Fabrizio Corrales

What were you doing before you joined The Marcy Lab School as a Software Engineering Fellow?

Before joining The Marcy Lab School, I was a sophomore at Hunter College, majoring in Computer Science. Concurrently, I worked as a doorman for a co-op on Park Ave.

What most made you want to apply for Marcy’s Software Engineering Fellowship?

I found out about The Marcy Lab School when looking up boot camps I wanted to attend. What caught my eye was Marcy's project-based learning approach and its up-to-date curriculum in web development and software engineering. It felt refreshing and relevant, unlike the dated methodologies I was accustomed to.

What has been one of your favorite parts of the Fellowship?

Hands down, it's the community and faculty at Marcy. The unwavering support, combined with the constant push from faculty members to reach my potential, has been the highlight of my journey. I felt the community aspects more in my first month [at Marcy] than in my entire time spent at college.

What has been most challenging for you as a Fellow?

I was super into the technical assignments and just wanted to dive right in. The Leadership & Development tasks felt like speed bumps slowing me down. Trying to juggle both, and keep up the pace, led to some burnout moments. Finding the right balance between getting technical expertise and not running myself to exhaustion was a real learning curve.

How have you most grown while part of Marcy’s Fellowship?

One of the most pronounced growth areas for me has been in collaboration. Engaging with peers on software engineering projects has significantly sharpened my communication skills, ensuring we operate seamlessly as a unit. With the right people and collaboration, you can get a Seal Team Six of coding.

How has Marcy prepared you for your future work and career?

I have the privilege to represent about 50 fellows from the Fall 2022 cohort as a Young Trustee Board Member of The Marcy Lab School. I’ll be at the forefront of advocating for our interests. My engagements with stakeholders have been instrumental in ensuring the school's decisions align with our collective vision and the future of technology.

The Marcy Lab School's Fellowship is paving the way for my enduring tech career through its distinctive approach. Emphasizing project-based learning has enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing my hands-on experience. The program fosters rich networking opportunities, connecting me with industry professionals and peers who could shape my career trajectory. Lastly, the school's emphasis on autodidactic learning, coupled with comprehensive career guidance, ensures I'm not only technically equipped but also adept at technology and frameworks that change every other day.

What advice do you have for our incoming Fellows?

Problem Solving: Before you even start coding, break down the problem. Use pseudocode or even just jot down your logic. A clear plan in the beginning will save you from a lot of debugging later.

Clean Code Principles: Write your code as if someone else is going to read it – because they will. Clear variable names, consistent formatting, and well-placed comments make a huge difference.

Continuous Learning: The tech field is always evolving. Set aside regular time for personal growth, whether it's reading blogs, attending webinars, or just playing around with new technology.

Networking: Join forums, attend meetups or conferences, and participate in hackathons. Sharing experiences and learning from others can be incredibly enriching.