Matthew Gillis

Get to know Matthew Gillis

What are you looking for in your next role?

In my next role, I am looking for a space to build upon the skills being taught in Launch Academy and develop into a larger role working with a team of developers! Looking to tackle new challenges as part of a hard-working team!

Why did you decide to change career and/or educational paths? What was your prior path and how did you end up down that road initially?

Straight out of High School, I enlisted in the US Army Active Duty. I spent four and a half years working as a mechanic in a Transportation unit that facilitated the movement of larger units overseas. I decided to change career paths to try something new and put mechanics to the side as a hobby as opposed to a full time career. I now serve in the US Army Reserves while I explore new options and possibilities in life. I chose the Launch Academy program and coding because working with computers has always been a passion of mine. Getting to create applications and see a program that you designed come to life gave me inspiration and motivation to begin my journey with Launch.

Where have you been involved in the tech community (events attended, volunteer activities, etc.)?

I have recently gotten involved with Code For Boston connecting with developers around Boston! Reaching out and speaking with other developers once a week on different projects and practices has been extremely helpful towards developing more skills!

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your journey towards becoming a web developer? What's been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

The most fulfilling aspect of my journey so far has been seeing the applications we started with at the beginning of the program; develop into much larger apps as we learn new techniques! My biggest challenge so far in my journey has been transitioning away from the military and getting set up to move on to different things. My biggest technical challenge getting started has been getting accustomed to learning new languages and working in a field that I have not been around since High School! Pair Programming with classmates has allowed me the chance to develop the skills that have been difficult!

If you had an unlimited budget and resources, what would you build?

Regardless of budget and resources, my dream to build is my 1985 Ford F-350. My grandfather's 1985 Ford F-250 was my first vehicle when I got my license. I totaled it my senior year of high school and was heartbroken. In May of 2021, I purchased a similar one while stationed in Virginia and have been working to rebuild it with my grandfather's engine and transmission. It has been a long process to this point and I am eager to finally have some time and space to work on what I need to with it.