Dreaming of IT Developer... Liberal Arts Students Have No Problem

Solution Report <18> Kim In-gi, CEO of Code States
IT Developer Training Program Open to Non-Majors
From Education to Employment: Partnerships with Over 160 IT Companies
Over 600 Graduates with a Cumulative Employment Rate of 95%

Inki Kim, CEO of Code States

"Even if you haven't majored in computer engineering, you can challenge yourself with a new career in promising industries through intensive training." This was said last month by Kim In-gi, CEO of Code States, when launching an artificial intelligence (AI) engineer training program in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and Labor. With a shortage of AI talent not only in Korea but worldwide, the enticing idea that even 'liberal arts' graduates who have never learned programming can become highly valued AI developers is gaining attention. In fact, among those attempting to switch careers to IT developers through Code States, 86% are non-computer engineering majors, and 95% of those who completed the program have been employed by leading IT companies. We spoke in detail with CEO Kim, who has made it possible for anyone to dream of becoming an IT developer.

On the 24th, CEO Kim said, "Code States is Korea's first 'human capital' that invests in people's futures and potential." Code States is a startup that offers educational courses for those who want to start or switch careers to IT development and connects them to employment. The distinctive feature is that starting a challenge at Code States costs absolutely nothing. Instead, after successful employment upon completion, a portion of the income is paid back as tuition. This income-sharing model, called the 'We-Win' program, enables anyone to realize their potential regardless of economic or social background. CEO Kim emphasized, "If you have will and passion, you can challenge career transition without the burden of tuition fees and grow into the next-generation software expert."

Code States currently has hiring partnership agreements with over 160 IT companies. These include promising startups such as Pet Friends, Hogangnono, Class101, Idus, Bpro Company, Noom, Frip, Santa TOEIC, Dano, Soomgo, Gelato Lab, Trevari, and Luxrobo. Results are already showing. CEO Kim stated, "Including students currently enrolled through the second half of this year, more than 1,000 students have participated in the education, and the number of graduates so far reaches 600." The cumulative employment rate is 95%, and graduates who completed the education succeeded in employment within an average of 5 weeks after finishing, with 96% of those being full-time positions, according to CEO Kim. According to Code States, graduates have been employed by Naver, Kakao, Danggeun Market, Woowa Brothers, Watcha, and others, and the turnover rate within 90 days among graduates hired by partner companies is currently zero. The rehiring rate of Code States alumni by partner companies also exceeds 50%.

Code States' service reflects CEO Kim's own experience. Although he dreamed of becoming a developer during university, as a non-major, career transition was not easy, so he had to learn programming on his own. During this time, he learned about the income-sharing coding bootcamp (talent development program) 'Make School' in Silicon Valley, and after exchanging emails and holding an actual meeting with the founder, he conceived a startup based on the income-sharing model. He also saw problems with existing domestic educational institutions. CEO Kim said, "Most existing education requires students to pay tuition upfront regardless of whether they succeed in employment. Code States supports everything needed throughout the entire process from the start of learning without worrying about payment, and income is shared only after successful employment above a certain income level." He added, "Because the structure is such that students and Code States move forward together for success, we can devote ourselves even more to the success of the students."

Since all education was converted to non-face-to-face formats starting last year, Code States was able to grow even more significantly this year, which was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of applicants for Code States programs in the second half of this year exceeds 5,000. Preparations are underway to provide services in Southeast Asian regions such as Vietnam. CEO Kim said, "We will further strengthen developer education and employment programs and create services that help seniors manage their careers to assist with employment and job changes."