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Startup Institute - CLOSED

Boston

About Startup Institute

Location: Boston

Please note: This school is closed and is no longer accepting students. The SwitchUp team no longer monitors this page for updates, but historical information is available for reference.

Courses at Startup Institute help students build the technical skills and network that will launch them into the growing tech community.

Startup's 12-week part-time "nights & weekends" courses feature a number of career-changing benefits including access... Read More

Courses

Coding with Ruby on Rails (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

The web development track will give you advanced knowledge of Rails, training on how innovative companies are using it, time to hack, and mentorship from experienced developers.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says web development job opportunities will grow 27% by 2024. For the tech industry, startups, and established companies that want to innovate, a skilled developer is vital.

Our web development track focuses on Ruby on Rails. RoR enables developers to get products to market quickly compared to other languages. For companies, this means they can have an edge; for our students, this means that their skills are in-demand and highly employable. Using Rails as a vehicle, the web development coursework encourages logic and problem-solving skills that will enable you to overcome challenges no matter what language you’re working with.

The program begins with the fundamentals of model-view-controller architecture. Lesson delivery includes a series of Rails labs and opportunities to work on real project deliverables both individually and collaboratively. Weekly workshops will give you exposure to topics such as test-driven development, git, AJAX, and API’s. Throughout your eight weeks, you’ll engineer deliverables that prove your abilities as an effective developer and teammate.

Key Skills and Capabilities:

Setting up a dev environment: brew, Xcode, RVM, git
MVC basics: intro to model-view-controller architecture
Building and testing a Rails application
Source control management and cloud-based deployment
Employing collaborative approaches to overcome coding challenges

Subjects:
Git, jQuery, AJAX, MVC, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, Spring MVC

Digital Marketing (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

Our digital marketing track will train you to become a comprehensive digital marketer: performance and content marketing, plus a focus on generating actionable insights from data analytics.

Marketing is about anticipating a customer’s needs and then creating the opportunity for a sale to occur. Today’s digital marketers are tasked with designing campaigns that speak to multiple audience segments, inspiring them into action, and measuring the results to make data-fueled business decisions.

Marketers in the innovation industry are scrappy, creative, and agile—able to drive big growth on a small budget and with limited resources. Our digital marketing track will train you to be a self-sufficient marketer, whose aim is to help a company increase their customer base by a factor of 10. Lesson delivery focuses on relevant industry tools like Google Analytics, AdWords, and Mailchimp. You’ll get hands-on experience with SQL queries and implement SEO best practices on your own landing page and customized blog. To deliver on these goals, you’ll learn content strategies to organically improve your rankings.

Key Skills and Capabilities

Email marketing and landing page optimization
Best practices for inbound and outbound marketing plans
Working with analytics platforms and SQL
Placing, testing, and optimizing paid advertising
Improving website visibility through content development and targeted keyword usage

Subjects:
SEO, SQL, Digital Marketing, Wordpress

Introduction to Coding (Ruby on Rails)

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

This class will teach you the programming language used by developers to build websites, games, and applications.

Learn how to solve real-world problems with code and what it takes to create interactive web applications. You’ll complete the class with a solid understanding of the language and a series of web applications to add to your portfolio.

You’ll also be introduced to industry tools such as Github, Unix, and Sublime. This class is great for coding novices who want to learn the fundamentals of web development.

Subjects:
Git, Ruby on Rails

Introduction to Digital Marketing

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

Marketing for the digital age is less about billboards and more about keeping your audience engaged between email and Facebook, and everywhere in between. This class will teach you how to create an effective marketing plan and put it into action using key industry tools.

Learn how to drive results using Google Analytics, content strategy, SEO, A/B testing, and email marketing. You’ll complete the class with a marketing campaign and a solid understanding of how to acquire and engage customers.

This class is great for aspiring marketers, marketers who want to learn new digital skills, or founders and small business owners who want to build their own marketing plans.

Subjects:
HTML, SEO, SQL, Digital Marketing

Introduction to JavaScript

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

This class will teach you the programming language that allows users to interact directly with a website or application.

Gain a solid understanding of programming techniques, JavaScript fundamentals, and how to use JavaScript and jQuery to make interactive websites. You’ll complete the course with a team project to add to your portfolio.

This class is perfect for people who have dabbled in HTML and CSS, back-end developers who want to learn front-end skills, entrepreneurs who want to manage a development process, and the curious looking to learn how to code for the first time.

Subjects:
JavaScript

Introduction to Web Design (UX/UI)

Cost: $859
Duration: 8 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

This class will teach you the fundamentals of HTML5, CSS3, and the principles of responsive design.

Gain front-end coding skills and build a web experience for your portfolio that will function seamlessly across devices.

This class is perfect for aspiring UX/UI designers, graphic designers who want to learn to code, back-end developers who want to build a front-end skill set, web designers who are new to responsive design, and entrepreneurs who want to build their own website.

Subjects:
CSS, Illustrator, Mobile, Photoshop, Bootstrap, Responsive Design, Sketch

Sales & Business Development (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

The sales and account management track will prepare you to masterfully nurture a sales funnel, and to convert prospects into loyal customers.

Selling for high-growth requires resourcefulness. Salespeople at rapidly growing companies face very different challenges than their corporate counterparts. You may have to build your company’s sales process from scratch, or sell a product that is still in development. You may have to validate a market or industry on your own with few resources or guidance from leadership. Your role will demand an integrated approach, often working alongside marketing teammates to ensure a cohesive customer journey.

Our sales and account management track will train you to excel in the most critical revenue-driving role. From prospecting and lead generation to account management, you will learn that sales is both an art and a science.

The curriculum focuses on developing the essential skills for selling in the innovation sector, and provides tools and processes for managing the sales cycle. Lesson delivery emphasizes a practical and interactive approach, as salespeople from local companies share their expertise and lessons from their own experience. Instructional presentations are supported by hands-on challenges that invite students to engage with the tools, strategies, and problem-solving techniques that make it possible for salespeople to exceed their quotas.

Key Skills and Capabilities:

Customer engagement throughout the sales cycle
Objection handling and closing techniques
Inbound and outbound sales strategies and best practices
Managing long-term client relationships
Defining expectations and relationship building with your sales manager and team

Subjects:
Business, Entrepreneurship, Sales

Web Design + UX/UI (Nights & Weekends)

Cost: $9,500
Duration: 12 weeks
Locations: Boston
In-person Only
Course Description:

Our web design track will train you in front-end development and interface design with an emphasis on user-centered principles. You’ll juggle code and design as you learn how the most innovative companies create great digital products.

As a web designer you will be tasked with taking a product and turning it into an experience. You’ll need to balance dynamic visuals and interactivity with optimal performance.

Built on the product development life cycle, the curriculum simulates real-life challenges to prepare you to successfully take a project from concept to launch. Lesson delivery focuses on teaching relevant industry languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. You’ll also get hands-on experience with local designers to learn about wireframing, low-fidelity mockups, and rapid prototyping to help you work quickly and take your designs to the next level.

KEY SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

HTML, CSS, CSS3, JavaScript, and jQuery
Best practices and techniques for responsive design
Conducting user research and testing
Wireframing, low-fidelity mockups, and rapid prototyping
Effective portfolio presentation
Requirement: Students must bring a computer with a Unix environment (i.e. Mac OSX or Linux).

Subjects:
Design Principles, Responsive Design, JavaScript, UX

Startup Institute Reviews

Average Ratings (All Programs)

Startup Institute logo

4.7/5 (139 reviews)

Devi T
Data analyst | Graduated: 2022

7/11/2022

Course
Introduction to JavaScript

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Good Experience"

Good institute for working professionals who wants to start their career in data science.Best thing is if you don't like one instructor, you can change your batch and attend that module from other batches.In my batch Python, machine learning and deep... Read More

Matheus
Web Development | Graduated: 2017

11/21/2018

Course
Introduction to Coding (Ruby on Rails)

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"It's a scam."

You're lead to believe that they are here to help you get a job and that their training and program will do so. It's false. In the Web Development Course, we received no serious technical training. Actually one of the biggest complaints was that we did... Read More

Anonymous
Web Dev | Graduated: 2016

6/14/2018

Course
Introduction to Coding (Ruby on Rails)

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Career Threatening Experience"

On the sidebar of this web page you'll see SI claiming they provide Scholarships:
1) Women in Tech
2) People of Color in Tech
3) Seasoned Professionals in Tech (age 40+)
4) Veterans’ Scholarship (automatic $1,000 off tuition)
5) Excellence in STEM Scholarship... Read More

Although my cohort did contain women, POC, professionals over 40, people with CS backgrounds, and Veterans, none of us received any of those scholarships, even when we individually inquired about them. In fact, they acted the opposite when they were the hardest on one of our veteran colleagues as he had to leave for a few days for a training exercise. After missing those days, they didn't let him return to class despite serving his country. Instead, they told us during stand-up, "He just doesn't feel like showing up." His story was the complete opposite, after individuals reached out to him. Despite doing his duty for his country, SI has refused a refund or even a re-entry into the program. I'm not sure about the rest of the community, but I just don't see that as being anywhere near being supportive of our troops, and the refusal to even grant him the veteran's scholarship is a slap to the face to our hard working military people.

I inquired about the POC scholarship, but the COO, claimed it wouldn't be fair to the other POC people if I were to get it. After asking why, there was no response other than, "there's just other people who can use it as well". In the end, nobody received the scholarship. As for the rest of the scholarships SI has advertised, they did the usual bob & weave to avoid losing profit. Instead, they offered that we can get $300 for every person we convince to sign up for their program. So instead of a scholarship or a discount, they've asked us to work for them as salespeople. As you can see with the coerced reviews on this review page, people are pushing for you to join SI. Although it technically isn't a Ponzi Scheme, it's still a scheme and the motivation is there in order for SI to succeed and turn a profit.

Another reason as to why there are so many "positive" reviews is due to the fact those who complained or were unsure about SI's motivation have had to either sign an NDA, settlement agreement or "stay quiet, or else". Unfortunately, for those who chose to pick neither have received burn-notices as SI have gone out of their way to interfere with interviewing processes for alumni who've opposed their "mission".

The list goes on and on, but I digress. Due to these actions (and more), you'll notice, especially on LinkedIn, former students relocating out of state to escape SI's reach. The above should be enough for future Boot Camp candidates to be informed of what they'll experience if they chose Startup Institute.

Anonymous
UX Designer | Graduated: 2017

3/10/2018

Course
Introduction to Web Design (UX/UI)

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Startup Institute Supercharged My career"

Startup Institute was recommended to me by one of my mentors. I had recently relocated to the Boston area after graduating college and knew that I wanted to join the local startup ecosystem, but had no idea how to go about it. What was certain is that... Read More

From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported by the great staff, as well as the rest of the cohort, which consisted of individuals from all walks of life. We became like a little family by the end of the program. All of those factors had affirmed that I made the right choice. What I loved about Startup institute is that it wasn't just another bootcamp. While there were skills to be learned, that wasn't the only focus of the program. We listened to stories from alumni who are now entrenched in the startup world and are doing quite well for themselves. We were also given guidance on startup best practices and how to succeed once we left the program. The in-track lessons were my favorite because I got to learn the basics of the web design process. It was up to me, however, to learn and grow as the program progressed. I will admit that I was one of the least experienced, but with passion and perseverance I supercharged the process to a new career as a UX/product designer.

What you should expect from the program is to work very hard and remain consistent. There will be moments when you will feel like you're not progressing, but keep going. The learning curve eventually sorts itself out. The one advice I can give is the be confident in your abilities, continue to learn, even when you're not in class. This is an investment and you get out of it what you put in. I attended coffee chats with several alum, asked a million questions, and spent a great deal learning my new craft. What helped me do well after the program was always maintaining a sense of curiosity to learn and reach the next stepping stone...and lots of confidence! Startup Institute understands that in order to succeed in a startup you need a great network, a deep desire to learn, adaptability, and focus.

After the program, I joined a Boston startup accelerator as a UX Designer. It is an opportunity that I would have never been considered for had I not attended Startup Institute and proven myself to be a good candidate. My journey went from learning about Web Design to providing product strategy and design to a cohort of 10 startups. I am grateful for the SI team for seeing my potential and believing that I could get it done. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made!

Anonymous
Sales | Graduated: 2017

2/28/2018

Course
Sales & Business Development (Nights & Weekends)

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Not what I expected, but great"

The program was a great way of meeting an incredibly diverse group of people that in no way would I meet otherwise. Support and staff are great, worth the experience for sure.

Eric
Software Engineer | Graduated: 2018

2/25/2018

Course
Coding with Ruby on Rails (Nights & Weekends)

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Amazing people, great networks, and the place to make your career change"

Coming from a background in the humanities, I was taken away by the community, teaching, and support by the SI Instructors, alumni, and associates in the program to help you make the career change into the field of web development.

It is structured as... Read More

SI gives you all the resources you need to make a career change and it is up to you to put in the effort for a life-changing experience. Without a doubt, it is hard work (especially for the programming side), but well worth the effort. I am still in touch with many of the students, alumni, and instructors and was happily employed about a month after the program.

Anonymous
Software engineer | Graduated: 2017

2/25/2018

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"great experience"

Startup institute teaches soft and hard skills in four programs. It was a great experience, tons of energy and hard work from everybody. Highly recommended if you want to get a job after finishing. As with any program, you have to asses your skills and... Read More

Anonymous
Graduated: 2017

2/24/2018

Course
Digital Marketing (Nights & Weekends)

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"If you commit to it, you’ll be rewarded"

This program really taught me a great deal about marketing and built up my confidence. I did t know if I was really hirable at first, but now I have a good job as a content marketer for a B2B SaaS company. My marketing teacher connected me with the CEO... Read More

Manon
Graduated: 2017

2/15/2018

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Amazing rollercoaster ride ,"

I originally went to college for business and went to work for a tech company, I slowly realized that I liked the work that the developers did better then mine. I taught myself html/ css and a little Ruby but I realized that I need more . I joined startup... Read More

I will say with the coding you should practice a lot before hand. There is only so much you can learn in 8 weeks . You will also need to practice on your own. Coding is something you will always ned to do to get better. You will need to be responsible for your own self growth but there is plenty of help along the way with the staff and your cohort. There were times were I felt like I didn't know what I was doing but at the end of the program It was all worth it and now i have a better outlook and plan for my future.

Ryan
Account Executive | Graduated: 2017

2/14/2018

Overall

Curriculum

Job Support

"Great Community"

You get out of Startup Institute what you put into it, if you fully invest it's a great opportunity to change your professional life. In my opinion the most valuable part of the experience is the network you can build. When I finished the program I had... Read More

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