Candy Agard, a first-generation American, grew up navigating two worlds: one at home, where making her family happy was the top priority, and another in the wider world, where she could pursue her own goals and happiness.
Although she initially wanted to be a doctor and specialize in neuroscience, she later found her true calling in technology. After hearing about Pursuit’s Level Up partnership with Uber — one in which we partner with Uber to identify, recruit, and train drivers, couriers, etc. to become software engineers — Candy applied and completed the training program and is now employed as a software engineer at Uber.
Read Pursuit's Q&A with Candy below, in which she shares about her journey to Pursuit, her passion for technology, where she sees herself in five years, and more.
What was journey like before joining Pursuit?
Prior to Pursuit, I had embarked on a career path in medicine, something my family really wanted me to pursue. For a long while, though, the reality of becoming a doctor – losing patients, even when you’ve given it your all – caused me a lot of anxiety. I knew I wanted to change course, even though the decision would disappoint my family.
I’d been introduced to STEM at a very young age and had always been in love with both technology and science – obsessed with robotics and the idea of building something from nothing. If I was no longer going to be a medical doctor, I thought, then I could be a ‘computer doctor” and fulfill my desire to help people and better the world in a different way. I started working as an IT repair agent for Geek Squad, and I became certified in whatever tech field that would allow me to teach others. Over time, my curiosity only grew more, and in wanting to understand how software worked, I took on a second job as an Uber driver to fund a bootcamp I’d initially found.
What led you to apply to Pursuit, and why were you interested in a career in tech?
During one of my Uber shifts one day, I received a notification on the Uber App about Pursuit's partnership with Uber – Level Up – to train Uber drivers, couriers, etc. to become software engineers. I initially found it too good to be true, since it cost nothing upfront, and I applied and was accepted.
What advice would you give to minorities, particularly black women, who are considering or are already working in tech?
It's essential to create a diverse and inclusive environment in the tech industry, and representation in all forms matters. As a black woman in tech, my advice is to take up space. Don’t feel the need to blend in. Use your voice. Show your personality in all its wonder. Fall in love with your work (without making work your life), and find reasons to love it regularly. Show your passion and pursue it. Others will notice, but more importantly you will take pride in what you do and how you contribute.
How has your experience in the tech industry impacted your life?
I got into tech because I love it, and in breaking into the tech industry, it has given me a sense of security for me and my family. This means the most to me, as it has been my motivation to become better every day and make a positive impact on the world – the “why” for what I do professionally.
What motivates you in moments when you find your work challenging?
I remind myself that nothing worthwhile comes easy. I want to be at the forefront of industry changes and transform the world as we know it. Reading articles, attending events, and learning about what others are doing is inspiring and reignites my passion for tech.
Who or what inspires you?
I find inspiration in people and culture. I enjoy gaining new perspectives from sharing moments with people from all walks of life. I also enjoy reading literature from my favorite authors or experts in my craft, and learning about different fields like photography and design. Tech related or not, it inspires me on a deeper level and provides a window into what makes the mind tick and what makes things beautiful.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I aim to be well-versed in engineering, attend conferences as a speaker, have impactful projects under my belt, and perhaps leading in product management and design. I also hope to travel to communities to develop and teach coding workshops to youth who may not have been exposed to tech on a broader scale – but who need to see people like me (and women like me) working in the industry.
