Panel Discussion: Tech Elevator Grad on Making a Career Change via Part-Time Bootcamp

Training for a new career while working full-time or balancing other demanding responsibilities can be challenging. But it’s very possible, especially with programs like part-time coding bootcamps.

Course Report recently hosted a live panel discussion on how to make a career change by attending a part-time bootcamp. It featured graduates of four different bootcamps, including Allegra Rapoport, a Tech Elevator graduate and Jr. Full-Stack Engineer for the Detroit Tigers.

The panelists discussed the effectiveness of a part-time learning schedule, the importance of support in the bootcamp, and more. Below, we include a few key takeaways from the conversation, and we encourage you to watch the recorded panel discussion on the Course Report site here to hear from all of the featured software engineers.

The Value of Schedule Flexibility

Part-time bootcamps are designed to accommodate the needs of people balancing work, family, or other commitments. The panel emphasized that this type of schedule allowed them to train for a new career without sacrificing other responsibilities.

“My main priorities [when looking for a bootcamp] were part-time and online. Tech Elevator offers both, so it gave me the flexibility to work when I needed to,” said Allegra. “I was working full-time from 9 am-5 pm, and we had classes twice a week…one lecture and one pair programming class each week.”

[See our part-time coding bootcamp schedule here.]

A well-balanced workload like this challenges students without leading to burnout. It helps maintain momentum while giving students room to reflect and practice independently. This worked for Allegra, who had attempted to learn how to code on her own, but realized she needed the structure of a bootcamp.

“Before I enrolled in Tech Elevator, I tried to do it on my own but the structure and assignments that Tech Elevator provided were really what helped me accomplish all the things I’ve accomplished today,” she said. “If you are motivated and want to learn it, you can totally do it yourself, but a coding bootcamp provides a fantastic education, as well as career services and alumni connections and resources.”

The Importance of Support in a Part-Time Bootcamp

Bootcamps are designed with support in mind, including an emphasis on building relationships with fellow students, staff, program alumni, and career services professionals. At Tech Elevator, you get access to robust career services through our Pathway Program, which includes 1:1 coaching, employer introductions, and more.

“After graduation, I got a personalized career counselor that was specific to my location and desired roles,” said Allegra. “I was encouraged to LinkedIn-message other Tech Elevator alumni. I chatted with many [of them] and they all had really helpful advice for getting through interviews…Ultimately, I landed my job at the Detroit Tigers by networking. Networking is the best possible thing you can do, even though it can be exhausting.”

A Well-Rounded Learning Experience 

As expressed by all four panelists, part-time coding bootcamps provide well-rounded learning experiences that allow students to balance responsibilities with new material and career training. Watch the full panel discussion for additional insights, to find out where all the panelists are working now, and to learn more about their job-searching experiences.

If you’re ready to start learning, apply to our part-time coding bootcamp today!