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# Coffee with Developers - Demi Oshin from musician to computer science student to CODE100

Former musician Demi Oshin overcame imposter syndrome to conquer CODE100 and land a Google internship. Discover why she believes creativity beats strict math in software development.

- **Speakers:** Demi Oshin
- **Event:** Coffee With Developers
- **Published:** April 25, 2024
- **Duration:** 10:35
- **URL:** https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/881-coffee-with-developers-demi-oshin-from-musician-to-computer-science-student-to-code100

## Summary

Demi Oshin shares her unique transition from a lifelong musician to a fourth-year computer science student, exploring the creative intersection of music and technology. Initially drawn to coding for its problem-solving capabilities, she emphasizes how a background in music fosters a creative approach to software development, prioritizing idea generation over strict mathematical constraints. This creative mindset has driven her participation in hackathons and structured coding competitions, utilizing Python and TypeScript to tackle complex pair programming challenges.

Overcoming a perfectionist mindset and imposter syndrome, Demi discusses her decision to enter the CODE100 Manchester challenge. She highlights the value of stepping into the arena, dispelling the myth that competitive tech events are reserved exclusively for senior developers. Her story underscores the importance of community networking and pushing beyond comfort zones to build confidence in technical abilities, especially when paired with unfamiliar developers and coding stacks.

Reflecting on her software engineering internship at Google, Demi provides valuable insights into the realities of writing code for a massive global company. The experience served as a catalyst for examining her long-term career aspirations, weighing the dynamic of large-scale enterprise environments against smaller company cultures. Ultimately, her journey inspires early-career developers and non-traditional technologists to embrace live coding events, connect with diverse peers, and pursue ambitious tech opportunities regardless of their perceived experience level.

**Keywords:** code100 manchester, computer science education, creative coding, tech community networking, overcoming imposter syndrome, developer competitions, pair programming challenges, hackathons, python, typescript, google software engineering internship, software engineering career path, early career developers, enterprise coding environments, tech career transition

## Chapters

1. **Transitioning from a music background to computer science** (00:12) — Approaching technology through creative problem solving offers a compelling alternative to traditional mathematical study paths.
1. **Overcoming perfectionism to participate in professional coding events** (02:06) — Abandoning the need to be the most technical person allows developers to embrace new competitive opportunities.
1. **Navigating pair programming and competitive technical challenges** (03:44) — Collaborating on timed algorithms with unfamiliar partners requires assessing varying capabilities and selecting appropriate programming languages.
1. **Evaluating software engineering career paths through corporate internships** (05:09) — Experiencing enterprise development practices at a massive scale helps clarify long-term personal career preferences.
1. **Building personal confidence and inspiring others in tech communities** (06:19) — Competing in public events validates technical skills and encourages participation from non-traditional industry backgrounds.

## Related Moments

- [Embracing the competitive side of live developer coding challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1909-wearedevelopers-live-back-to-code100) (from "WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Back to CODE100")
- [Sponsor highlights and the Code 100 challenge](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100000-official-opening-of-wearedevelopers-world-congress-2026) (from "Official Opening of WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2026")
- [Performing live coding in front of a large audience](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/894-coffee-with-developers-code100-manchester-challenger-gbenga-oladipupo) (from "Coffee with Developers - CODE100 Manchester challenger Gbenga Oladipupo")
- [Drawing parallels between competitive coding and esports](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/898-coffee-with-developers-jonathan-tang) (from "Coffee with Developers - Jonathan Tang")
- [Gaining teamwork and communication skills at a coding bootcamp](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/354-coffee-with-developers) (from "Coffee with Developers")
- [Software engineering journey and local Manchester roots](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/898-coffee-with-developers-jonathan-tang) (from "Coffee with Developers - Jonathan Tang")

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