Finding a Job After a Coding Bootcamp: Here’s What Tech Elevator Grads Do
Graduating from a coding bootcamp is an exhilarating achievement, but the journey doesn’t end there. The transition from bootcamp to the job market can be overwhelming and challenging if you don’t have the right tools.
At Tech Elevator, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive support to our graduates during their job-seeking process.
In this article, we will delve into the experiences of two of our accomplished alumni, Julian Jaszczak and Robert Chumsae, and explore the exceptional support they received through our Pathway Program™ and the post-grad initiatives that facilitated their successful job searches.
Julian Jaszczak: Empowered by Alumni Connections
Julian Jaszczak embarked on an inspiring journey from being a Collaborative Pianist to becoming a Junior Software Developer at JPMorgan Chase & Co., following his graduation from Tech Elevator’s Cincinnati campus in 2022. It was through the Tech Elevator alumni job-board slack channel that Julian discovered the JPMorgan ETSE program, while his Pathway Director facilitated connections with two alums already thriving at JPMorgan. Equipped with personalized career coaching, a refined personal brand, and valuable introductions to employers, Julian is now successfully making his mark in the tech industry.
In addition to the vital role that our Pathway Program™ played in him entering the job market confident and prepared, Julian also emphasized the importance of continuously improving his skills through certifications and joining relevant professional groups (both virtual and local).
“Embrace a marathon mindset rather than a sprint.”
After building a solid foundation at Tech Elevator, he continued to structure his weekdays to ensure he spent consistent time in the mornings for his job search and the afternoons for continuing education. His dedication to learning more also prepared him to answer the common interview question, “So, what kind of projects have you been working on since you graduated?”
Julian has continued to stay connected with his Pathway™ Career Coach and actively participates in Tech Elevator’s alumni network, where he learns from fellow Software Developers. By staying engaged with the community, Julian remains up to date with the latest industry trends and opportunities. His journey exemplifies the long-lasting impact of Tech Elevator’s career strategy meetings and ongoing support in empowering individuals to put their best foot forward.
Robert Chumsae: Non-Traditional Paths to Landing a Job
Robert transferred his skills as a former Welder and Blacksmith to attend Tech Elevator and successfully land a Software Developer position at Amynta Group just two months after graduating! Despite facing challenges with passing the initial interview and feelings of comparison with classmates, Robert persevered. He shifted his mindset, collaborated with his cohort to improve his interview skills, and overcame the obstacle of not having a college degree by leveraging Tech Elevator’s comprehensive curriculum.
Taking to heart the motto of our Pathway Program™, “Finding a job is a job in itself”, Robert approached it as a problem to solve. He found success by exploring unconventional avenues like the Cleveland government page, and continuing with the program’s guidance in building a daily schedule and maintaining active communication with employers. Although he didn’t extensively engage in post-grad events, Robert relied on the support of Tech Elevator’s Pathway coaches and graduate Slack Job board for advice and research.
“Tech Elevator helped me learn when to stop banging my head against the wall, take a step back and come back to it with a new perspective.”
Looking back, Robert would have spent more time with his skills on projects while he was job-searching. “If you have trouble finding side projects or coming up with new ideas, review what you’ve done before and make notes on what you learned, what skills you used, and why you put it away.” Even if you can’t do everything, think about why it didn’t work and communicate that with the hiring partner.
Robert’s journey demonstrates that with resilience, resourcefulness, and the support of the Tech Elevator community, you can find success in the job market and be well prepared to enter the modern workforce with in-demand technology skills.
Post-Grad Support and Resources:
At Tech Elevator, we believe that our responsibility to our graduates extends beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer a range of post-grad resources and support to enhance their job-seeking efforts:
- Career Services: Our dedicated career services team provides personalized guidance, resume reviews, and interview preparation to help graduates present themselves confidently to potential employers.
- Alumni Network: Our robust alumni network serves as a valuable resource for graduates, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry connections that open doors to new job prospects.
- Ongoing Professional Development: We understand the importance of staying up-to-date with evolving industry languages and projects. Through workshops, webinars, and access to learning resources, we ensure that our graduates have the tools to continuously enhance their skills and remain competitive in the job market.
Advice from Our Alumni:
The stories of Julian Jaszczak and Robert Chumsae highlight the effectiveness of working with your own career coach. Our Pathway Program™ curriculum gives our alumni the tools and skills they need and introduces them to our employer network. Reflecting on their job-seeking experiences, Julian and Robert shared valuable advice for current Tech Elevator students and recent graduates:
- Network actively: Reach out to fellow graduates, industry professionals, and attend networking events. Building connections can lead to referrals and valuable insights.
- Leverage the support available: Take advantage of all the resources offered by our bootcamp, like career coaching, interview preparation, and resume optimization. These services are designed to maximize your chances of success.
- Stay proactive and persistent: Job searching requires dedication and perseverance. Be proactive in seeking opportunities, tailoring your applications, and following up with potential employers.
By incorporating self-discovery, career prep and personal branding, and networking opportunities and matchmaking events, Tech Elevator empowers our graduates to embark on successful careers in the tech industry.
Are you ready to kickstart your tech career journey? Connect with us at Tech Elevator and discover how our Pathway Programs and post-grad support can elevate your job-seeking success. Take the next step and join our community of thriving tech professionals!
