The Software Guild - CLOSED

I was on the fence about doing a programming bootcamp. Previously, I had a good job with decent pay but did not enjoy it at all. I ultimately decided to give computer programming a shot. I quit my job and moved to a different state to attend the Java... Read More Bootcamp at the Software Guild. I did not regret that decision. I felt that the program was comprehensive and relevant. We worked on applicable projects and it felt that by the end we had the skills necessary to actually take up developer jobs in the real world.

The program is hard. I had no relevant programming experience before attending the Guild. If you attend one of the bootcamps in person, prepare to devote all of your free time to studying and working on projects. But if you can make it through, it is definitely worth it. The Software Guild also helps with job placement. They will conduct mock interviews, resume help, and even have a kind of career day with real employers. They can help you get an interview but they will not hold your hand. I ended up getting an internship offer before I finished the bootcamp with a job offer from the same company 3 months after that.

This program won’t teach you everything there is (that’s impossible in 3 months) but gives you a solid foundation that employers find valueable. Instructors were knowledgeable in their field and always helpful. Employer Network Manager was very proactive... Read More in preparing everyone for applying, networking and interviewing. Everyone who graduated in my cohort and was looking for a job is currently working in the field last time I checked. Bottom line is that you can learn by taking online courses at Udemy but if you’re serious about a career change, then having solid, reputable networking and support from The Software Guild can really help you land a job as a developer. Just be warned if you make the commitment, be ready to work. This is fast paced and many felt like they were behind until they made it to the end. I’ve attended private and community colleges and always regretted it because the return on investment was lacking. I have no regrets about this one! One of the best decisions I’ve made so far.

My experience at the Software Guild was nothing but positive. From the moment you walk in on your first day, the people there are focused on one thing: preparing you for a career in software development. The instructor (Kyle) is knowledgeable, and brings... Read More real-world industry experience into the classroom. In addition to teaching the curriculum, he was always willing to work individually with any student when they struggled to grasp a concept. The employment specialist (Kip) provided dozens of opportunities to prepare yourself to enter the tech job market and present yourself in a manner that attracts potential employers. He also set up numerous pre-graduation interviews with established companies: I had a job before graduation, as did over half of my cohort. After 4 months in my post graduation job, I feel adequately prepared for the work I am expected to do.

The Software Guild is a great program that helps anyone with the proper drive become a competitive junior level developer. If you want a change, or you just want more knowledge in the software development industry this could be right for you. Programs... Read More like these are expensive, but the amount of knowledge, support and job placement assistance you receive are well worth ten times what you actually pay. The Software Guild is great at taking motivated individuals and turning them into great developers. The instructors are fantastic and really enjoy watching you succeed. The Software Guild changed my life for the better and I am very grateful. If you feel like making a career change into the software industry give them a call, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Coming from a background in music education, I was looking for anything that promised help with finding a job and a decent foundation upon which I could cobble together what I needed to have a go at this career. What I found in the Software Guild was... Read More that, and so much more. I was ready for it to be revealed as a scam, but instead I received a smile and a warm handshake on my first day, loads of helpful teachers and ready-made resources, and a challenging but workable paced curriculum that I find myself remembering often. It is true that you get out of a boot camp that which you put into it, so if you're considering a boot camp as an option, it's a very good option, but only if you mean to put in the time and effort. I am very glad that I did with the Software Guild. I would do it again.

The Software Guild is well managed and well organized. They provide you with everything you need to make a career change to software development, but you certainly need to hold up your end of the deal. Make sure that coding is something you enjoy and... Read More can see yourself doing for thousands of hours before you sign up, but as long as you have the interest and motivation, the Software Guild will take care of everything else. I can't recommend it highly enough.

After 11 years working as a mechanical engineer, I decided to pursue software development. I initially learned Java on my own and found some work as an independent contractor for 18 months. Realizing that there was a lot I still didn't know, I decided... Read More to attend The Software Guild to hone my skills and make myself more marketable.

My experience at The Software Guild completely changed the trajectory of my career. The focus on good, clean code and an agile approach had me completing tasks that had taken me weeks in just a couple of days. I had 3 full-time job offers before my cohort was complete (2 within the bootcamp's employer network and 1 outside) and, after 15 months in my current position, I recently accepted a job as a software engineer with Amazon. Before my bootcamp experience, I never could have imagined myself being where I am today at this point in my career.

I attended The Software Guild through a retraining program provided by my employer. I took a 12-week in-person Java Web Developer bootcamp. The goal of the program was to enable me to become a full-stack developer with Java as the backend application,... Read More MYSql as the database application, RESTful services as middleware, and JSP's as frontend.

I enjoyed The Guild's approach to instruction. In-class time was largely devoted to hands-on lab work and troubleshooting with the teacher or classmates. Reading/videos were mainly scheduled for after class time to maximize hands-on time with instructors. Each week covered an aspect of the stack with a number of small assignments during the week to reinforce learning and a summative exercise at the end employing all tech that had been learned up to that point.

I felt that the videos and course material were easy to follow. The instructors were great at explaining concepts and very patient with us as we struggled to learn them. The guild also provides off-hours support via Slack staffed with Guild employees.

The one caveat I would say is that, because the program is an intense bootcamp, students are taught the basics of the various technologies for Java-based web applications. Users will probably not be able to come out of the bootcamp and get a job at a company using the latest web technologies - they will need to build on what they learned to incorporate newer technologies like Angular, Node, React, and Swagger.

Students should also be aware that this is a boot camp in the truest sense of the concept. In addition to 8-9 hours of in-class time, there will be 2-3 hours of homework each night and probably 10-20 hours of homework on the weekend. This is not something that can be taken on lightly- it will consume 100% of your attention.

Overall I would recommend this program to anyone willing to put in the effort and be realistic about where they will be at the conclusion of the course.

I was hesitant to make the jump from my stable job as a teacher into a software developer. There was a lot of fear in my mind about if I could do this program or not. After the first week of being in the Guild, I knew I was in the right spot. This program... Read More will challenge you in more ways than just learning how to become an entry level software developer, you will learn to work with people, learn how to research and problem solve, and ask great questions! Before you start the guild, learn how to articulate your thoughts! It will allow the GREAT instructors to help you. As a student I was always told that if you love learning be a teacher (total lie) what I have found is that if you genuinely love learning, this will be a great fit for you and the Guild will provide you the tools and resources to help you get started on your journey.
Pros
+ Kipp works very hard to make sure that he does his best to help you in your job search. As long as you make the job search your own, he will go above and beyond to help you in your journey.
+ Great instructors that will challenge you. Don't be afraid to ask them questions or to stay late occasionally to pick their brains, it will only benefit you! David will go out of his way to have study groups over the weekends for those that want additional help, utilize this.
+ Great job pacing the learning material, they throw a lot at you, but you they make sure you have a solid foundation.
+++ The skills you learn are EXACTLY the ones you need to get your first job. I asked my current employer who hired me from the Guild in the speed interviews, why they hire from the guild so much, their reason, "the guild teaches you pretty much everything you need to know to start your job with us."
+ They want you to be successful and will make accommodations if needed, IF you are willing to show them that you will put in the work.
+ All the instructors really know their stuff, get to know them.
+ The flipped classroom model is very nice because it allows you to take notes and watch lectures at home and work on projects and assignments in class. Where, when you get stuck, you can ask your instructor questions.
+ The assignments like battleship, the final projects, and vending machine are really fun!
Cons
- The only weak spot in the curriculum was Shack Up, it was ineffective.

This was the best decision I made for my career, I went from not liking my job at all to loving it and The Guild helped to prepare me by teaching me perseverance, work ethic, discipline, and the tools needed to be successful in software development. I can't express to you readers enough how much The Guild exceeded my expectations. This experience will chnage your life in a positive way!

I was hesitant to make the jump from my stable job as a teacher into a software developer. There was a lot of fear in my mind about if I could do this program or not. After the first week of being in the Guild, I knew I was in the right spot. This program... Read More will challenge you in more ways than just learning how to become an entry level software developer, you will learn to work with people, learn how to research and problem solve, and ask great questions! Before you start the guild, learn how to articulate your thoughts! It will allow the GREAT instructors to help you. As a student I was always told that if you love learning be a teacher (total lie) what I have found is that if you genuinely love learning, this will be a great fit for you and the Guild will provide you the tools and resources to help you get started on your journey. Pros + Kipp works very hard to make sure that he does his best to help you in your job search. As long as you make the job search your own, he will go above and beyond to help you in your journey. + Great instructors that will challenge you. Don't be afraid to ask them questions or to stay late occasionally to pick their brains, it will only benefit you! David will go out of his way to have study groups over the weekends for those that want additional help, utilize this. + Great job pacing the learning material, they throw a lot at you, but you they make sure you have a solid foundation. +++ The skills you learn are EXACTLY the ones you need to get your first job. I asked my current employer who hired me from the Guild in the speed interviews, why they hire from the guild so much, their reason, "the guild teaches you pretty much everything you need to know to start your job with us." + They want you to be successful and will make accommodations if needed, IF you are willing to show them that you will put in the work. + All the instructors really know their stuff, get to know them. + The flipped classroom model is very nice because it allows you to take notes and watch lectures at home and work on projects and assignments in class. Where, when you get stuck, you can ask your instructor questions. + The assignments like battleship, the final projects, and vending machine are really fun! Cons - The only weak spot in the curriculum was Shack Up, it was ineffective. This was the best decision I made for my career, I went from not liking my job at all to loving it and The Guild helped to prepare me by teaching me perseverance, work ethic, discipline, and the tools needed to be successful in software development. I can't express to you readers enough how much The Guild exceeded my expectations. This experience will chnage your life in a positive way!