Pre-Dojo:
As an Assistant Director of Operations in higher education,
You are looking for a safe, secure space to learn and grow?
Afraid, but also excited to take on a new challenge.
After Dojo:
As a Customer Support Engineer
You dream of a leadership or Diversity Equity & Inclusion position in a tech company that will empower and diversify the community.
Program: Full-Time Online Three-Stack Software Development Bootcamp
Testimonial:
The Career Services workshops that you attend during project weeks are devoted to your resume, LinkedIn, or interviews. You should be fully engaged in the workshops and complete the work. After you have graduated, you can go out and find a job that offers all the tools you need. You can also work on improving your projects.
Please tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing professionally before the bootcamp?
I enjoy being outdoors, running long distances, exploring national parks, and going to sporting events. I also love being an advocate for marginalized communities. Before Coding Dojo, my previous job was in the operations department of the Higher Education sector.
Why did you choose to enroll in the bootcamp, other than the desire to learn how to code?
I wanted to grow my skills and work ethic and I wanted to find a safe space that allowed me to learn and grow. It’s all about web development and coding. Because everyone touches code every day, my reach and impact can be so significant.
What were your fears and doubts that prevented you from enrolling? How did you overcome them?
The risk of diving in all. Uncertain of how I would come out the other side with a job, or nothing. It was my family and friends, from all the different fields I have worked in. I was able to trust everyone and they believed in me.
What was the secret to Coding Dojo’s success? Why did you choose Coding Dojo over other programs?
Accessibility and dedication to veterans. Although I’m not a veteran, Coding Dojo is the only school that helps vets. Coding Dojo was more inclusive than other boot camps because I have many family members and friends who served.
How was it to get ready for bootcamp? Were you nervous, excited, etc.? How did you prepare?
I was just excited. To take a chance on something new. There were moments when you wondered “What am I doing?” Are I going to be OK?” But I just kept learning and applying it as much as I could.
Take us through the first few weeks of the program. Which parts were your favorites? What parts did you struggle with?
I enjoyed the lectures with our instructors. I was always asking questions. Sometimes I struggled with concepts. But we got there. Those issues can be quickly addressed if you are proactive in your TA’s and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What were your strategies for overcoming the difficulties you faced?
Support. Problems would be addressed quickly and efficiently. I wouldn’t spend more than a few hours working on a problem. I would ask the right questions immediately.
Do you have any funny stories to share about bootcamp? Make friends! Do you have fond memories?
Connect with others. Teach others concepts that you understand. Ask all questions in lectures. Chat! Just keep connecting always.
How did you feel about your job prospects and skills as you neared graduation?
Although I was nervous, the Career Services workshops that you have during project week are dedicated to your resume, LinkedIn and interviews. You should be fully engaged in the workshops and complete the work. After you have graduated, you can go out and find a job that offers all the tools you need. You can also work on improving your projects.
How did your job hunt go? How did you land a job at your current job?
Although it took me a while to get interviews, applying for jobs is now so simple on all job platforms. I could apply for many jobs from my phone in minutes. After I had submitted a solid week’s worth of applications, I started to see recruiters reaching out and the interviews began to come in. To receive 2 offers in a week, it took me 2 months of job hunting. Keep applying despite all the rejections.
Did the bootcamp provide you with anything other than coding skills?
I was able to prepare for the field by attending Career Services workshops. They brought everything together.
What advice would you give to others interested in coding bootcamps, or just starting one?
Do what you love! It will be easy for you to explain what you did to recruiters. They will also see your passion for the subject you love! This was my why, and I believe that was the most difficult part of the interview.
What are your future goals and dreams, in five or ten years?
Hopefully, in some lead