when I decided to try something new and enrolled in the Java JUMP course run by the Girls Code Fun Foundation. Thanks to that program, I gained a solid foundation in Java programming – and that knowledge opened the door to a two-year Graduate Program at HSBC. There, I’ll be learning through hands-on experience, exploring different areas of IT so I can intentionally shape my career path. I have ADHD, so I thrive in environments that offer challenges, variety, and opportunities for constant learning. And that’s exactly what I’ve found in the world of IT. The Foundation helped me gain not only technical skills but also the belief that change is truly possible.
Gosia – let’s start with which Girls Code Fun projects you’ve participated in?
I had the opportunity to take part in several projects. The most important one for me was Java JUMP – it gave me a solid foundation in Java, a language I hadn’t known before but which turned out to be crucial for my further development. The project was well-structured, intense, and conducted in a very supportive environment. I learned not only syntax and theory, but also practical programming skills – by working on real-world tasks. I also participated in the Web Debugging training, which helped me organize and deepen my knowledge of JavaScript and debugging front-end code errors.
What motivated you to take part in the Java JUMP project?
After several years working in IT as a Shopify front-end developer in e-commerce, I started to miss what I love most about programming – creative problem-solving and technical growth. My daily tasks were becoming more and more repetitive, and client communication was taking precedence over actual coding. I knew I needed a change, but the idea of starting over was daunting. Through the Java JUMP project, the Foundation gave me a safe space to try something new, develop new skills, and challenge myself in a completely different area of technology.
What skills did you gain during Java JUMP? Do you use them in your current job? Or are you continuing to develop them as a hobby?
I gained practical programming skills in Java. I learned the basics of object-oriented programming, testing, project structure, and coding best practices. These competencies gave me a strong foundation that allowed me to successfully apply for the Graduate Program at HSBC – and I got in! I’m now building on that knowledge in practice by creating my own projects and exploring more advanced backend topics. It’s no longer just a hobby – it’s a real professional path.
“Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Readiness often comes once you take action.”
Congratulations, Gosia! So how would you describe your career path at this point? Where are you now professionally?
Thank you! As I mentioned, I’ll soon be starting a two-year Graduate Program in the Engineering track at HSBC. This program offers me a wide range of development opportunities – I get to explore different teams and technologies, and eventually choose the career path that suits me best. Ultimately, I’d like to work in backend development – I’m drawn to building solutions, system logic, and “coding from the inside.” I enjoy solving puzzles and thinking analytically. I want to work in an environment where logic, structure, and challenges matter – not repetition.
Java JUMP is an intensive project. It requires commitment but delivers real results. What motivated you to complete it? And what challenges did you face along the way?
My biggest motivation? The thought that I could return to creating things that make sense – logic, structure, problem-solving. I wanted to rediscover the joy of coding and feel like I was making an impact through what I build. As for challenges – definitely the feeling of being a “beginner” again, despite having several years of experience in IT. I had to rebuild my confidence and start learning from scratch. But in the supportive environment of the Girls Code Fun Foundation, I felt safe – and that made it all possible.
So would you say that Java JUMP changed your perspective on technology, as well as your personal and professional goals?
Yes, I can definitely say that – the program truly changed everything. From the direction of my career development to the way I think about myself and my capabilities. Before, I used to believe I didn’t have enough knowledge to move into backend or more advanced technologies. Now I know that I can. Thanks to Java JUMP, I gained the knowledge I needed to apply for the HSBC program – and as a result, I’ll now be growing and learning there, alongside some of the best.
These are powerful words for us. And what would you say is your greatest achievement?
The fact that I didn’t give up and had the courage to change direction. Instead of staying stuck, I took a step toward something that truly excites me. The benefits have been huge – new knowledge, greater confidence, a completely new career path, and the feeling that I’m capable of achieving a lot. But there’s also something more personal: I’ve rediscovered the joy of programming.
And how has Java JUMP impacted your everyday life?
Great question. It gave me a powerful boost of motivation and hope right when I needed it most. I regained the joy of coding, but also a stronger sense of agency – and that carried over not just into my professional life, but my personal life as well. I realized that change is possible, that I’m not “too old” or “not good enough” to start something new.
What advice would you give to other women who are considering joining the Java JUMP summer bootcamp?
Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Readiness often comes once you start taking action. Girls – you don’t need to be experts to begin. If you feel the urge to try – go for it. It’s truly worth it.
Why? Because in Java JUMP, you’ll experience a sense of community and support – you’ll know you’re not alone in your doubts and dreams. And I hope that, like me, you’ll discover that backend is the right path for you. I’ll also let you in on something: after Java JUMP, I have more confidence in myself and my decisions – and less perfectionism. I’ve learned I’m capable of learning things that once seemed “meant for others.” What surprised me most in the program was how quickly you can make real progress when you’re in the right environment. And how much your self-perception can shift when someone says, “You’ve got this” – and truly believes it. By applying to Java JUMP, that journey and experience could be yours too.
The floor is yours – inspire our audience and share anything you’d like that we haven’t asked about yet.
The Foundation and the Java JUMP project gave me a powerful boost of motivation and hope – exactly when I needed it most. I rediscovered the joy of coding, and with it came a renewed sense of agency. That shift didn’t just impact my career – it transformed my personal life as well. I realized that change is possible. That I’m not “too old” or “not enough” to start something new. Today, as both a graduate and an ambassador of #JavaJUMP, I feel much more confident in the world of new technologies. I’ve stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on my own growth. I now know that I’m capable of learning, solving problems, and coding at an increasingly advanced level. I also have a plan – and a dream – for what’s next. I want to build a fully developed backend project from scratch, and learn advanced techniques in testing and automation. When I do, I’ll feel ready to support others who are just starting out – just like I once did.
