| | Tyler Hui Mingalone | Launch Academy was a wonderful experience where I was able to gain valuable skills that allowed me to change into a career as a developer. I graduated in the fall of 2019 and my cohort learned Ruby on Rails and React.js. We spent eight weeks part time off campus learning the basics of both Ruby and JavaScript, and then ten weeks full time on campus diving into the mentioned frameworks. By the end of the program, we were able to build functional web applications, including working with external APIs and libraries.
The instructors were all able to clearly communicate new concepts and were invested in my success. Their lessons were well thought out and they are constantly updating their curriculum as the technology changes. Additionally, there are two full time staff members who make up their career services department and work very hard to get you a job post-graduation. They help you review your resume and Linkedin, as well as help facilitate interviews with companies that are hiring junior developers. |
| | Charles Colfer | From my first inquiries to graduation day, every single staff member of Launch has been dedicated, consistently professional and personable and most of all human. For most of us, or any bootcamp attendee for that matter, we put our lives on hold. We left our previous jobs & careers in hopes of something better, building a more substantial and meaningful life for ourselves. On top of that, with a majority of us having no prior experience, it was quite the undertaking; learning to become a fully capable Junior Web Developer in eighteen weeks is no easy feat. The staff was extremely accommodating, honing in on each individuals' strengths and weaknesses, paying close attention to where we'd best fit in next, and where we needed a little boost. The curriculum was rigorous and extremely taxing, but by design. I believe the perfect level of challenge has been crafted, blending a solid foundation of fundamentals with bleeding edge technology and a very relevant and marketable skillset. During the high highs and low lows that came with the intensity of the course, everyone was continually understanding and caring. They systematically touched on important topics like building healthy lifestyles, mental health and mindfulness as we transition into this new career, making sure every step along the way that everyone was accounted for, and accountable for that which they were responsible. Not only does Launch Academy possess an aptitude for teaching the technical ability necessary, they also taught us about the environments & culture of the tech industry. Half of the curriculum focused on Career Services, pushing us to articulate and communicate effectively, both with our actual code and the social dynamics among our co-workers and superiors. They taught us how to learn, how to be an effective learner and how to teach others. If there is one skill amongst the multitude, it was communication. Learning to lift ourselves up and be the best version of ourselves is the most effective way to lift others up and provide support. From the first day they created this ideal atmosphere, setting the tone for weeks to come and letting everyone know, 'hey, we're all in this together.' Never, even at notable universities and other long-standing educational institutions, have I seen or experienced such a positive energy. I am proud to say I was a part of one of their Cohorts. The experience, in short, is one I'll never forget. The staff and all my peers have left a permanent mark on me, giving me the courage necessary to start this new chapter in my life with confidence and optimism. I hope to bring this with me wherever I go. |
