Codesmith

I attended Codesmith July-September 2019 after attending their free Tuesday and Thursday night workshops for about six months (which I highly recommend, they offer them virtually now) and taking their 2 week Codesmith Prep course. I had no other tech... Read More experience aside from self-teaching with FreeCodeCamp.

The application process was pretty thorough, and included a phone screen, a culture fit interview, and a technical screen. I was not accepted on my first attempt, which I was actually really happy to hear - they won't just sign you up and take your money, you have to have the basics of JavaScript down before they'll allow you to join a cohort.

- The Experience Itself
I attended pre-Covid, in-person, in Los Angeles. Our schedule was Monday through Saturday, 9am until late in the evening. I think officially we were done around 8pm but there were a few nights were I stayed past midnight to work on projects.

The curriculum was really thorough, and really quick. Other students referred to it as trying to drink from a firehose. For the first 6 weeks, new subjects were taught in two-day blocks. There was an introduction to a new technology and practice project utilizing it on Day 1, and a sort of quiz project on Day 2 with a debrief. Students weren't "graded" on the quiz project, but if they were unable to complete it satisfactorily, a Fellow (teaching assistant) would schedule one-on-one time with you to go over the subject matter again.

Other projects included a Chrome Extension Hackathon and an Iteration Project, where students would build a project and then everyone would trade to get used to working in an existing codebase.

The first 6 weeks ended with a big test day, broken up into two parts: an algorithm section, and a fullstack application coding challenge. Students were required to pass the test to go on to the next 6 weeks, and you could only take it twice.

The last 6 weeks of program were dedicated to a Senior Production Project. You had to pitch an idea for a new developer tool or a refactor of an existing tool to the teaching staff and got the next 6 weeks to work on it. This was ostensibly to give you something cool to show off in interviews that wasn't a simple to-do list app. In fact, some of these projects have gone on to be awarded thousands of stars on GitHub and are still used today.

After my residency was done, I was asked to stay on as a teaching fellow for another two cohorts, and finished my fellowship in January 2020.

- After the Program
I think were Codesmith shines is it's alumni support programs. Codesmith offers continuing support for graduates of any cohort, and this could be anything from resume review to mock interviews and networking. I utilized the mock interviews to prepare myself for the real thing many times.

I think my job hunt was about 2 months. I left Codesmith January 4th and accepted an offer in late February. For full disclosure, I accepted a compensation offer that was below that of my peers who had already been working, but I was more eager to jump into my first job and start gaining equity and experience.

I am still working at that company, and have since been promoted once and my compensation has increased by 50% of my starting comp.

- Final Thoughts
If you're looking into a boot camp to get you started in Tech, Codesmith is my recommendation, if only for their alumni support alone.
I have friends who have done other boot camps that don't offer any support after the program, and they seem to be struggling more to find their first paid role.
I definitely recommend trying out their free workshops on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which offer easy and more difficult JavaScript lessons. It's also a great opportunity to ask a teaching fellow about their Codesmith experience and the program itself.
I also made some really close friends in the program. We still have a group chat going to this day, four years later. One of them even attended my wedding.

I was at a pivotal point in my career - having been laid off due to the pandemic, I took a gamble on Codesmith and it paid off! I was transitioning from the design industry and had no previous programming experience. I learned JS from the ground up, and... Read More I found in Codesmith a generous community that pushed me and wanted everyone to succeed. I studied hard to gain acceptance into the program and by the time I graduated, I had become a software engineer that is competitive in the market. I made a number of valuable connections during my time in Codesmith, and now we are supporting each other in our careers in tech. Codesmith was a challenging but rewarding experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Switching careers can indeed be daunting, especially when faced with numerous uncertainties. Questions like whether investing in tuition will pay off or if someone without a tech background can succeed as a software engineer were definitely in my mind.... Read More

After leaving the military, I took the leap and joined Codesmith's full-time immersive program in 2019, embarking on a journey to become a software engineer. The experience was challenging; It often felt like I was constantly overwhelmed with information and barely retained it before moving on to a different topic. Yet, the structure at Codesmith, while intense, proved invaluable. Rather than passively absorbing tutorials, I was immersed in hands-on learning, constantly diving into code and problem-solving. This approach honed my ability to "figure it out," a skill that has become indispensable in my career.

"Figuring it out" may sound simple, but a lot of anxiety and uncertainty accompanies it. Yet, it's a cornerstone skill for any developer. For those considering Codesmith or similar programs, I encourage you to embrace this mindset. Ask yourself the tough questions: Is Codesmith the right fit for me? Can I afford it? What steps do I need to take to get there? The journey may be daunting, but the rewards of mastering this skill and embarking on a new career path are worth it. Start figuring things out!

Codesmith did a fantastic job of preparing me for my first job as a software engineer. As someone who did not have a background that was even remotely technical, it took me a couple of months to get a high paying job. Granted, this was during a very hot... Read More job market, but I was able to make an impact at my new job from day one. I attribute that to what I learned at Codesmith. I talk to new grads on a monthly basis, and I think Codesmith has done a good job of adjusting their guidance and instruction to students entering the job market right now.

I did the Part-time remote immersive program and graduated in March 2023. Overall, I am highly satisfied with my experience at Codesmith. The instructors are excellent, the content is challenging (you will learn the most relevant skills for the job search)... Read More and the community is fantastic.

Codesmith puts a lot of time and effort into its students; you will have biweekly assessments to gauge your skill level and determine if your technical skills are keeping up with the curriculum. If you do fall behind, they will give you 1-1 private sessions to fill your gaps in technical understanding. The interview and resume support is also fantastic, and this support extends beyond graduation.

That being said, Codesmith is just like any other educational program in that you get out of it what you put in. They don’t hand hold you or just give you answers - that doesn’t make you a better engineer. They teach you ways to problem solve. Expect to be challenged, work hard and you will see results.

I attended Codesmith in November 2022, graduated in February 2023, and accept a job offer 2 months later. Codesmith is not an experience for a person who is not willing to grind. As thorough as the program can be within 4 months, there is a certain level... Read More of ownership you must take over your own studies in order to succeed, both during and after the program. You have to set your expectations from the beginning. The program does a good job at giving you a great overview of both frontend and backend technology, but the studying doesn't stop when the program does. Codesmith does a great job at creating a strong foundation in both technical skills, but also soft skills as well that will set you apart from others. Personally, this program absolutely changed my life. It opened doors for me that I didn't think would ever be possible, but i would be lying to you if I said this wasn't the tough. If I had to do it all again, I would still choose Codesmith as a bootcamp; just be willing to put in the work.

I attended Codesmith in 2022 after growing disillusioned with the Biotech industry - I loved my company but the work was monotonous and not fulfilling. I'd had previous experience programming in college and had taught myself web development as a hobby.... Read More In Codesmith, I didn't just "level up" my development skills, I learned to analyze and write code in a completely different way. My time at Codesmith prepared me for a position maintaining and upgrade the website of a mid-sized start up on a team of two. Within three months, I was able to use Codesmith's Express.js training to refactor their Node server and decrease response times by 50%. Within the first year, I was able to refactor the frontend to decrease load times from 2-3 seconds to 200-300 milliseconds. Codesmith isn't just a bootcamp, it's a crucible for career achievement and a support system during the hardest moments of your career change.

As a former professional in hospitality management and marketing, my decision to enroll in Codesmith proved to be a pivotal turning point in my career journey. Codesmith transcends typical coding bootcamps, offering a transformative experience that caters... Read More to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including myself.

Transitioning from hospitality to the tech industry seemed like a daunting challenge, but Codesmith provided me with the necessary tools and support to succeed. The comprehensive curriculum, led by knowledgeable instructors, not only reinforced my existing skills but also introduced me to a wide array of cutting-edge technologies. The program's emphasis on collaboration over competition fostered a supportive community where I felt encouraged to grow and learn alongside like-minded individuals.

Despite the fast-paced nature of the program, I found the rigorous coursework and hands-on projects to be immensely rewarding. The 'under-the-hood' focus of the material allowed me to gain a deep understanding of engineering principles while honing my teamwork and problem-solving skills. Thanks to the invaluable guidance and resources provided by the Codesmith team, I was able to secure a fulfilling position shortly after graduation, leveraging the solid foundation and practical knowledge acquired during the program.

For anyone considering a career transition or seeking to enhance their technical skills, I wholeheartedly recommend Codesmith. It's not just a coding school; it's a supportive community that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. My experience at Codesmith has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am grateful for the doors it has opened in my professional journey.

Transitioning from a non-technical background to software engineering was a daunting decision for me. The fear of regretting such a significant career change, coupled with the financial investment and uncertainties surrounding immersive programs, made... Read More me hesitant. However, in 2020, I took the leap and enrolled in the full-time remote Codesmith immersive, a decision I now cherish as one of the best I've made.

My journey with Codesmith began with their free JSX course, which not only provided me with a solid foundation in JavaScript but also introduced me to their supportive community on Slack. Their free online Hard Parts workshops further cemented my decision to join their full-time program, showcasing the community's commitment to building confidence and providing empathetic support to engineers.

Enrolling in their CS Prep course was the next step for me, serving not only as preparation for the immersive program's interview but also as a personal gauge of my commitment to the full-time program. The CS Prep course was fantastic, once again immersing me in their supportive community and affirming my decision to pursue software engineering with Codesmith.

Ultimately, I committed to their full-time online immersive. Though intense, the curriculum was exceptional, covering TypeScript/JavaScript to React and Redux, and Node and Express. While challenging, the hands-on projects and insightful educational lectures equipped me with the skills crucial for my first role.

What truly sets Codesmith apart is its community. Throughout the program, I felt supported, encouraged, and challenged, especially during moments of imposter syndrome. The post-program support, including resume assistance, mock interviews, and career guidance, further underscores their commitment to their students' success.

Four months after graduating, I secured a software engineering role with almost double my previous salary. Codesmith equipped me with the foundational knowledge I needed. While there were still gaps in my knowledge (which is expected in any new SWE role for any engineer at any level at any point in their career), Codesmith instilled in me the mindset of continuous learning and problem-solving, which has been invaluable in my career.

Now, several years outside of the program, I continue to excel in my career as a Software Engineer and utilize Codesmith’s alumni resources. It's a community I know will accompany me for a long time.

Overall, while Codesmith offers the technical foundation for a software engineering role, achieving success demands dedication and effort. It's essential to recognize that success isn't guaranteed; Codesmith provides the tools and guidance, but it's up to you to put in the work. This entails committing to deepening your skills, practicing rigorously, and actively networking. If you're prepared to roll up your sleeves and fully commit, Codesmith will undoubtedly pave the way for your success. However, if you're expecting a passive experience and hoping to coast through the program effortlessly to land a job, I would advise against taking the leap.

If I were to offer one suggestion for improvement for Codesmith, it would be to provide more support on System Design interview preparation. While some time is allocated during the immersive, additional dedicated time in this area would be beneficial. Nonetheless, I was able to supplement my technical knowledge independently to excel in my interviews.

I'm genuinely grateful for my decision to join the Codesmith immersive. The strong community, comprehensive curriculum, and post-program support make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to transition into software engineering.

I initially started looking into a career change after not being happy with my previous career trajectory and consulting with a friend that was in the industry. After doing some initial research into another program, I noticed that Codesmith had superior... Read More analytics in regards to job placement and salary. It's very important to do your due diligence because you are spending big money so you want to make sure that those funds aren't being wasted. Once I knew that CodeSmith would be my target, I started using their free JS learning resources (at the time called edx) and attending their free workshops. This gave me an introduction to some of the lead instructors, some of the teaching fellows and the format of the lectures. I also decided to enroll in both of the prep courses (since the cost was subsidized from the Immersive Tuition) and from there started to prepare for the interviews to get into the immersive itself. I ended the CS Prep course in mid-july and pretty much studied from then till I got accepted into the course in October of that year. There were two formal interviews, the first was a character interview where you spoke with someone over the phone to confirm your cultural fit, after you pass that you then need to pass a technical interview, which was done over zoom and was pretty much a coding interview. (One thing here is that this felt very similar to the actual job interview process). It took me three tries to pass the technical interview but when I did I had a call with the lead instructor who told me I had passed. Once I reserved my place in the cohort (maybe 2 weeks before it started) I was given some pre-course work which was setting up my environment with ide, connecting to github and working on pre-course work to prepare me for some of the upcoming work. (again the whole prep process was very similar to what it would be in a professional environment). At this point the course started, i believe there were 4 weeks of lectures/smaller partner projects, 4 weeks of group projects, 4 weeks of capstone project and 2 weeks of job searching preparation. I'd say my biggest takeaways from the learning/project side, is that Codesmith didn't necessarily pump all the information into me to make me a capable senior reaCT engineer, instead they more gave me a taste of technologies, and during the project phase, it was up to us to know how to research/read documentation to make things work (again very realistic to a professional setting). Drilling into us how to research and problem solve was one of the biggest benefits to the program. I've heard in other programs, people are just coding along and copying the instructor but with Codesmith we were literally building things from the ground up and figuring out how to do that. When I got my first job I quickly realized that the process of building and problem solving felt very similar to the project phases at Codesmith. And if you need extra help or are falling behind, the staff is there to help and assist. During the lecture phases there were weekly assessments and if you struggled during those, you would get 1 on 1 sessions with staff. I think I had a 1 on 1 session for every assessment I took. The last 2 weeks of the program were also invaluable. During this portion Codesmith helped us build our Resumes and Social media presence as well as going through interview prep with each other and also Alumni. It was very similar to what I experienced during the job hunt. and the Career assistance is for life! In conclusion, I would like to say that the journey through Codesmith and the job hunt were not painfree. I think I was interviewing and studying for a good 6 months before landing a job and even though there were some embarrassing interviews, I learned from each one and continued to learn and prepare for the next one. It's very Cliche but you get from Codesmith what you put in. The harder you work there the easier the transition will be into the workforce. I stayed at my first job for 1.5 years and recently got referred and hired to another company. I wouldn't say my life is stress free nor would i say software is easy, but I am in a much better place then before thanks to Codesmith.