At just eight years old, Robert Rajeswaran fled civil war in Sri Lanka and moved to the UK. Less than two decades later, he is the founder and CEO of GoCode Academy, a fast-growing coding bootcamp that’s helping young people build skills for the digital era.
Robert’s journey from overcoming early struggles to being named Young Entrepreneur of the Year is one of resilience, purpose, and vision. In this 2017 interview, he shares how an international internship shaped his path, why coding is as essential as reading and writing, and the advice he gives to the next generation of digital creators.
TIG: Congratulations on winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the FSB & Worldpay UK Business Awards! Could you start by telling us about GoCode Academy and why you think you were chosen for this award?
Rob: GoCode Academy is a coding bootcamp on a mission to inspire the next generation of coders. We run after-school clubs and holiday camps for students aged 8 to 18, teaching in-demand programming languages like Scratch and Python.
We believe coding is as important as literacy. It’s a skill every young person should have. Over the past 18 months, we’ve shown steady growth, built a strong business plan, and stayed focused on giving young people opportunities in tech. That’s why we were selected as the national winner.
TIG: What inspired you to start GoCode Academy?
Rob: Before GoCode, I worked at a FinTech company where I often spoke with founders and CEOs. Many of them struggled to hire developers, digital marketers, and social media specialists; not because there weren’t opportunities, but because there weren’t enough skilled people.
It struck me as strange. Young people spend a third of their day on digital platforms, but most don’t know how to create them. Schools weren’t preparing students for careers in technology, and I wanted to change that. That’s how GoCode was born.
TIG: Why should young people consider learning to code?
Rob: The opportunities are huge. There are only about 18 million developers worldwide, and demand far outstrips supply. Skills in languages like Ruby, C, and Python are especially sought-after and well-paid.
TIG: What advice would you give to young people interested in web development?
Rob: Be passionate and go all in. If coding excites you, commit 100%, get the right mix of skills and hands-on experience, and keep a clear vision of where you want to go.
TIG: You also interned abroad with The Intern Group. What was that experience like?
Rob: I interned as a Finance Assistant at TechPro in Medellín, Colombia, and it was an incredible experience. I made lifelong friends, learned about different cultures, and gained a broader perspective on life and work.
I chose an international internship because I wanted a challenge and the chance to grow personally and professionally. It absolutely delivered.
TIG: Would you recommend an internship abroad to others?
Rob: Absolutely. Traveling makes you a better storyteller and opens doors both personally and professionally. Employers also value international experience highly.
TIG: How did that internship shape your entrepreneurial journey?
Rob: Beyond the finance skills I gained, I learned the importance of building a business with purpose. Watching The Intern Group grow gave me real insight into how impactful a mission-driven company can be.
TIG: You’ve clearly overcome a lot to get where you are. What challenges stand out, and what advice would you share with young people facing adversity?
Rob: Moving to the UK at eight was tough. I didn’t speak a word of English and had to adjust quickly, not just to the language, but also to a completely new culture.
Opportunities were limited, but I was determined to do more. Nothing is handed to you; you have to work for it. My advice is simple:
- Believe in yourself.
- Put in the work.
- Surround yourself with the right people.
No matter where you come from, if you have the drive and will to do better, you can succeed.
GoCode Academy was also honored by the British Tamil Chamber of Commerce at the LTM2017 event, another step in their inspiring journey to empower the next generation of coders.
