Disclaimer: Coding Dojo cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The experience of this alumnus/alumna may not be representative of all students.
Pre-Dojo:
- Worked as a part-time orchestra teacher at a public middle school, business owner and private teacher of her own private studio, and as a gig musician
- Felt overworked, underpaid, under-appreciated, and trapped with no upward mobility
- Was exhausted, and often ran into challenges making ends meet no matter how hard she worked
After Dojo:
- Works as a web developer and is learning what the tech world is like and what it has to offer
- Has newfound problem solving skills and made great connections with classmates
- Plans to expand her skill set by learning more React and some Node.js in the future
Program: Online Part-Time Accelerated Software Development
Graduation Date: September 2022
Testimonial:
“I left bootcamp with a newfound appreciation for “sitting in the struggle.” Sure I’d had to do that before, it’s a part of any learning process. But probably 90% of coding is struggling and finding a way through it. It was so frustrating at first! But now that I’m a web developer, I’ve embraced it more because I’m realizing that no matter how senior you are, it’s just part of the job.”
Tell us a little about yourself! Age, hobbies, passions, where you grew up, where you live now, and any other fun facts!
I am a 32 year-old competitive US equestrian living in rural southeastern PA. When I’m not training and competing with my horse, Duet, I am spending time with my husband, reading, or practicing mounted (horseback) archery.
What were you doing professionally before bootcamp?
Previously, I was a music teacher and professional musician. I was essentially working three jobs: part-time orchestra teacher at a public middle school, business owner and private teacher of my own private studio, and gigging musician. It was exhausting, and often a challenge to make ends meet no matter how hard I worked!
Tell us why you enrolled in Coding Dojo? Were you unhappy with your current role? Yearning for a change in career path?
The system of education, in particular, broke me. I needed out. I felt overworked, underpaid, under-appreciated, and trapped with no upward mobility. Even though I was in a great school district with wonderful kids, it was too much. I even lost my love for music. I needed a job that I enjoyed, but wasn’t my passion.
Why did you choose Coding Dojo over other bootcamps?
As an educator myself, it was important to me that Coding Dojo followed up-to-date educational science in the writing of their curriculum. I also found career services to be absolutely invaluable.
What were your thoughts going into bootcamp? Were you nervous? Excited? All of the above?
I was determined. I’ve tackled grad school so I’m used to academic rigor. I was ready to work hard and make the most of my experience.
Did you face any obstacles in bootcamp? If so, how did you overcome them?
During exam week for my Python stack, I wound up needing surgery! Leading up to that point I had been living almost every day in excruciating pain for two months. I spent most days on the couch with my computer on my lap tray, pushing through the course material. When I found out I needed surgery and it would be during exam week, I talked to my instructor. He was incredibly understanding! He told me all of my options and promised to be there for me, and he stuck to his word. I wound up passing the exam with high marks, and went into my surgery with that weight off my shoulders.
What was it like during your first few weeks in bootcamp? What did you enjoy? What did you struggle with?
My first few weeks of bootcamp were very easy for me! I enjoyed the small assignments that helped prepare you for the larger ones, and really enjoyed learning frontend development.
What advice would you share with others considering bootcamp? What about those currently in bootcamp?
Part-time does NOT mean part-time, especially if you are a first-time coder like I was! You are going to spend at least 40 hours a week on this, so manage your time wisely! Find a note taking process that works for you (I liked OneNote because I could put screenshots of code in my notes), gather a study group and make a Discord group chat (I messaged and put together a group of women from my class), practice coding with other people, and get help from the TAs!
Do you have any fun memories to share about your time in bootcamp?
I really enjoyed the connections I made with classmates. It was a great place to connect with people going through similar struggles and pivots. I’m still in touch with many of them!
What was your favorite stack, project, or module to learn? Why?
I don’t have a favorite because there were definite pros and cons to each stack and module. Though I will say that Projects and Algorithms helped me realize my love for frontend development.
As graduation approached, how confident were you in your new skill set?
I was pretty confident in what I had learned, but knew there was still SO MUCH MORE to learn before I’d truly be ready. I wound up taking another self-led course while I looked for jobs. This helped me continue to learn, grow, and build projects.
Aside from credentials, what else did you leave bootcamp with? (soft skills, motivation, confidence, etc.)
I left bootcamp with a newfound appreciation for “sitting in the struggle.” Sure I’d had to do that before, it’s a part of any learning process. But probably 90% of coding is struggling and finding a way through it. It was so frustrating at first! But now that I’m a web developer, I’ve embraced it more because I’m realizing that no matter how senior you are, it’s just part of the job.
How did the job hunt go? Where did you end up working?
I now work for Altus Technology Solutions as a web developer. I looked for jobs for about six months before landing this role. I didn’t push myself too hard on the job hunt. I knew if I was putting out hundreds of applications a week, all those rejections would add up and I’d feel terrible. Rather, I applied to as many jobs as I felt like, whenever I felt like. Some days that was ten applications, other days it was none. I chose to spend the majority of my energy on building projects and networking so I would get noticed.
What did it feel like to receive your first job offer? Or to get that first paycheck in tech?
It was amazing! I’d been unemployed for a year by the time I started my new job. This paycheck has been life-changing.
What are your goals and dreams for the future? Career or otherwise.
Right now I’m just immersing myself in my new role. I’m still learning what the tech world is like and what it has to offer, so I’m not pushing myself towards anything ambitious just yet. But I do have the goal of learning more React and some Node.js in the future!
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If you are interested in pursuing a new career path, Coding Dojo bootcamp offers accelerated learning programs designed to help you learn the skills you want. We offer both part-time and full-time online coding programs, as well as programs training you on Data Science and Cybersecurity. We also offer financing options, scholarships, and other tuition assistance programs for those who qualify.
If you want to invest in yourself, there is no time like the present! If you’re interested, use this link to schedule a 15-minute exploratory session with one of our Admissions Advisors today.
REQ1942461 6/2023