Pre-Dojo:
As a driver of a delivery truck
He wanted more from life and believed he had untapped potential
After Dojo:
Amazon Software Developer Apprentice
He has a strong professional network that he used to land his current position
He dreams of opening his own bootcamp in future
Program: Three Full Stack Bootcamp in Bellevue (WA).
Testimonial:
The support I received for all my interview preparation was incredible. Chinni, my Career Services Manager, was very patient with me and helped me to pass my interview. I was not only an ace, but they also said that I was one the most prepared candidates that day.
Please tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing professionally before you started bootcamp?
I am a big football fan. I enjoy running, hiking, and Rick and Morty. Before Coding Dojo, my job was as a truck driver.
Why did you choose to enroll in a bootcamp for coding?
I wanted more in my life. I felt that I had more potential than the life I was living now.
What were your fears and doubts that prevented you from enrolling? How did you overcome them?
I was willing to take a big risk and quit my job. I was earning a decent living, but then I had to be prepared to make zero. That was what kept me from moving forward, but then I realized that I had to quit. I started learning Javascript. I was so excited to find a bootcamp.
What was the secret to Coding Dojo’s success? Why did you choose Coding Dojo over other programs?
Coding Dojo was the only provider of classes through Christmas, to be honest. The Career Services and, more importantly, Chinni were the only things that stood out. I was able to get amazing support for my interview preparation. She did a lot of practice with us and I was able ace my interview. I was not only an ace, but also one of the most prepared candidates that day.
How was it to get ready for bootcamp? Were you nervous, excited, etc.? How did you prepare?
I had been to another boot camp before I came to the Dojo so I didn’t have the nerves to learn the curriculum. However, I was nervous about meeting people, which is the most important part the bootcamp. This is where you build your network. It all starts there. A reference from a bootcamp was one of the reasons I got this amazing job.
Talk us through the first few weeks of the program. Which parts were your favorites? What parts were difficult?
I enjoyed the lectures of my instructors, especially Sadie’s. She explained Django in the most simple way possible. I was able to understand the framework in a very deep way. C# was difficult to understand at first.
What were your strategies for overcoming the difficulties you faced?
Accept failure and learn from it. There is no perfect person in the world. People who fail and fail often are the ones who succeed. Failure is an opportunity to learn, and an opportunity for improvement. Learn to love failure when it comes to programming and to love bugs. Don’t lose heart and don’t be afraid to try new approaches.
How did you feel about your job prospects and skills as you neared graduation?
Because of my mindset, I felt like I could conquer everything.
How did your job hunt go? How did you land a job at your current job?
It was a great experience and I was offered a job as a Software Developer at Amazon within a few months of graduating.
Did the bootcamp provide you with anything other than coding skills?
You will be able to manage deadlines like no one else.
What advice would you give to others interested in coding bootcamps, or just starting one?
Why wait? There’s a vast tech industry that is looking for diverse brains. I used to believe that I couldn’t do this because I was a truck driver. Boy was I wrong. It would be amazing to see where the people who make up this tech world come from.
What are your future goals and dreams, in five or ten years?
One day, I dream of starting my own coding bootcamp! Coding Dojo bootcamp is a program that will transform your life and teach you how to code. We offer online and onsite courses as well as part-time and complete-time online courses. We offer scholarships, financing options, and other tuition assistance programs to help with financial barriers. There is no better time to invest in your future and yourself than now! Click this link to schedule a 15 minute exploratory session with one our Admissions representatives.