From Computer Engineering to No-Code: My Journey

When I started my Computer Engineering degree, I had a clear vision: become a software developer, write elegant code, solve complex problems. But life had different plans—and looking back, I couldn't be more grateful for the unexpected turn my career took.

The Traditional Path

Like many engineering students, I spent years learning data structures, algorithms, object-oriented programming, and software architecture. I could build a web application from scratch, optimize database queries, and debug complex systems.

But as I started working on real projects, I noticed something: the problem wasn't building the solution—it was building it fast enough.

Clients didn't want to wait months for an MVP. Startups needed to validate ideas quickly. Small businesses couldn't afford extensive development cycles. The traditional development approach, while powerful, often felt like overkill for what most projects actually needed.

Discovering No-Code

My first encounter with Webflow was accidental. A client needed a landing page "by tomorrow," and I knew traditional development wasn't viable. A colleague suggested Webflow, and I was skeptical—how could a visual tool match what I could build with code?

That evening, I built my first Webflow site. And it was a revelation.

Not because it was better than code—but because it solved a different problem. It allowed me to:

Build production-ready sites in hours, not days
Iterate quickly based on feedback
Hand off projects that clients could actually maintain
Focus on design and user experience instead of boilerplate code

The Identity Crisis

Admitting I was transitioning to no-code tools felt like admitting defeat. I'd spent years building my identity as a "real developer." What would my professors think? My engineering classmates? Would I still be taken seriously?

This is a struggle many developers face when discovering no-code. There's an unspoken hierarchy in tech: "real" developers write code from scratch, and anything else is somehow inferior.

But here's what I learned: The goal isn't to write code—it's to solve problems.

If I can solve a problem faster, more efficiently, and in a way that empowers my clients, why does the tool matter?

The Pivot

In January 2021, I took a leap. I started freelancing exclusively as a Webflow developer (back when I called myself Bimbi.me). No more traditional development. No more "I can build this in React."

The results? Seven projects in the first year. Clients who were thrilled with turnaround times. Websites that looked professional and performed well.

But more importantly—I was enjoying work again. I wasn't drowning in dependency management or debugging obscure framework issues. I was designing, building, and shipping.

Finding My Voice

The turning point came when I started sharing my journey on LinkedIn. I documented:

What I was learning about Webflow
Client success stories
Tips for other developers curious about no-code
Honest reflections about the transition

What started as a way to process my own experience turned into something bigger. Other developers reached out. Clients found me. Opportunities emerged.

By 2023, I became a Webflow Global Community Leader. Not because I was the most technical Webflow developer, but because I was sharing authentically.

The Strategic Brand

Here's what I learned about personal branding:

1. Consistency Beats Perfection

I didn't wait until I was an "expert." I shared my learning journey, mistakes included. People connect with authenticity more than polished perfection.

2. Your Unique Angle Matters

I wasn't just "another Webflow developer." I was "the Computer Engineering graduate who chose no-code." That unique angle made my story interesting.

3. Community Over Competition

Instead of guarding knowledge, I shared everything—tutorials, pricing strategies, workflow tips. This built trust and positioned me as someone who genuinely wanted to help.

4. Platform Choice Is Strategic

LinkedIn became my primary platform because that's where my target clients were. Your platform should match your audience.

The Compound Effect

Fast forward to today:

Bimbi Digital: Strategic Webflow development partnerships
nocode.lat: Co-founded a thriving Latin American no-code community
Webflow Global Community Leader: Leading initiatives for the global community
Notion Ambassador: Spreading productivity tools I believe in
Multiple Recognition: Webflow Awards, ADPList Top 100, Google Knowledge Panel

None of this was planned. It was the result of consistent showing up, authentic sharing, and embracing an unconventional path.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

If I could go back and give myself advice when starting this journey:

Your engineering background is an asset, not a liability: Understanding code makes you a better no-code developer
Start sharing immediately: Don't wait until you're "ready"
Define your niche: "Webflow developer" is broad. "Webflow developer for SaaS startups" is specific.
Build in public: Document your wins, losses, and lessons
Focus on outcomes, not tools: Clients care about results, not how you achieved them

The Future of Development

I believe we're heading toward a hybrid future. The best developers will:

Know when to use code and when to use no-code
Understand both traditional and visual development
Focus on solving problems, not defending tools
Empower non-technical stakeholders

No-code isn't replacing traditional development—it's expanding what's possible and who can build.

For Developers Considering No-Code

If you're a developer curious about no-code, here's my encouragement:

You're not "selling out" by learning no-code tools
Your engineering knowledge gives you a unique advantage
The market for skilled no-code developers is exploding
You can always go back to traditional development

Try it. Build something. See how it feels. The worst that happens? You learn a new tool. The best that happens? You discover a career path that aligns better with your goals.

Final Thoughts

My journey from Computer Engineering to no-code wasn't a straight line. It was full of doubt, experimentation, and unexpected opportunities.

But every step—the degree, the coding bootcamps, the traditional dev jobs, the leap into freelancing, the personal branding experiments—led me to where I am now: building solutions I'm proud of, leading communities I care about, and helping others discover this path.

Your journey will be different. But if you're feeling stuck, uninspired, or curious about alternatives, I encourage you to explore. The best career decisions often feel uncomfortable at first.

Currently building strategic no-code solutions at Bimbi Digital and empowering developers at nocode.lat.