Pre-Dojo:
For a few years, I was a VPN technician
As a child, he wanted to be a software developer but didn’t have the means.
After Dojo:
As an Associate Software Developer at Blue Cross Blue Shield
He has a solid foundation and knowledge-base for every stack he’s learned.
Imagine yourself as a Microservices developer in 5-10 years.
Program: Online Part Time Three Stack Bootcamp
Testimonial:
It was the best choice because it offered 3 stacks. You will be a more knowledgeable developer if you learn more than one language/framework. This will give you a better understanding of software development and different approaches.
Please tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing professionally before the bootcamp?
Before the bootcamp, I was a VPN technician for a few decades. This has no similarity to Software Development, so it didn’t really come in handy.
Why did you choose to enroll in the bootcamp, other than the desire to learn how to code?
I knew I wanted to change my career, but I didn’t know that there were coding bootcamps. Since I was a child, I wanted to become a software developer, but I didn’t have the resources or connections to do so.
What was the secret to Coding Dojo’s success? Why did you choose Coding Dojo over other programs?
It was the best choice because it offered 3 stacks. You will be a better developer if you learn more than one language/framework. This will give you a better understanding of software development and different approaches.
How was it to get ready for bootcamp? Were you nervous, excited, etc.? How did you prepare?
Nervous and excited. I prepared by reading the pre-bootcamp materials, algorithms, and looking up information online to see what I was getting into.
Take us through the first few weeks of the program. Which parts were your favorites? What parts did you struggle with?
Web Fundamentals was a lot of fun. It was fun that we started small and learned how to structure a web page using HTML, style it with CSS, and add functionality with JavaScript. Flex was a constant enemy of me from day one.
What were your strategies for overcoming the difficulties you faced?
You put in the effort. LONG hours, lots and lots of trial & errors, print statements, approaching the problem from different angles, Google, etc.
Do you have any funny stories to share about bootcamp? Make friends! Do you have fond memories?
I made many friends here and was able to work with some of them on a group project that was both great fun and a great learning opportunity.
How did you feel about your job prospects and skills as you neared graduation?
I was constantly creating small projects that combined what I had learned between each stack with new tools and uses for each language/framework I had discovered on my own to improve my skills. I was comfortable with all I had learned. I felt confident that I would be able to get my foot in the door of a job once I had learned enough. The bootcamp had given me a solid foundation and knowledge-base about each stack.
How did your job hunt go? How did you land a job at your current job?
It was hard work, and I had already sent out hundreds of applications. I used to set aside an hour each night to apply for any job that I felt I would be a good match for. About a month after I graduated, I was hired by Blue Cross Blue Shield as an Associate Developer.
What advice would you give to others interested in Data Science bootcamps, or just starting one?
Although this is not the right answer for everyone, learning software development/coding requires a lot more time, effort, problem solving (often your own) and frustration. It’s a wonderful feeling to finally solve a problem or create an application from scratch. This is not something you can pick up quickly. You have to put in the effort.
What are your future goals/dreams, in five or ten years?
I would like to become a Microservices Developer.–The Coding Dojo bootcamp is a program that will transform your life and teach you how to code. We offer online coding classes that are part-time or full-time, as well programs that teach you Data Science, Cybersecurity, UI/UX Design, and Data Science. We also offer financing options.