Thinking About a Coding Bootcamp? Here’s What Our Grads Want You to Know
At Tech Elevator, we’ve helped thousands of people launch new tech careers through our coding bootcamps. In this post, read through advice from graduates now working in software development.
Get tips on building confidence, embracing the challenges (and rewards) that come with a career change, and working through inevitable learning curves. Whether you’re feeling nervous, excited, or unsure if this path is right for you, their words offer useful encouragement and perspective.
Tech Elevator Alumni Advice
Carl Kishman, Jr. Software Engineer at Veterans Solutions Consulting
“If it’s something you’re passionate about, I’d say do it. It’s a great experience. It’s a very challenging one, but if you don’t take the chance, how will you ever know it’s really for you? The challenge was there, and the friendships were there, and I think you can make it work if you have the passion. Tech Elevator was the perfect fit for me. It was a great experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get a job in the tech field.”
Jack Telford, Full Stack Developer at RDI Corporation
If you’re thinking about a coding bootcamp, my first piece of advice is to make sure you actually enjoy problem-solving. Take a short, free, or low-cost coding course online. See if you like debugging, troubleshooting, and working through challenges.
Second, ask yourself if you’re truly ready to commit to learning in a way you may not have in years. As adults, we get used to doing what we know, and many of us haven’t had to learn something completely new in a long time. A coding bootcamp forces you to relearn how to learn. The first two weeks, in particular, are the hardest because you’re trying to adjust to an entirely different way of thinking.
Third, you need to be all in. If you’re not willing to dedicate yourself fully to the schedule and time needed to study, you’re probably wasting your time and money.
For those considering different bootcamps, I can confidently say Tech Elevator stands out. The level of support is unmatched. Even after graduating, I’m still connected with instructors who run demos that I love participating in. The community doesn’t end when the bootcamp does. They continue to help, guide, and connect you with opportunities throughout your career. A lot of bootcamps don’t offer soft skills training, interview prep, or career support after you graduate. Tech Elevator does. They bring in companies for interviews, teach you how to handle technical questions, and provide career guidance well beyond your final project.
If you’re going to do this, go all in. Be ready to work harder than you ever have, push through frustration, and embrace the challenge. If you do, the reward is absolutely worth it.
Samantha VanderburghJr. Java Developer at Arcticom LLC
“I had a lot less experience with software development than David [fellow Tech Elevator grad], so it was a little bit harder for me to get through the bootcamp, I think. But I did it with a lot of encouragement from my brothers and my parents.
So I think my big piece of advice is, if you like software development, then it can be a great career for you, even though it can be difficult at times. If you enjoy it, ultimately, it will get easier.”
Drew Riedel-Brown, Sr. Associate Software Developer/Engineer at CoverMyMeds
I’d say to simply trust the process.
It’s incredibly easy to think “What have I done?”, especially when you’re learning something new and challenging, but honestly, you’re smarter than you think! If you’ve come this far, you can finish the program with some hard work, resilience, and collaborative learning with your peers.
Beyond that, I would also put in the work early and often. We typically get a week to turn around a homework assignment, but it’s much easier to learn and absorb the material when you’ve done the reading, the practice work, and attempted your assignment before your classes, rather than doing them the night they are due. (I learned this the hard way.)
Also, never pass up a learning opportunity! Even if you are given something optional (like katas, or the mid-term assignment)…do it. Don’t skip! Any chance to apply/synthesize your new knowledge or skills is magical for your learning process.
Lastly, whether it’s during the Tech Elevator program, at work, with a Tech Elevator grad, or an industry contact, find a mentor in this space (or several). It’s SO much easier to keep putting one foot in front of the other when you can ask someone who’s been there about how they got through it. I had several peers from my company who’d been through this process (or something similar), and their solidarity, commiseration, and guidance provided me with both sanity and direction when I felt really lost or disoriented.
Daniele MarsicoIT Support Specialist at the Texas Racing Commission
Just be committed, follow the great instructors, and most importantly prepare to work on job searching as soon as possible!
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
- Connect with people in the industry. Attend industry events, meetups, and conferences. Get involved in open-source projects.
- Study more. Take online courses, read books, and watch tutorials. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for interviews.
- Build a project that you can talk about during interviews. This is a great way to show your passion for software engineering and your ability to work independently.
- Enjoy the program! You’ll meet many wonderful people with the same goals and it’s always nice to make new friends and support each other along the journey.
Ready to take their advice and get started?
Learn about our full-time and part-time coding bootcamps, and start your application today!