When you’re thinking about which bootcamp to choose, it really helps to remind yourself why you’ve chosen to upskill in the first place. Is it to build your own startup? Is it to broaden your knowledge base? Or specifically - as for thousands of people choosing to learn software development at the moment - is it to get a job as a software developer?
“Actually getting paid” is the number one motivation for almost all the developers trained by Makers Academy, which is one of the reasons we have a dedicated Careers team to support them. Bootcamps in general offer a fast alternative to university learning that is perfect for people switching careers. Chances are if you’re investing your last pennies in course fees, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your money back quickly.
After an intensive 3 months on the course, it can be quite scary being kicked out into the big wide world of employment. However rigorous the course is, 12 weeks still isn’t that long to have been coding, which is why support from your bootcamp provider into employment can be such a huge help.
The recruitment process
What does the interview process look like for a getting a job as a software engineer? The truth is it can vary wildly from one organisation to the next, from a casual chat over a coffee to a gruelling 6 stage “Hunger Games” type approach. Some companies will insist on impossible Tech Tests, some will demand a minimum experience of 2+ years for no apparent reason.
Having advice on how to navigate this often nebulous process can be a huge boost to your confidence and most importantly, help you decide if you think the environment is the right one for you to thrive. At Makers Academy we spend 3 months getting to know you, so we’ll have a much better idea of your strengths and weaknesses to inform suggested placements.
Learning and development
Facilitating a solid next step for each of the developers we train is hugely important to us - we want you to continue learning and developing at the same rate, wherever you go. The 300+ companies in our hiring partner network have all hired Makers before and will be familiar with how to onboard you.
In pursuit of organisations that share our values of software engineering, we spend a lot of time coaching our continually expanding network too. We’ll only place you at companies we think have a great engineering culture and an environment in which you can grow.
Overcoming “bootcamp” bias
Though it’s outdated, lots of companies continue to look to universities first for hiring junior developers. Even though most computer science degrees constitute pretty poor preparation for the working world, the university campus remains a go-to talent source for plenty of employers. Over time, recruitment processes becomes optimised for people with this specific type of experience, accidentally excluding people from a broader range of backgrounds.
Make sure you pick a bootcamp that can empower you to hold your own, and not be put off by bias or competition. Confidence is a crucial part of securing that first job, and and it’s good to know that someone’s got your back if and when you fall short of arbitrary requirements.
We asked a handful of our top hiring partners what they look for in a bootcamp graduate. This is what they said:
“Professionalism, a great work ethic and a strong desire to learn and improve.”
Dan Bass, Compare the Market
“We were looking for people with the correct behaviours that would grow with the business. Every Maker we've hired has the right attitude, and it has made a really positive impact.”
Martin Aspeli, Deloitte Digital
“We look for technical skills, ambition, intellect and fit.”
Gary Mudie, Babylon Health
“Their ability to organise, cooperate and just get things done is something you don’t see in most seniors, let alone juniors.”
Mark McGlinchey, FNZ
“Your curriculum is PERFECT - you teach them everything we look for.”
Jade Daubney, Thoughtworks
Most of our hiring partners are amazed by the quality of candidates we produce; that’s why they keep coming back for more. If getting a job you love is the most important first step in your career as a software developer, then check out Makers Academy today.
